Philo vs Hulu Live TV 2026: Price, Channels, Quality
Philo offers budget-friendly entertainment with 70+ live channels and unlimited DVR at $25/month, while Hulu + Live TV provides 90+ channels with broader sports/news coverage and superior 1080p/60fps streaming quality at $76.99/month. Choose Philo for value and entertainment; choose Hulu for comprehensive live TV and sports.
Philo
Budget-friendly streaming TV service focused on entertainment and lifestyle channels.
Budget-conscious cord-cutters who prioritize entertainment content like cooking shows, home improvement, reality TV, and documentaries over live sports and news.
Hulu + Live TV
Disney streaming service combining live TV with full Hulu on-demand library
Sports enthusiasts, news watchers, and cord-cutters wanting a complete cable-replacement with access to all major networks, local channels, and premium on-demand content from Disney, ABC, and FX.
Quick Answer
AI SummaryPhilo offers budget-friendly entertainment with 70+ live channels and unlimited DVR at $25/month, while Hulu + Live TV provides 90+ channels with broader sports/news coverage and superior 1080p/60fps streaming quality at $76.99/month. Choose Philo for value and entertainment; choose Hulu for comprehensive live TV and sports.
Our Verdict
AI-assistedChoose Philo if you prioritize affordability (68% cheaper), value entertainment over sports, and want unlimited DVR plus 3 simultaneous streams. Choose Hulu + Live TV if you need comprehensive sports coverage, local news, superior streaming quality at 1080p/60fps, and don't mind paying a premium for a complete cable-replacement experience.
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Choose Philo if
Best pickBudget-conscious cord-cutters who prioritize entertainment content like cooking shows, home improvement, reality TV, and documentaries over live sports and news.
Choose Hulu + Live TV if
Sports enthusiasts, news watchers, and cord-cutters wanting a complete cable-replacement with access to all major networks, local channels, and premium on-demand content from Disney, ABC, and FX.
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Key Differences at a Glance
- Monthly Price:✓ Philo wins($25.00 vs $76.99)
- Live TV Channels:✓ Hulu + Live TV wins(90+ vs 70+)
- Sports & Local News Coverage:✓ Hulu + Live TV wins(Comprehensive vs Limited)
Key Facts & Figures
60 numeric metrics compared
| Metric | Philo | Hulu + Live TV | Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Starting Price(USD) | $25 | — | — |
| Base Monthly Cost(USD) | $25/month | $76.99 | |
| Total Live Channels(channels) | 70+ channels | — | — |
| Simultaneous Streams(screens) | 3 streams | 2-3 screens | |
| Sports Networks Included(count) | 0 networks | — | — |
| Price Per Channel(USD per channel) | $0.36/channel | — | — |
| Annual Cost (12 months)(USD) | $300/year | — | — |
| Base Monthly Price(USD) | $25 | $76.99/month | |
| Live TV Channels (Base Plan)(channels) | 60+ | — | — |
| Free Cloud DVR Storage(hours) | 30 hours | — | — |
| Maximum Simultaneous Streams(devices) | 3 screens | 2 screens | |
| Major News Networks Included(count) | 0 networks | — | — |
| Free Trial Duration(days) | 7 days | 3 | |
| Max DVR Storage (Paid Upgrade)(hours) | 30 hours (no upgrade option) | — | — |
| Monthly Subscription Cost(USD) | $25.00 | $76.99 | |
| Total Channels(channels) | 70+ | — | — |
| Simultaneous Streams (Base Plan)(streams) | 3 streams | — | — |
| Sports Channel Count(channels) | 0 channels | — | — |
| News Channel Count(channels) | 0 channels | — | — |
| Annual Cost (Base Plan)(USD) | $300/year | $923.88 | |
| Monthly Subscription Price(USD) | $25.00 | $76.99 | |
| Live TV Channels(channels) | 60+ | 90+ | |
| Concurrent Streams(streams) | 3 | 2 | |
| Free Trial Period(days) | 7 days | No free trial offered | — |
| Annual Cost (if paid monthly)(USD) | $300/year | — | — |
| Starting Monthly Price(USD) | $25/month | $85.99 | |
| Base Channel Count(channels) | 60+ channels | — | — |
| Simultaneous Streams (Base Tier)(devices) | 3 devices | — | — |
| On-Demand Library(titles) | 5,000+ titles | — | — |
| Maximum Monthly Cost (All Tiers)(USD) | $25/month | — | — |
| Base Monthly Price (2026)(USD) | $82.99/month | $82.99/month | |
| On-Demand Content Titles(titles) | 10,000+ | 10,000+ | |
| Simultaneous Cloud DVR Recordings(recordings) | 50 simultaneous | 50 simultaneous | |
| Ad-Free Plan Cost(USD) | $95.99/month | $95.99/month | |
| Live TV Channels Available(channels) | 90+ | 90+ | |
| Minimum Internet Speed Required(Mbps) | 8 Mbps minimum | 8 Mbps minimum | |
| Base Monthly Price(USD) | $54.99 | $54.99 | |
| Live Channels(channels) | 90+ | 90+ | |
| Simultaneous Streams(streams) | 2-3 | 2-3 | |
| Free Trial Length(days) | 3 | 3 | |
| On-Demand Titles(titles) | 10,000+ | 10,000+ | |
| Cloud DVR Storage Capacity(hours) | 500 hours | 500 hours | |
| DVR Content Retention Period(days) | 30 days | 30 days | |
| Simultaneous Streams Allowed(screens) | 2 devices | 2 devices | |
| Annual Cost (12-month)(USD) | $923.88 | $923.88 | |
| Base DVR Storage Capacity(hours) | 50 hours | 50 hours | |
| DVR Recording Retention Period(months) | 9 months | 9 months | |
| Premium Tier Price (with Disney+ & ESPN+)(USD) | $14.99/month extra | $14.99/month extra | |
| On-Demand Content Library(titles) | 250,000+ titles | 250,000+ titles | |
| Family Accounts/Profiles(accounts) | 6 | 6 | |
| Live TV Channels Included(channels) | 90+ | 90+ | |
| Channel Customization Options(package types) | 1 fixed package | 1 fixed package | |
| Cost Difference for Annual Service(USD per year) | $923.88/year | $923.88/year | |
| Included On-Demand Library(titles) | 10,000+ (Hulu) | 10,000+ (Hulu) | |
| On-Demand Library Included(titles (estimated)) | 10000+ | 10000+ | |
| Annual Cost (No Add-ons)(USD) | $1031.88 | $1031.88 | |
| Live Channels Available(channels) | 90+ channels | 90+ channels | |
| On-Demand Library Size(titles) | 150,000+ (full Hulu) | 150,000+ (full Hulu) | |
| Premium Sports Tier Cost(USD/month) | ESPN+ included in bundle ($99.99 for all three) | ESPN+ included in bundle ($99.99 for all three) | |
| Trial Period(days) | 7 days | 7 days |
Sourced from publicly available data ·
Key Differences
7 attributes compared head-to-head
- $25.00(winner)Monthly Price$76.99
- 70+Live TV Channels90+(winner)
- LimitedSports & Local News CoverageComprehensive(winner)
- 720p/30fpsLive Stream Quality1080p/60fps(winner)
- UnlimitedCloud DVR StorageUnlimited
- Up to 3(winner)Simultaneous Streams2
- 80,000+ titles(winner)On-Demand Library50,000+ titles (Hulu library)
- Monthly Price
Philo
$25.00(winner)
Hulu + Live TV
$76.99
- Live TV Channels
Philo
70+
Hulu + Live TV
90+(winner)
- Sports & Local News Coverage
Philo
Limited
Hulu + Live TV
Comprehensive(winner)
- Live Stream Quality
Philo
720p/30fps
Hulu + Live TV
1080p/60fps(winner)
- Cloud DVR Storage
Philo
Unlimited
Hulu + Live TV
Unlimited
- Simultaneous Streams
Philo
Up to 3(winner)
Hulu + Live TV
2
- On-Demand Library
Philo
80,000+ titles(winner)
Hulu + Live TV
50,000+ titles (Hulu library)
Full Comparison
| Attribute | Philo | Hulu + Live TV |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Starting Price(USD) | $25 | — |
| Base Monthly Cost(USD) | $25/month(winner) | $76.99 |
| Annual Cost (12 months)(USD) | $300/year | — |
| Base Monthly Price(USD) | $25(winner) | $76.99/month |
| Monthly Subscription Cost(USD) | $25.00(winner) | $76.99 |
Show 13 more attributesAnnual Cost (Base Plan)(USD) $300/year $923.88 Monthly Subscription Price(USD) $25.00 $76.99 Annual Cost (if paid monthly)(USD) $300/year — Starting Monthly Price(USD) $25/month $85.99 Maximum Monthly Cost (All Tiers)(USD) $25/month — Base Monthly Price (2026)(USD) $82.99/month — Ad-Free Plan Cost(USD) $95.99/month — Base Monthly Price(USD) $54.99 — Annual Cost (12-month)(USD) $923.88 — Premium Tier Price (with Disney+ & ESPN+)(USD) $14.99/month extra — Cost Difference for Annual Service(USD per year) $923.88/year — Annual Cost (No Add-ons)(USD) $1031.88 — Premium Sports Tier Cost(USD/month) ESPN+ included in bundle ($99.99 for all three) — | ||
| Total Live Channels(channels) | 70+ channels | — |
| Sports Networks Included(count) | 0 networks | — |
| News Networks Included(major networks) | Limited (no major news) | — |
| Live TV Channels (Base Plan)(channels) | 60+ | — |
| Total Channels(channels) | 70+ | — |
Show 17 more attributesSports Channel Count(channels) 0 channels — News Channel Count(channels) 0 channels — Live TV Channels(channels) 60+ 90+ Sports Channel Access(null) Limited (select ESPN only) — Local Broadcast Channels(null) Not included — Base Channel Count(channels) 60+ channels — On-Demand Library(titles) 5,000+ titles — On-Demand Content Titles(titles) 10,000+ — Live TV Channels Available(channels) 90+ — Live Channels(channels) 90+ — On-Demand Titles(titles) 10,000+ — On-Demand Content Library(titles) 250,000+ titles — Live TV Channels Included(channels) 90+ — Included On-Demand Library(titles) 10,000+ (Hulu) — On-Demand Library Included(titles (estimated)) 10000+ — Live Channels Available(channels) 90+ channels — On-Demand Library Size(titles) 150,000+ (full Hulu) — | ||
| DVR Storage Capacity(hours) | Unlimited recordings | 50 standard (200 with upgrade) |
| Simultaneous Streams(screens) | 3 streams(winner) | 2-3 screens |
| Cloud DVR Storage(hours) | 30 hours | 50 hours standard(winner) |
| Simultaneous Streams (Base Plan)(streams) | 3 streams | — |
| Concurrent Streams(streams) | 3(winner) | 2 |
| Simultaneous Cloud DVR Recordings(recordings) | 50 simultaneous | — |
Show 11 more attributesMultiview Sports Feature No — Cloud DVR Storage(hours) 50 — Simultaneous Streams(streams) 2-3 — Cloud DVR Storage Capacity(hours) 500 hours — DVR Content Retention Period(days) 30 days — Simultaneous Streams Allowed(screens) 2 devices — Base DVR Storage Capacity(hours) 50 hours — DVR Recording Retention Period(months) 9 months — Family Accounts/Profiles(accounts) 6 — Cloud DVR Storage Standard Tier(hours) 50 — 4K Live Streaming Not available — | ||
| Price Per Channel(USD per channel) | $0.36/channel | — |
| Bundled Premium Services(services) | Disney+, ESPN+ included | — |
| Free Cloud DVR Storage(hours) | 30 hours | — |
| Max DVR Storage (Paid Upgrade)(hours) | 30 hours (no upgrade option) | — |
| Maximum Simultaneous Streams(devices) | 3 screens(winner) | 2 screens |
| Mobile App Quality | Good with Hulu integration | — |
| ESPN Included | No | — |
| Major Sports Networks Included(networks) | ESPN, ABC, FOX Sports (enhanced) | — |
| Major News Networks Included(count) | 0 networks | — |
| Free Trial Duration(days) | 7 days(winner) | 3 |
| 4K Content Availability(percent of library) | No | — |
| Minimum Internet Speed Required(Mbps) | 8 Mbps minimum | — |
| Free Trial Period(days) | 7 days | No free trial offered |
| Free Trial Length(days) | 3 | — |
| Trial Period(days) | 7 days | — |
| Simultaneous Streams (Base Tier)(devices) | 3 devices | — |
| Live Stream Video Quality(resolution/fps) | 1080p/60fps | — |
| Sports & Local News Coverage(availability) | Full coverage (ESPN, ABC, NBC, FOX, CBS, locals) | — |
| Included Premium Services | Hulu (ad-supported), Disney+, ESPN+ bundles | — |
| 4K Streaming Support | Limited | — |
| 4K Content Support(boolean) | Yes (select content) | — |
| 4K Streaming Available | No | — |
| Channel Customization Options(package types) | 1 fixed package | — |
| Streaming Device Compatibility | All major platforms (Apple TV, Roku, Fire, web, mobile) | — |
| User Interface Rating(stars out of 5) | 7.2 | — |
PhiloHulu + Live TVShow 13 more attributes
Show 17 more attributes
Show 11 more attributes
Pros & Cons
10 pros·6 cons across both
Philo
Pros
- Lowest price at $25/month (68% less expensive than Hulu + Live TV)
- Unlimited cloud DVR storage with no expiration on recordings
- Up to 3 simultaneous streams per account
- 80,000+ on-demand movies and TV shows included
- No sports blackouts since it lacks major sports channels
Cons
- No local news, weather, or sports coverage (lacks ESPN, local affiliates)
- Lower stream quality at 720p/30fps vs 1080p/60fps on competitors
- Limited to entertainment, lifestyle, and niche channels (HGTV, Food Network, Discovery, A&E, TLC)
Hulu + Live TV
Pros
- 90+ live channels including ESPN, ABC, NBC, FOX, CBS, and local affiliates
- Superior stream quality at 1080p/60fps with fast-forward capability
- Full access to Hulu's 50,000+ on-demand library and exclusive originals
- Unlimited cloud DVR storage with simultaneous recording of multiple shows
- Integrated sports coverage with live games and sports news
Cons
- Expensive at $76.99/month (nearly 3x the cost of Philo)
- Limited to 2 simultaneous streams (one less than Philo)
- Requires minimum 8 Mbps internet speed (16+ Mbps recommended), higher than Philo's needs
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questions
Hulu + Live TV is far superior for sports fans because it includes ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, Fox Sports, regional sports networks, and local affiliates that carry games. Philo lacks all major sports channels, making it unsuitable for anyone wanting to watch live games or sports news.
Resources & Learn More
Curated sources to dive deeper
Where to Buy
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Wikipedia
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