Philo vs. Frndly TV: Which Budget Streamer Wins the Showdown?

Cutting the cord is more popular than ever, and the streaming landscape offers a dizzying array of choices. If you're looking for budget-friendly options that still deliver a good selection of channels, Philo and Frndly TV are two names that frequently come up.

Back in December, I posted a comparison of some cord-cutting services, including NOW TV. However, over the past few months, I've been rethinking that piece, realizing a critical oversight in my analysis: the limited platform availability of some services significantly impacts their viability for many cord-cutters. NOW TV, for instance, isn't available on major platforms like Roku, Apple TV, or Android TV/Google TV -- platforms that are central to the streaming experience for many. As a result of this crucial limitation, NOW TV will not be part of this discussion of budget-friendly streaming options.

Instead, let's pit Philo and Frndly TV against each other to see which budget streamer might be the best fit for your cord-cutting setup.

The Contenders: Philo vs. Frndly TV

Philo stakes its claim with a broad offering of entertainment, lifestyle, and documentary channels. Frndly TV, on the other hand, carves out a niche with a focus on family-friendly and classic television, highlighted by the Hallmark channels, Dove Channel, and retro TV options.

Round 1: Channel Showdown

To truly understand the value each service offers, let's look at their channel lineups, keeping in mind the local channels I receive over the air from the Savannah market:

Philo offers a broad range of entertainment, lifestyle, and documentary networks, providing a wider overall selection not available over the air for me.

(*) Available Over-the-Air for me

Frndly TV focuses on family-friendly and classic TV, with the Hallmark channels being a key draw, along with other unique content. A significant portion of its unique channels are also available free over the air for me.

(*) Available Over-the-Air for me

Both services also share a substantial number of channels, many of which I can also receive for free with an antenna.

Round 2: Price and Value

Frndly TV is the clear winner on price, starting at just $8.99/month for its Basic plan. Their Classic ($10.99) and Premium ($12.99) tiers are also considerably cheaper than Philo’s single $28/month plan. However, value is more nuanced. Philo’s larger channel count, featuring many popular networks not found on Frndly TV, could represent better value for those seeking broader entertainment. For viewers primarily interested in family-friendly content, Frndly TV’s targeted lineup at a lower price is compelling, especially considering the free OTA options.

Round 3: Features and Functionality

Both services offer unlimited cloud DVR. However, Philo keeps recordings for a year, while Frndly TV’s DVR retention ranges from 3 months ($10.99 plan) to 9 months ($12.99 plan). Frndly TV’s basic $8.99 plan lacks DVR. Simultaneous streaming also varies, so check the specifics based on your household needs. On-demand libraries exist on both, with Philo generally having a larger selection due to its broader channel offering. Both have wide device compatibility.

The Antenna Advantage: Free Channels to Consider

As Philo themselves acknowledge on their website, pairing their service with an antenna is a great way to get local channels. In my home, many channels available over the air from the Savannah market are also found on either or both Philo and Frndly TV. This means you could potentially reduce the need for a fully comprehensive paid streaming service.

The Verdict: Which Wins for YOU?

If a lower price point and a focus on family-friendly programming, particularly the Hallmark channels, are your top priorities, and you don’t mind a smaller overall channel selection (especially considering the significant OTA overlap), Frndly TV is a strong contender.

If you prioritize a broader range of popular entertainment, lifestyle, and documentary networks that aren't typically available over the air, and you're willing to pay a higher monthly fee for that variety and longer DVR, Philo is likely the better choice.

My Streaming Life involves a robust antenna setup for local and many classic/family channels. For me, Philo’s distinct entertainment offerings, not available for free, often justify its higher cost, complementing my free OTA content. Ultimately, the winner depends on your individual viewing habits and whether you're maximizing the free airwaves in your own home.

My Streaming Life

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