The better choice between Hulu and Philo will depend on which key differences, like the prices, channels, and other specifics, are most important to you.
While streaming services started out as an affordable alternative to cable, there are now so many options available that it can be difficult to choose.
To determine whether Hulu or Philo is the better option for you, you need to consider a variety of key differences. Moreover, you need to evaluate your own needs in terms of price, channels, and specific subscription stipulations.
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The trouble with streaming services
When platforms like Netflix first started offering a subscription-based streaming service in the early 2000s, these services were a cheap and convenient alternative to cable packages.
These cable packages often had channels that no one cared about and frequent advertisements in between bits of content.
However, now the streaming market is booming and every television network is coming out with its own streaming service.
This can make it quite difficult to determine which streaming service is the best for your household’s needs and what will give you the best bang for your buck.
Which is better Hulu or Philo?
In this case, many cord-cutters find that the way for them to get the most out of their streaming service, is to subscribe to a so-called television streaming service like Hulu or Philo.
This gives them access to a variety of channels and almost functions as a kind of pseudo-cable subscription.
Streaming services vary greatly in their price points, the content they offer, and the specifics about subscriptions, and this can make it particularly difficult to determine which one will be best for you and your needs.
The best way to go about determining whether a Hulu or a Philo subscription will be the better choice for you is to compare some of the key differences between the two platforms, as compared below:
| Key difference | Hulu vs. Philo |
| Best price | Philo |
| Most channels | Hulu |
| Best local television channels | Hulu |
| Best original content | Hulu |
| Most DVR recording space | Tie |
| Most simultaneous streams | Hulu |
| Most user profiles | Philo |
When you take these key differences into account, it becomes evident that Hulu will be the better option for you if you want a large variety of content and add-ons, and that Philo is the best option if you are looking for an affordable cable alternative.
However, above all else, it is incredibly important that you consider your favourite shows and the channels that they are on before you make your final decision.
This is because the best choice for you will likely boil down to the service that will give you access to most of your favourite content.
Hulu vs. Philo: Price
The main reason why Philo is often compared to so many other streaming platforms is because of its affordable price. Philo only offers one subscription tier, which is available for $25 per month, with add-ons from $3 per month.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, Hulu offers subscribers a variety of tiers at different price points, so that you can decided which bonuses and special features you would like. These are listed below:
- Hulu (with ads): $7.99 per month
- Hulu (ad-free): $14.99 per month
- Hulu + Live TV, Disney+ and ESPN+ (with ads): $69.99 per month
- Hulu + Live TV, Disney+ and ESPN+ (with some ads): $82.99 per month
- Various add-ons ranging from $2.00 to $14.99 per month
Hulu vs. Philo: Channels
The Hulu + Live TV bundle is definitely the winner when it comes to the sheer variety of content that you get access to. A Philo subscription gives you access to about 60 channels, but you will not have access to local channels.
With Hulu +Live TV, you get access to over 75 channels. This includes local channels like ABC, CBS, CW, FOX, NBC, and also other popular channels like BET, Bravo, Comedy Central, Lifetime, MTV, Discovery, History, CNN, Fox News, ABC New and many more.
Furthermore, if you subscribe to Hulu, you will also get access to the impressive library of Hulu original content.
Other important specifics
As with most streaming services, the specifics that both Philo and Hulu offer their paid subscribers is often what sets the service apart. Some of the most important specific to take into account include:
| Hulu | Philo | |
| DVR recording space | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Number of simultaneous streams | Two, but an unlimited amount can be purchased as an add-on for $9.99 | Three |
| Maximum number of user profiles | Six | Ten |
| Sign up for Hulu | Sign up for Philo |
Overall, Philo and Hulu are very closely matched when it comes to these subscription specifics. Hence, the better option will really depend on how your household is structured.
