Sling TV vs Philo: which should you pick?
Philo ($25) is cheaper but has no sports or news networks. Sling ($45.99) costs more but includes ESPN (Orange) or a broader lineup (Blue). Choose Philo only if you never watch sports.
Disclosure: some buttons on this page may become affiliate links. If you sign up or buy through one, this site may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. It never changes the prices or facts we list. Read the affiliate disclosure.
How do Sling TV and Philo compare?
| Sling TV | Philo | |
|---|---|---|
| Cheapest plan | $19.99/mo | $25/mo |
| Ad-free from | n/a | n/a |
| 4K | No | No |
| Live sports | ESPN channels on Orange; NFL Network and regional sports on Blue in some markets. | No sports networks and no ESPN. |
| Kids and family | Kids channels vary by plan and add-on. | Nickelodeon and other family entertainment channels. |
| Local channels | Limited. A few markets get FOX and NBC on Blue; most people pair Sling with an antenna. | No local channels. |
| Free trial | Offers vary. | 7 days, per Philo's sign-up page. |
Prices last checked November 9, 2026 on Sling TV home page plan list. Taxes and promotional offers not included.
Prices last checked November 9, 2026 on Philo sign-up page. Taxes and promotional offers not included.
What are the key differences?
- Neither includes most local channels; both pair with an antenna.
- Sling's $19.99 mini plans are an option if you need only a few channels.
Which one should you choose?
Choose Sling TV if you want
- The cheapest way to get ESPN and cable news
- People with an antenna for local channels
Choose Philo if you want
- Cable entertainment channels (reality, lifestyle, AMC, Hallmark) at a low price
Can you have both?
Together they cost $44.99 a month on the cheapest plans. Try the cord-cutting calculator to see how that compares to a cable bill.
How was this researched?
This page is research-based, not a hands-on test. Prices and plan details come from each provider's own pricing or help pages, checked on the date shown. Feature and sports details come from provider pages and published news reports, which are linked. We do not assign star ratings. Read how we research.