If you‘re looking for an affordable live TV streaming option, Philo just might fit the bill. The IPTV service offers over 70 entertainment, lifestyle, and knowledge channels for only $25 per month. And with unlimited DVR space included, Philo makes cutting the cord exceptionally tempting.
But can you watch Philo on one of Samsung‘s popular smart TVs? Absolutely! Read on as I walk you through everything you need to know about streaming Philo on a Samsung smart TV.
Understanding Philo
First things first—what exactly is Philo TV? Put simply, it‘s a low-cost Internet Protocol television (IPTV) service that offers many of the perks of a cable package without the lofty bill.
Philo combines a cable-like channel lineup (including AMC, HGTV, Comedy Central, and more) with the slick interface and on-demand perks of today’s top streaming platforms. And at only $25 per month with unlimited cloud DVR included, Philo manages to undercut competitors like Hulu Live and YouTube TV in the price department.
The catch is that Philo is missing two major channel categories: sports and local programming. So if watching ESPN or your local news is non-negotiable, Philo likely won’t satisfy. But for casual TV watchers who mainly enjoy entertainment and lifestyle programs, Philo checks all the boxes.
Understanding Samsung Smart TVs
If you own a fairly recent Samsung smart television, chances are it runs the intuitive Tizen OS. Tizen serves as the driving force behind Samsung‘s smart watches, smartphones, and smart TV offerings.
On a Samsung smart TV, Tizen OS grants you access to all your favorite streaming apps alongside helpful smart features like voice commands and mobile connectivity. It also comes with an easy-to-use interface centered around a unique home screen.
Here you‘ll find integrated app stores brimming with popular services like Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max, and more. Many—but not all—streaming platforms can be downloaded straight to your Samsung television.
And that brings us to the next logical question…
Is Philo Available on Samsung Smart TVs?
Thankfully, adding Philo to your Samsung television is a total breeze. While Philo does not come pre-installed on Samsung TVs, the handy built-in app store makes downloading a cinch.
To add Philo to your Samsung smart TV, all you‘ll need to do is:
- Open the app store on your television
- Search for "Philo"
- Select the Philo app
- Click "download"
Once installed, you can sign into your existing Philo account or create a new one directly through the app. And if you’re not ready to commit, the Philo app still allows you to explore the service and content offering before paying.
But in order to actually watch anything on Philo, a paid subscription is required.
Signing Up for Philo TV
Philo offers all subscribers the same base TV plan for a reasonable $25 per month. You can pay month-to-month or save a few bucks by paying for an entire year upfront at $20 per month.
Before committing to a paid subscription, Philo allows all new users to take advantage of a 7-day free trial. This gives you a chance to test Philo‘s channel lineup and features before paying.
To sign up, simply open the Philo app on your Samsung TV and create a new account. You’ll need to enter your email address, create a password, and provide Philo with your payment information.
Once your account is established, you can stream to your heart‘s content across your Samsung television and any supported mobile devices. Speaking of, a single Philo account allows you to install the service on up to three streaming devices simultaneously.
So you can download Philo on say, your Samsung TV in the living room, plus your iPhone and iPad for on-the-go streaming. The only limit is streaming the same content on multiple screens at the same time.
Why Stream Philo on Your Samsung TV?
Don‘t have a streaming device or game console hooked up to your Samsung television? No worries! Download Philo straight to your TV eliminates the need for additional equipment. This means fewer wires, less clutter, and a simplified home theater setup.
Plus, taking advantage of your Samsung smart TV‘s gorgeous 4K resolution and HDR imaging allows you to enjoy Philo in the highest picture quality possible. Even at an affordable $25 monthly price point, Philo delivers each channel in crisp, vibrant detail from the comfort of your living room.
And thanks to your TV‘s lightning-fast smart interface, browsing Philo content is smooth as can be. You can quickly jump between live channels, access the unlimited cloud DVR recordings, or peruse Philo’s extensive on-demand library without any lag or delay.
Streaming Philo directly from a 2018 or newer Samsung television checks all the boxes. Plus, watching via your smart TV means one less streaming app to juggle on your phone or tablet.
Pros of Philo on a Samsung TV
Watching Philo on a recent model Samsung television has some great advantages. Here are the biggest benefits:
Price – At only $25 monthly, Philo offers outstanding value for a cable-replacement package. Stream 60+ channels and unlimited DVR to your Samsung TV and still save big over traditional pay TV.
Ease of Use – Thanks to Samsung‘s polished Tizen interface, browsing and streaming Philo content is frustration-free. And streaming through the TV app means no need to toggle inputs or juggle streaming devices.
High Resolution – Philo streams beautifully in up to 1080p HD quality with support for HDR imaging. When watched on a Samsung 4K television, shows and movies shine with incredible color, contrast and detail.
On-Demand Content – In addition to live channels, a Philo subscription provides access to a deep on-demand library with over 70,000 TV shows, movies and news programs available at any time.
Downsides to Consider
While Philo on a Samsung TV certainly has some advantages, there are a few compromises to keep in mind:
Limited Channels – Philo’s channel lineup tops out around 70 options with no sports networks or local channels available. So you won’t have access to regional sports coverage or local news.
Can’t Share Subscription – While you can download Philo on multiple supported devices, only three can stream simultaneously. And due to rights restrictions, you can‘t share login info with anyone outside of your household.
Lackluster Interface – Although browsing Philo on a Samsung TV is perfectly smooth, the Philo interface itself feels slightly dated next to more polished options like YouTube TV.
Occasional Buffering – During peak viewing hours, Philo can suffer from occasional buffering and quality dips. So your picture may downgrade for a few seconds from time to time.
How Does Philo Compare to Other Streaming Services?
Even with its limitations, Philo stands out as a flexible and affordable IPTV option. But how exactly does it stack up to competitors like Sling TV, FuboTV, Hulu + Live TV and YouTube TV? Let‘s compare across a few key factors:
Price – Philo’s $25 monthly cost for 60+ channels is among the lowest prices you’ll find. Only Sling Orange is cheaper at $35 per month. Meanwhile, YouTube TV is $65 monthly and Hulu + Live TV costs $70.
DVR – Philo offers unlimited cloud DVR storage included with every package. Most competitors charge extra or limit your recordings. Hulu is arguably better with 200 hours of DVR and some fast forward restrictions lifted.
Channels – Philo has one of the smallest channel lineups available, while YouTube TV boasts over 85 channels and FuboTV offers sports-centric bundles with well over 100 channels.
Streaming – Like most competitors, Philo permits up to 3 concurrent streams per account. But YouTube TV allows up to 6 streams simultaneously, making it better for larger families.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below I’ve answered some common questions about streaming Philo on a Samsung smart TV:
Does Philo offer local channels or regional sports?
Unfortunately no. Due to rights restrictions, Philo does not carry local broadcast stations, regional sports networks, or national sports channels like ESPN.
What Samsung TVs support the Philo app?
Philo is compatible with 2018 or newer Samsung smart TVs powered by the intuitive Tizen operating system. This includes QLED, Crystal UHD, Frame, Serif and standard 4K models.
Can I watch Philo on multiple TVs at once?
Sort of. Each Philo account permits streaming on up to 3 devices simultaneously. So you can download and use Philo on 3 TVs at once. However, due to rights issues you cannot watch the exact same content on multiple TVs concurrently.
How many channels does Philo offer?
As of early 2023, Philo provides over 70 popular entertainment and lifestyle channels. However, Philo does not carry any sports, news or local programming. Visit Philo’s website for the most up-to-date channel listing.
What happens to my Philo subscription if I cancel cable?
Luckily, nothing at all! Philo is an entirely separate service from your cable or satellite provider. So you can cancel traditional pay TV and continue enjoying Philo without interruption. Just be sure to keep your monthly Philo payments up to date.
At just $25 per month, Philo stands out as a surprisingly complete and affordable IPTV option for casual TV viewers. Thanks to polished integration on modern Samsung TVs, streaming Philo from the comfort of your living room has never been simpler.
While some compromises like limited channels and occasional buffering persist, Philo ultimately outperforms cable and satellite packages across where it matters most—price, flexibility and ease of use.
So if you can live without sports and local programming, give Philo on your Samsung smart TV a shot. Chances are you’ll soon be questioning why you ever paid for cable in the first place!
