For cord-cutters seeking affordable live TV options, YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV are often the first choices, but they come at a premium price. If entertainment-focused channels are the priority, services like DirecTV MyEntertainment, Sling Blue, and Philo offer competitive alternatives without breaking the bank.
This comparison breaks down the key differences between these three similarly-priced streamers, focusing on channel lineups, included streaming perks, and usability. The goal is to help you determine which service best fits your viewing habits and budget.
Channel Lineups: What Do You Get?
All three services carry popular channels like A&E, AMC, BET, Comedy Central, Discovery, Food Network, HGTV, History, Investigation Discovery, Lifetime, and TLC. However, distinctions emerge when looking at specific networks.
- Philo and MyEntertainment both include Hallmark, while Sling Blue requires an additional subscription tier to access it.
- Sling Blue and MyEntertainment offer CNN, Fox News Channel, and MSNBC for news coverage, with MyEntertainment adding CNBC and Fox Business Network. Philo lacks these dedicated news channels.
- Philo leads in kids’ content with Nickelodeon, Nick Jr., Discovery Family, and MeTV Toons. Sling Blue has Nick Jr. and Cartoon Network, but MyEntertainment’s selection is weaker without add-ons.
- Sling Blue stands out with local channels (ABC, NBC, FOX) in select US cities, but this feature may increase the monthly cost by $5.
- Sports fans may prefer Sling Blue, as it includes Fox Sports 1, NFL Network, TBS, TNT, TruTV, and USA Network in its base package.
Free Streaming Perks: Beyond Live TV
Beyond channel lineups, these services bundle access to on-demand streaming platforms:
- DirecTV MyEntertainment includes ad-supported HBO Max, Hulu, and Disney Plus.
- Philo offers ad-supported HBO Max, Discovery Plus, and AMC Plus.
- Currently, all bundled streaming services are ad-supported, but both DirecTV and Philo plan to offer ad-free upgrades.
Interface, DVR, and Other Differences
All three streamers provide a functional channel guide, on-demand content, and DVR capabilities. However, usability varies.
- Sling TV and DirecTV feature intuitive interfaces with clear navigation, while Philo’s channel sorting options are limited.
- Philo and MyEntertainment offer unlimited DVR storage, while Sling Blue provides 50 hours with an option to upgrade to unlimited for $5/month. Recordings are saved for 9 months on MyEntertainment and Sling Blue, and for a year on Philo.
- All three services allow three simultaneous streams, but MyEntertainment offers unlimited in-home streams.
- Philo offers 10 user profiles, while MyEntertainment has five and Sling Blue has four.
- MyEntertainment is the only service with a free trial.
Which Streamer Is Right for You?
Choosing the right live TV streamer depends on your priorities:
- Sling Blue is best for sports fans and those who want local channels, but it is the most expensive option.
- MyEntertainment delivers value with its bundled streaming perks (Disney Plus, Hulu, and HBO Max), unlimited DVR, and free trial.
- Philo remains a strong contender for those prioritizing entertainment and unlimited DVR, especially if sports and local news aren’t essential.
Ultimately, weighing the channel lineups, streaming perks, and usability features will help you select the service that aligns with your viewing habits and budget.
Each of these services provides a viable alternative to pricier options, making cord-cutting more accessible than ever before.
