Philo vs. Tubi: Which Streaming Service Fits You?
By AmericanTV.com editorial team |
Philo's paid plans and Tubi serve different viewing needs. Philo Essential costs $25 per month and Bundle+ costs $33 per month, while Tubi is free with advertising. Philo focuses on live entertainment channels and recording; Tubi offers on-demand movies, shows and free streaming channels. You can use Tubi alongside a paid service without replacing that paid service.
Start with whether Tubi is really free and our Tubi viewing guide. For other live-TV comparisons, see DIRECTV MyEntertainment, Sling Blue and Philo.
Philo vs. Tubi: price and viewing
| Feature | Philo paid plans | Tubi |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly price | Essential $25; Bundle+ $33 | No subscription charge |
| Main use | 70+ live entertainment channels and on-demand viewing | Free on-demand library and streaming channels |
| Recording | Unlimited cloud DVR with saved recordings kept up to one year | Choose from its available library and live feeds; not a substitute for Philo's DVR |
| Advertising | Live and on-demand content can have ads; recorded playback supports ad skipping | Ad-supported; no paid ad-free option |
| Local news and sports | Check the current lineup; do not assume local broadcast stations, ESPN or a team RSN are included | Selected live news and sports feeds; not a full local-network or pay-TV sports replacement |
When Philo makes sense
Choose a paid Philo plan when specific entertainment channels and recording are important. Essential and Bundle+ share the core lineup, while Bundle+ adds the AMC+ library, HBO Max Basic with Ads and discovery+ access under their current terms. Check the exact channels and included service entitlements before choosing; a bundle name does not mean every program is ad-free.
Philo's official FAQ lists up to three simultaneous streams and ten profiles on the paid plans, with cancellation available without a long-term contract. Its plan help lists a seven-day Essential trial for new customers. Review billing and trial eligibility at signup; access normally depends on keeping the required subscription active.
When Tubi makes sense
Choose Tubi when you want a free library and accept commercial breaks. Tubi says it does not require a subscription payment or credit card and currently offers no ad-free upgrade. Its catalog and live feeds change, so search for the actual movie, show or feed you want before planning an evening around it.
Tubi does carry local and national news streams and selected sports programming. Those feeds should not be confused with a complete local broadcast station schedule, ESPN subscription or regional team coverage. Check a particular event's listing rather than treating the service as a replacement for every sports channel.
How DIRECTV fits
For a broader live-TV package, compare the channels available through DIRECTV at your address. Local stations, regional sports rights, package requirements and blackouts vary. A supported streaming app may run alongside live TV on compatible Gemini equipment, but app availability and separate subscriptions still apply.
List your must-have channels first, then compare their actual availability and total cost. You may find that a paid entertainment plan plus free Tubi viewing covers your needs. Check DIRECTV options at your address or call 1-855-690-9884.
Details reviewed October 30, 2026 using the services' current plan and help information. Prices, lineups and features may change.