The ability to watch local broadcast channels is hugely important for most audiences. Local channels carry top live sporting events like NFL, NBA, NHL, and MLB games, area-specific news, primetime entertainment programming, and much more.

But it’s also quite expensive for live TV streaming services to carry local broadcast channels, and some decide to reserve them only for specific packages, or to simply exclude them altogether. What about Philo? Does the service have local broadcast channels available? Find out what you need to know below.

Everything you need to know about watching broadcast channels on Philo

Does Philo offer local channels?

No, Philo does not carry any local broadcast channels in its channel lineup. That’s true of the streamer’s Essential plan, as well as its Bundle+ tier, which includes on-demand access to AMC+, discovery+, and HBO Max. Declining to carry local broadcast channels is one of the ways it keeps these plans so cheap; the streamer offers its Essential plan for $25 and the Bundle+ plan for $33 per month.

Which cable channels does Philo have?

Philo does offer a selection of major cable entertainment networks, as well as a large inventory of free ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) channels with each plan. Check out the top cable channels available with a Philo subscription in the chart below!

Which streaming services allow you to watch local channels?

If you want a live TV streaming subscription to watch live broadcast channels alongside other cable networks, Philo probably isn’t the best fit. But there are streaming services that do allow viewers to watch ABC, CBS, The CW, Fox, NBC, and PBS with a subscription.

DIRECTV offers all local broadcast channels in its Signature plans, starting with the ENTERTAINMENT plan at $90 per month for 90 channels, and stepping up in both channel offering and expense from there. The streamer also has ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC in its MySports Genre Pack, which offers 20+ broadcast and cable sports networks for $65 per month, or the MyNews Genre Pack with 10+ channels for $45 per month. Users can also combine the channels of MySports and MyNews for $80 per month.

Fubo does not carry PBS anywhere, but includes ABC, CBS, The CW, Fox, and NBC in its Pro and Elite packages, priced at $89 and $99 per month, respectively. The Fubo Sports service has 20+ sports and news channels, including ABC, CBS, and Fox, but not NBC or The CW as of now.

Hulu + Live TV includes local broadcast channels in nearly all markets, and has just one channel package to offer: its core plan, which costs $90 per month and includes ad-supported versions of Disney+ and Hulu, as well as ESPN Select.

Sling TV doesn’t carry (link: local channels everywhere, but in select markets, it does offer ABC, Fox, and NBC affiliates. The streamer carries local channels in its Blue plan for $46 per month, or its Select plan at $20 per month, but customers will see an associated surcharge of $5 to $10 per month for watching locals with Sling.

YouTube TV makes local channels available in its core package, as well as several of its slimmed-down genre plans. The streamer’s base plan costs $83 per month and offers ABC, CBS, The CW, Fox, NBC, and PBS. ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC are the only local channels offered in YoUTube TV Genre Plans as of now.

Can you watch local broadcast channels with an antenna?

Yes! If you have your heart set on a Philo subscription but are worried about lack of access to local broadcast channels, you can always purchase an over-the-air antenna from major retailers and watch them that way. An OTA antenna can deliver broadcast channels from 50 miles away or further, depending on the model you buy, and many cost less than $50. The best part is, there’s no subscription fee required to use them! Shop antennas from major retailers using the links below:

• Shop antennas from Amazon.
• Shop antennas from Best Buy.
• Shop antennas from Target.
• Shop antennas from Walmart.

7-Day Trial

philo.com

Philo

Philo is a live TV streaming service designed for entertainment lovers, offering flexible ways to watch without the high price of traditional TV bundles. The service now features two paid plans — Essential and Bundle+ — alongside its existing free streaming offering, giving customers a range of options depending on how much live and premium content they want.

…

The Essential plan costs $25 per month and includes 70+ live TV channels focused on entertainment and lifestyle programming, such as AMC, HGTV, Hallmark Channel, Nickelodeon, and Food Network. Subscribers also get access to 120+ free streaming channels, more than 80,000 movies and shows on demand, and unlimited DVR with one-year storage. Essential also includes a 7-day free trial for new customers.

For viewers who want more premium content, Philo offers the Bundle+ plan for $33 per month (formerly the Philo Core plan). Bundle+ includes everything in Essential, plus ad-supported AMC+ and access to the HBO Max (Basic with Ads) app. Users can also access discovery+ content directly within the Philo app. While Bundle+ adds a full premium streaming bundle for just $8 more per month, it does not include a free trial.

The service is available on most major devices, including Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, smart TVs, mobile devices, and web browsers. In addition to its paid plans, Philo also offers a free ad-supported streaming experience, allowing users to explore content before deciding whether to upgrade to a live TV subscription.

While it doesn’t include local broadcast stations or sports networks like ESPN, FS1 or NBC Sports Network, Philo remains one of the most affordable live TV streaming options for entertainment-focused viewers. With a simple lineup, generous DVR storage, and a clear path from free streaming to live TV and premium bundles, Philo is an appealing choice for cord-cutters who want to keep costs down while still enjoying a wide range of popular programming.

7-Day Trial

$25+ / month

philo.com