Philo vs. Frndly vs. Sling TV vs. YouTube TV: Which Budget Fits You? (2026 Guide)

 

Choosing the right live TV streaming service can feel like navigating a maze.  It's is more challenging than ever to find the sweet spot between affordable channel lineups and premium features with options ranging from ultra-lean budgets to comprehensive channel lineups. Whether you're looking for the ultra-low cost of Frndly TV, the entertainment-heavy focus of Philo, the customizable tiers of Sling TV, or the full-service experience of YouTube TV, choosing the right platform depends on your specific viewing habits. In this 2026 comparison, we’ll break down the latest pricing, DVR capabilities, and channel selections to help you decide which live TV streaming service truly earns a spot in your monthly budget.

📺Philo vs. Frndly vs. Sling TV vs. YouTube TV: Quick Comparison at a Glance

Cutting the cord doesn’t mean giving up great TV — it just means choosing the right streaming service for your viewing habits. Below, you’ll find how four popular services stack up for entertainment lovers who care about price, channels, features, and overall value.

Before we dive deep, here’s a snapshot of how these four services stack up on key metrics:

📝The Ultimate Streaming Showdown: Philo vs. Frndly vs. Sling TV vs. YouTube TV Full Comparison

1. Philo - Best Budget Streaming Service

Philo is a popular, budget-friendly US live TV streaming service focused on entertainment and lifestyle channels, offering 70+ networks (like AMC, HGTV, TLC, Nickelodeon, Discovery) and the full AMC+ library, plus HBO Max and discovery+. It costs around $28-$33/month (with recent offers/bundles), includes unlimited DVR (30-day storage), and excels at providing entertainment without local or major sports channels, making it great for cord-cutters wanting drama, reality, and lifestyle content affordably.

In 2026, Philo remains the absolute best value for "entertainment-first" viewers in the United States. It has evolved from a simple "skinny bundle" into a more robust platform by bundling several popular standalone streaming services into its core price.

⏩Content Library: What You Get

Philo’s strategy is to skip expensive sports and local channels to keep the price low. As of 2026, the value has increased because Philo Core now includes access to three major streaming libraries at no extra cost:

• 70+ Live Channels: Focused on reality, lifestyle, and drama (A&E, AMC, BET, Comedy Central, Discovery, Food Network, HGTV, History, Hallmark, Lifetime, MTV, Nickelodeon, TLC, and Paramount Network).

• Bundled Streaming Services:

  • AMC+: Included (worth ~$5-$9/mo separately).

  • HBO Max (Basic with Ads): Included (the newest 2026 addition).

  • discovery+ (with Ads): Included.

• On-Demand: Over 85,000+ titles available to stream anytime.

• Free Channels: Access to 100+ free ad-supported (FAST) channels (like The Walking Dead Universe or Cheddar News).

⏩Specs & Configurations

Name	Value
Starting Price	$33 per month
Sports Coverage	None
DVR Storage & Retention	Unlimited; 365 days
Concurrent Streams	3
On-Demand Movies and TV Shows	✔️
4K Live Streams	❌
Live TV	✔️
Original Programming	❌
Anime	❌
Ads	✔️
Offline Downloads on Mobile	❌

⏩Key Features

• Unlimited Cloud DVR: Record as much as you want; recordings are kept for one full year (12 months).

• Simultaneous Streams: You can watch on up to 3 devices at once.

• Multiple Profiles: Create up to 10 user profiles per account, each with its own "Saved" list and history.

• 72-Hour Rewind: Almost any show that aired in the last three days can be "replayed" from the beginning.

⏩Pros & Cons

Pros (Why to Buy)	Cons (Why to Skip)
Highest Value: Best "dollar-per-channel" ratio in the U.S.	No Sports: You won't find ESPN, FS1, or TNT/TBS sports here.
All-in-One App: Bundled HBO Max & discovery+ means fewer separate logins.	No Local Channels: No ABC, CBS, FOX, or NBC (requires an antenna).
Unlimited DVR: A full year of storage is better than most competitors.	Limited News: Only has BBC World News and Cheddar; no CNN or MSNBC.
Great for Kids/Family: Full suite of Nickelodeon and Hallmark channels.	Video Quality: Live streams are mostly 720p (VOD is 1080p).

 ⏩Philo Plans and Prices

• Monthly Subscription: $33 per month (tax not included).

• New User Offer: Often includes a promotional first month (e.g., $25 for the first month).

• Hidden Fees: No contracts, no hardware rental fees, and no broadcast surcharges.

• Premium Add-ons (Optional):

  • MGM+: $7/mo

  • STARZ: $11/mo

  • Hallmark+: $8/mo

  • Movies & More (REELZ, Sony Movies, etc.): $3/mo

⏩Summary: Is Philo Right for You?

• Choose Philo if: You are a "Reality TV Junkie" or a movie lover who wants the cheapest way to get channels like HGTV, TLC, and Hallmark, and you appreciate having HBO Max and AMC+ included in one bill.
• Skip Philo if: You need live sports (NFL, NBA) or local news to get through your day. In that case, you might need to step up to Sling TV or YouTube TV.

2. Frndly TV - Most Affordable & Family-Friendly

Frndly TV reviews highlight it as a super-affordable live TV streaming service, great for budget-conscious cord-cutters who love family-friendly, feel-good, classic, or niche content (Hallmark, Lifetime, History, A&E) but don't need major sports or news.

In 2026, Frndly TV remains the most affordable live TV streaming service in the United States. It is a "niche" provider, specifically designed for people who love "feel-good" programming, classic TV, and family-friendly movies without the high cost of sports or local news.

⏩Content Library: What You Get

The channel lineup is the same across all plans (50+ channels). It is heavily focused on "wholesome" entertainment:

• The Hallmark Collection: All three Hallmark channels (Hallmark Channel, Hallmark Mystery, Hallmark Family).

• A&E Networks: A&E, The HISTORY Channel, Lifetime, LMN, FYI, and Vice.

• Family & Faith: UPtv, INSP, Game Show Network, FETV, BabyFirst, and BYUtv.

• Classic TV & Movies: MeTV, MeTV+, Grit, ION, and Great American Family.

• Other Essentials: The Weather Channel, Outdoor Channel, and Recipe.TV.

• 2026 Add-ons: You can add Hallmark+, A&E Crime Central, or HISTORY Vault for an extra monthly fee (usually $5–$8 each).

⏩Specs & Configurations

Name	Value
Starting Price	$6.99 per month
Sports Coverage	None
DVR Storage & Retention	Unlimited; 9 Months
Concurrent Streams	4
On-Demand Movies and TV Shows	✔️
4K Live Streams	❌

⏩Key Features

• 72-Hour Look Back: Automatically captures almost everything that aired in the last 3 days. If you forgot to record a show, you can still go back and watch it.

• Unlimited Cloud DVR: Available on Classic and Premium plans. There is no storage limit on the number of shows; the only limit is how long you keep them (3 or 9 months).

• Start From Beginning: If you tune into a movie that is already halfway through, you can click a button to start it from the very beginning.

• User Interface: One of the simplest, most "cable-like" guides in the industry. It’s very easy for seniors or non-tech-savvy users to navigate.

⏩Pros & Cons

Pros (Why to Buy)	Cons (Why to Skip)
Unbeatable Price: The cheapest way to get live cable channels in the U.S.	No Sports: No ESPN, FS1, or local sports networks.
Hallmark Heaven: The best platform for holiday movie marathons.	No Major News: No CNN, FOX News, or MSNBC.
Simplified Guide: No "bloat" or confusing menus.	No Local Channels: No ABC, CBS, NBC, or FOX (requires an antenna).
No Contracts: Easy to cancel or pause during months you don't use it.	Basic Plan is Limited: No DVR and low video quality (SD) on the $8.99 plan.

⏩Frndly TV Plans and Prices

Frndly TV offers three tiers. To get the best deal, you can choose Annual Billing, which saves you about 15-20% compared to monthly payments.

Feature	Basic	Classic (Popular)	Premium
Monthly Price	$8.99/mo	$10.99/mo	$12.99/mo
Annual Price	$6.99/mo ($84/yr)	$7.99/mo ($96/yr)	$9.99/mo ($120/yr)
Video Quality	SD (480p)	HD (720p/1080p)	HD (720p/1080p)
Simultaneous Streams	1 Screen	2 Screens	4 Screens
Cloud DVR	None	Unlimited (3 months)	Unlimited (9 months)

⏩Final Verdict: Is Frndly TV for you?

• YES, if: You primarily watch Hallmark movies, History Channel documentaries, or classic sitcoms like The Andy Griffith Show or I Love Lucy. It is the perfect "supplemental" service to use alongside Netflix or Disney+.

• NO, if: You need to watch live NFL games, local evening news, or "water cooler" dramas on HBO or AMC.

3. Sling TV - Best for Customization & Sports on a Budget

Sling TV reviews highlight it as a top budget-friendly cord-cutting option, praised for its affordability, customization with add-ons, and good sports/entertainment channel mix, particularly for those who can supplement locals with an antenna.

⏩Content Library: What You Get

The biggest confusion with Sling is which plan to choose. Here is the simple breakdown:

• Sling Orange (The "Sports" Plan): Includes ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, and Disney Channel. Note: You can only stream on 1 device.

• Sling Blue (The "News/Drama" Plan): Includes FS1, NFL Network, Bravo, FX, TLC, and USA. It also offers local ABC, FOX, and NBC in select major markets (like NYC, LA, Chicago).

• Shared Channels (Both Plans): AMC, CNN, HGTV, History, TBS, TNT, Food Network, and Comedy Central.

• Sling Select (2026 Budget Choice): A smaller "lean" bundle of 10+ channels including FOX News and NFL Network for $19.99.

⏩Specs & Configurations

Name	Value
Starting Price	$45.99 per month
Regular Season National NHL Coverage	ESPN, TBS, and TNT; NHL Network (via Add-On); ABC (via Antenna)
DVR Storage & Retention	50 hours or unlimited; Indefinitely
Concurrent Streams	1 (for Sling Orange channels), 3 (for Sling Blue channels)
4K Live Streams	✔️
World Series Coverage	FOX (in select markets)
Sports Coverage	International*, National, & Regional
On-Demand Movies and TV Shows	✔️
Live TV	✔️
Original Programming	❌
Anime	✔️
Ads	✔️
Offline Downloads on Mobile	❌

⏩Key Features

• Unlimited DVR Upgrade: All plans come with 50 hours for free. You can upgrade to Unlimited DVR for just $5/month.

• Sling Freestream: A free, ad-supported service with over 600+ channels that you can watch even without a paid subscription.

• A la Carte "Extras": You can add small bundles (usually $6/mo) like "Sports Extra" (adds SEC Network, NBA TV) or "Kids Extra" (adds Disney Junior, Nick Jr.).

• 4K Content: In 2026, Sling offers free 4K streaming on select sports channels (like FS1 and ESPN) for supported devices.

⏩Pros & Cons

Pros (Why to Buy)	Cons (Why to Skip)
Cheapest Live Sports: The lowest-cost legal way to get ESPN and NFL RedZone.	Confusing Splits: You often need both Orange and Blue to get all the "essential" channels.
Total Flexibility: No contracts; add or drop "Extras" every month based on what's in season.	Limited Locals: No CBS at all, and other locals are only in specific cities.
Pass Options: Perfect for someone who only wants to watch the "Big Game" this weekend.	Stream Limits: Sling Orange only allowing 1 stream is frustrating for families.
Device Support: Works on almost everything (except PlayStation consoles).	Surcharges: In some cities, local channel access adds a $5–$10 monthly fee.

⏩Sling TV and Prices

Sling TV uses a unique "color-coded" system. In 2026, they also heavily promote short-term "Passes" for those who only want to watch a specific event.

Plan	Sling Orange	Sling Blue	Sling Orange & Blue	Sling Select (New)
Price	$45.99/mo	$45.99/mo	$60.99/mo	$19.99/mo
Best For	Sports & Families	News & Entertainment	The Full Experience	Lean Budget News
Streams	1 Screen	3 Screens	Up to 4 Screens	3 Screens

• Introductory Offer: Typically 50% off your first month (e.g., $30 for Orange & Blue).

• Sling Passes: 1-Day ($4.99), 3-Day ($9.99), and 7-Day ($14.99) options for Orange channels (ESPN).

⏩Final Verdict: Is Sling TV for you?

• YES, if: You are a sports fan who needs ESPN or NFL Network but doesn't want to pay the $80+ price tag of YouTube TV. It’s also great for people who are comfortable using an HD Antenna to get their local CBS station.

• NO, if: You want a simple "everything included" experience for the whole family. If you find yourself adding 3 or 4 "Extras," your bill will quickly reach $80, at which point YouTube TV becomes a better deal.

4. YouTube TV - The Best Cable Replacement

Although some video streaming services primarily feature on-demand or original content, others are designed to completely replace your cable subscription. YouTube TV takes the latter approach, offering more than 100 channels of news, sports, and entertainment in one package. It also has excellent DVR features, 4K streaming, the ability to download DVR recordings for offline viewing, and support for unlimited simultaneous streams on your home network.

The service offers the best combination of channels and streaming specs, and its a la carte channel options give you cheaper alternatives to the high monthly base cost. For all this and more, YouTube TV is an Editors' Choice winner for live TV streaming services.

⏩Content Library: What You Get

YouTube TV is the only service in this group that truly replicates the full cable experience:

• Local Channels: Full access to ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, and PBS in almost every US market.

• Sports Powerhouse: Includes ESPN, ESPN2, FS1, FS2, SEC Network, Big Ten Network, and NFL Network.

• Exclusive Sports Add-ons: The exclusive home of NFL Sunday Ticket (watch every out-of-market NFL game).

• Top-Tier Entertainment: AMC, Bravo, FX, TNT, TBS, USA, Nickelodeon, and Comedy Central.

• News: Comprehensive coverage including CNN, FOX News, MSNBC, and BBC News

⏩Specs & Configurations

Name	Value
Starting Price	$82.99 per month
Regular Season National NHL Coverage	ABC, ESPN, TBS, and TNT
RSN Coverage	NBC Sports
DVR Storage & Retention	Unlimited; 9 Months
Concurrent Streams	3 or Unlimited (at home)
4K Live Streams	✔️
Sports Coverage	National & Regional
On-Demand Movies and TV Shows	✔️
Live TV	✔️
Original Programming	❌
Anime	❌
Ads	✔️
Offline Downloads on Mobile	❌

⏩Key Features

• Unlimited Cloud DVR: Record as much as you want. Recordings are kept for 9 months.

• Multiview: Watch up to 4 live streams simultaneously on one screen—perfect for March Madness or NFL Sundays.

• Key Plays & Fantasy View: Real-time stats and "must-see" highlights integrated directly into the player for sports fans.

• Profiles: Up to 6 individual accounts per household, each with its own personalized recommendations and DVR.

⏩Pros & Cons

Pros (Why to Buy)	Cons (Why to Skip)
Complete Package: The only one with all locals, major sports, and news in one app.	High Price: At $83/mo, it’s significantly more expensive than Philo or Sling.
Best Interface: The fastest, most intuitive app that works seamlessly with Google/Android TV.	4K Costs Extra: Unlike some competitors, you have to pay a monthly fee for 4K quality.
Multiview Tech: No other budget service offers 4-way split-screen viewing.	No Regional Sports (RSNs): Like many others, it lacks some local Bally Sports or MSG networks.
No Hidden Fees: No regional sports fees or broadcast surcharges (unlike Cable).	Requires High Speed: The advanced features work best with a very strong internet connection.

⏩YouTube TV Plans and Prices

YouTube TV recently increased its "Base Plan" price, but added new ways to customize:

• Base Plan: $82.99 per month. This is the "everything" bundle with 100+ channels.

• New Genre-Based Plans (Early 2026): YouTube has begun rolling out 10+ smaller bundles (Pricing varies, typically estimated between $40 - $70/mo).

  • Sports Plan: Includes ESPN networks, FS1, NBC Sports, and local broadcasters.

  • Family & Entertainment Plan: Focuses on Disney, Nickelodeon, HGTV, and Discovery.

• 4K Plus Add-on: $9.99/mo (Unlocks 4K streaming, unlimited streams at home, and offline DVR downloads).

• Spanish Plan: $34.99/mo (Standalone plan for 30+ Spanish-language channels).

⏩Final Verdict: Is YouTube TV for you?

• YES, if: You want a "zero-compromise" experience. If you are a die-hard sports fan (especially for NFL) and want your local news and every major cable channel in one place, YouTube TV is worth the premium.

• NO, if: You are strictly trying to keep your monthly bills under $50. If you don't watch sports or local news, you are paying for a lot of "bloat" that you could avoid with Philo or Frndly.

📝How to Choose the Best Streaming Service: Step-by-Step Selection Guide

Choosing the best streaming service in 2026 is no longer just about finding the lowest price—it's about matching your "must-watch" list to the right platform. As services become more specialized, the "one-size-fits-all" approach is disappearing.

Here is your Step-by-Step Selection Guide to navigate Philo, Frndly, Sling, and YouTube TV.

Step 1: Identify Your "Deal-Breakers"

Before looking at prices, ask yourself two critical questions. Your answers will immediately eliminate some options.

• Do I need live Local Channels (ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC)?

  • Yes: Your primary choice is YouTube TV. (Sling TV offers limited locals; Philo and Frndly have none).

  • No: You can save a lot of money with Philo or Frndly TV.¹

• Do I need Live Sports (ESPN, FS1, NFL Network)?

  • Yes: Focus on YouTube TV (premium) or Sling TV (budget).

  • No: Philo or Frndly TV are designed for you.

Step 2: Set Your Monthly Budget

Which budget fits you? You can match your wallet to the 2026 pricing tiers:

• Under $15 (Ultra Budget): Frndly TV is the only player here. It's the "Hallmark & History" choice.
• $30 – $40 (The Middle Ground): Philo ($33) wins this category. It's for people who want "cable" variety (70+ channels) without the "sports tax.
• $45 – $65 (The Customizer): Sling TV allows you to pick a base (Orange or Blue) and add "Extras." Great if you only want specific sports or news.
• $80+ (The Premium Replacement): YouTube TV ($83).This is for those who want everything—locals, sports, news, and elite tech—in one app.

Step 3: Compare Core "Vibes" & Content

Each service has a unique "personality." Choose the one that feels like your living room:

• The "Feel-Good" Fan (Frndly TV): You want wholesome movies, classic TV, and family-friendly vibes. You don't care about the news or the Super Bowl.

• The "Reality & Lifestyle" Junkie (Philo): You live for HGTV, Food Network, TLC, and Discovery. You appreciate the bonus of having AMC+ or HBO Max (with ads) bundled into your $33 bill.

• The "Targeted" Viewer (Sling TV): You are a seasonal watcher. You might get "Sling Orange" during college football season for ESPN and cancel it in the spring. You are okay with a smaller channel list to keep the price down.

• The "No-Compromise" Household (YouTube TV): You have multiple people in the house with different tastes. You need NFL Sunday Ticket, the ability to watch 4 games at once (Multiview), and enough DVR space for everyone.

Step 4: Check the "Tech Specs"

Don't forget the features that affect your daily viewing experience:

Feature	Frndly TV	Philo	Sling TV	YouTube TV
DVR	3 - 9 Months	1 Year	50 Hrs (Free)	9 Months
Streams	1 - 4	3	1 - 3	3 (Unlimited at home*)
Profiles	1	10	1	6
4K Support	No	No	Select Channels	Yes (Paid Add-on)

Step 5: Compare Features, Catch & Missing

✴️Philo: The King of Reality & Entertainment

Philo strikes a middle ground by offering a massive library of entertainment and lifestyle channels without the "sports tax."

• Best Features: A heavy-hitter for reality TV lovers (HGTV, Food Network, TLC, Discovery, MTV, Nickelodeon). It now often bundles services like AMC+ or Paramount+ with SHOWTIME in its higher tiers.

• The Catch: Similar to Frndly, it lacks sports and local broadcast channels.

• What's Missing: To achieve its low price, Philo excludes local channels (ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC), all major sports networks, and major cable news channels (CNN, Fox News, MSNBC)

• Best For: Viewers who love comfort-food TV—reality shows, home improvement, documentaries, and sitcoms—and want great value without sports or local news.

✴️Frndly TV: The Ultimate "Wallet-Saver"

Frndly TV is the cheapest live TV service on the market. It is specifically curated for viewers who love "feel-good" TV and family-oriented programming.

• Best Features: Includes Hallmark Channels, The Weather Channel, Lifetime, and A&E.

• The Catch: There are absolutely no sports, local news, or major cable news networks (like CNN or Fox News).

• What's Missing: Local channels are not available in all markets. Adding multiple channel packs can make the price approach premium-tier services

• Best For: Cord-cutters who want to tailor their package and access sports or news channels without paying for a full YouTube TV bundle. It pairs well with an over-the-air antenna for local channels.

✴️Sling TV: The Flexible Mid-Range Choice

Sling TV is for those who want the "real" cable channels (like ESPN, CNN, or TBS) but don't want to pay $80+. It splits its service into two main plans: Sling Orange (Sports & Kids) and Sling Blue (News & Entertainment).

• Best Features: Highly customizable. You can get just what you need for ~$46 or combine both for ~$61. It also offers "Sling Select" in 2026 for even leaner budgets.

• The Catch: Local channel coverage is very spotty. You might need an HD antenna to get your local stations.

• What's Missing: Local channels are not available in all markets. Adding multiple channel packs can make the price approach premium-tier services

• Best For: Cord-cutters who want to tailor their package and access sports or news channels without paying for a full YouTube TV bundle. It pairs well with an over-the-air antenna for local channels.

✴️YouTube TV: The Gold Standard

If you want to forget you ever "cut the cord," YouTube TV is the closest experience to traditional cable, but with better technology.

• Best Features: Includes all local channels (ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, PBS), major sports networks, and an industry-leading interface. Its Multi-view feature is a dream for sports fans.

• The Catch: It is the most expensive of the four, with prices now exceeding $80/month.

• What's Missing: Its higher price is the main drawback. While it offers a few add-on bundles, it doesn't have the same granular, channel-by-channel customization as Sling.

• Best For: Households that want a comprehensive, all-in-one solution with sports, news, locals, and entertainment. It's ideal for those who don't want to compromise on channel selection.

Step 6: The "Pro Tip" for 2026

The Hybrid Setup: If you want the variety of Philo ($33) but miss your local news, don't upgrade to an $80 plan. Instead, buy a one-time HD Antenna for about $30. You’ll get your local ABC, CBS, and NBC for free over-the-air, while Philo handles all your entertainment cable channels.

📌 Final Verdict:

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but here’s a simple rule of thumb:

• Choose Frndly TV for the absolute lowest cost and family-friendly content.

• Choose Philo for the best entertainment value, especially with its included HBO Max and discovery+.

• Choose Sling TV for customization and a mid-budget way to get key sports and news.

• Choose YouTube TV for a comprehensive, no-compromise cable replacement with all the local and sports channels.