SmallBizGenius Analysis
Philo reviews reveal a streaming service plagued by excessive advertisements and technical issues. While some appreciate the channel lineup and lower price point, many customers express frustration with constant interruptions and a perceived decline in value.
Category Breakdown
Scores based on analysis of 272 recent reviews
Excessive Advertisements
2.0/10Reviewers consistently complain about the excessive number and length of commercials, with many stating that ads take up nearly as much time as the actual programming. Some mention watching 3-5 minutes of commercials every 5-10 minutes, leading to a frustrating viewing experience.
65 reviews mention thisTechnical Issues
3.0/10Several reviewers report experiencing frequent freezing, buffering, and app glitches, making it difficult to watch programs without interruption. Some have tried troubleshooting steps like reinstalling the app and upgrading their internet, but the problems persist.
15 reviews mention thisPrice Increases
3.5/10Many long-time customers express disappointment with recent price increases, especially as they perceive a decline in content quality and an increase in advertisements. Some feel that the added channels do not justify the higher cost.
12 reviews mention thisCustomer Service
4.0/10A few reviewers report negative experiences with customer service, citing issues with free trials, refunds, and account cancellations. Some describe the customer service as 'horrible' and 'useless.'
8 reviews mention thisContent Availability
4.5/10Several reviewers complain about missing seasons or episodes of shows that Philo advertises as being available. Some feel misled by the platform's marketing, as they cannot access the full content they expected.
7 reviews mention thisPros & Cons
What Customers Love
"Philo is a wonderul change from dish and cable. We actually see more of the programing we want without the high price for garbage on other providers."
"When I first subscribed to Philo I was very happy with the low price compared to other services and with the wide selection of channels. I'm not big into sports or news so their lack of those channels..."
"Ok, I lo e the streaming app..."
"One of my channels disappeared and system needed updating so I called customer service. She was pleasant and had my channel back in seconds. Excellent customer service"
Common Complaints
"They have almost an hour worth of commercials for two hour movie. Is literally the worst movie watching experience I’ve ever had."
"Channel lineup is great, but the app freezes non stop every couple of seconds. Have tried un/reinstalling, clearing cache, and upgrading internet. Nothing works, and it is very annoying"
"I have been with Philo for years. The price keeps going up up up and every commercial is in Spanish or a different language."
"They reel you in with a "free trial" and then they immediately charge you $31...I've seen no free trial. Very misleading and a RIP OFF!!!!"
"i did the free trial for this app to watch sistas in which it had all 10 seasons. then i purchased it for $25.00/monthly on today. been watching season 9, i left my frontroom and went into my bedroom only to see thats now it shows season 1,5,8,10 and not 1-10 like before."
Common Questions About Philo
Answers derived from customer review patterns
Is Philo legit and trustworthy?
Philo is a legitimate streaming service, but many users report issues with excessive advertisements and technical glitches. While the service delivers on its promise of providing access to a variety of channels, the viewing experience is often marred by frequent and lengthy commercial breaks. Some customers have also experienced problems with billing and customer service, further impacting their overall satisfaction. While Philo is a real service, potential subscribers should weigh the pros and cons carefully before committing.
Based on 45 reviewsDoes Philo have good customer service?
Customer service experiences with Philo appear to be mixed. While some reviewers praise the responsiveness and helpfulness of customer service representatives, others report negative interactions, particularly regarding billing disputes and cancellation issues. Some customers have struggled to obtain refunds or resolve discrepancies in their accounts. The overall sentiment suggests that Philo's customer service may be inconsistent, with varying levels of satisfaction among users.
Based on 8 reviewsIs Philo worth it for small business?
For small businesses, Philo's value depends on their tolerance for advertisements and their need for specific channels. If a business is seeking a low-cost streaming option and doesn't mind frequent commercial breaks, Philo might be a viable choice. However, the excessive ads and potential technical issues could prove distracting and disruptive in a business environment. Businesses prioritizing a seamless and ad-free viewing experience may want to consider alternative streaming services, even if they come at a higher cost.
Based on 30 reviewsWhat is Philo's refund policy like?
Several reviewers mention a strict no-refund policy, even if the service is canceled shortly after the free trial period. Some customers report being charged despite not using the service beyond the trial, and their requests for refunds are denied. This policy has led to frustration and accusations of deceptive practices. Potential subscribers should carefully review Philo's terms and conditions regarding refunds before signing up.
Based on 10 reviewsWhy are there so many commercials on Philo?
Philo's business model relies heavily on advertising revenue to keep its subscription costs low. Unlike some streaming services that offer ad-free tiers, Philo includes commercials in its standard subscription package. The high volume of ads allows Philo to offer a wider range of channels at a lower price point, but it also leads to a less enjoyable viewing experience for many customers. The trade-off between cost and ad frequency is a key factor to consider when evaluating Philo.
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