Amazon Prime’s relationship with Philo is a bit different than you might expect. While both are popular streaming services, Philo isn’t included free with your Prime membership – they’re actually separate services with distinct offerings.
Understanding Philo and Amazon Prime
Philo operates as a standalone streaming service, focused mainly on entertainment, lifestyle, and documentary channels. Think of it as your go-to spot for networks like HGTV, AMC, Discovery, and Food Network. As of 2025, Philo costs about $25 per month, making it one of the more affordable options for cord-cutters.
What You Actually Get with Amazon Prime
When you subscribe to Amazon Prime, you’re getting Prime Video included, but not Philo. Prime Video has its own impressive library of content, including:
– Amazon Original series and movies
– Licensed content from various studios
– Add-on channels through Prime Video Channels
– Live sports coverage for select events
How to Get the Best of Both Worlds
If you’re interested in both services, you’ll need to subscribe to them separately. However, here’s a money-saving tip: many streaming enthusiasts rotate their subscriptions throughout the year. You might use Prime Video for a few months to catch up on your favorite shows, then switch to Philo to binge on different content.
Making the Most of Your Streaming Budget
Let me share a practical approach I often recommend to friends: Start by listing the shows and channels you absolutely can’t live without. If most of your must-watches are on Prime Video, start there. If you’re more into live TV and cable-style programming, Philo might be your better first choice.
Comparing Value Propositions
Remember that Amazon Prime isn’t just about streaming – you’re also getting:
– Free shipping on Amazon purchases
– Prime Music
– Prime Gaming
– Prime Reading
– Photo storage
Meanwhile, Philo focuses solely on providing a streamlined TV experience with over 60 channels at a budget-friendly price point.
Think of it this way: You wouldn’t expect Netflix to come free with your Hulu subscription, right? The same applies here. While it would be nice if Philo came bundled with Prime, they’re distinct services with different business models and content offerings. The good news is that both services are relatively affordable compared to traditional cable packages, and you can always try them both out using their free trial periods to see which better suits your viewing habits.
