Philo Supported Devices: Apple TV, Fire TV, Roku, Samsung, and More
Our TV experts researched and tested 18+ Philo-compatible streaming devices and picked six that offer the best streaming experience.
How many devices are Philo-compatible?
Are you shopping for a new streaming device or wondering if your current one supports Philo? Well, you probably already own one of the 18+ Philo-compatible streaming devices, which’ll save some time. And, to save you even more searching, we’ve narrowed it down to the six best bets.
Philo supported devices
The 18+ Philo-compatible devices include internet browsers, smart TVs, smartphones, tablets, and various streaming boxes, dongles, and sticks. Unfortunately, gamers are mostly outta luck with Philo—but the NVIDIA SHIELD TV Pro plays well with PC games via Steam.
| Device | Philo app |
|---|---|
| Amazon Fire Cube, Stick, TV | ✔ |
| Android phones, tablets | ✔ |
| Android TV (select models) | ✔ |
| Apple TV (4th gen. or later) | ✔ |
| Apple TV 4K | ✔ |
| Chromecast, Chromecast with Google TV | ✔ |
| Echo Show | — |
| Facebook Portal | — |
| iPhone, iPad | ✔ |
| LG TVs (select models) | — |
| Nintendo Switch | — |
| NVIDIA SHIELD TV Pro | ✔ |
| PC, Mac web browsers | ✔ |
| PlayStation 4, 5 | — |
| Roku Ultra, Express, Premiere, Stick, TV | ✔ |
| Samsung TVs (select models) | ✔ |
| TiVo Stream 4K | — |
| VIZIO TVs (select models) | ✔ |
| Wii | — |
| Xbox One | — |
| Xfinity Flex, X1 | — |
Data effective as of post date.
Pro tip: Older streaming devices—smart TVs and Blu-Ray players in particular—may no longer have manufacturer support. We recommend using a separate streaming device for longer-lasting app compatibility.
To save you time choosing the right Philo-compatible for your needs, we’ve highlighted six of our favorites and included steps to access the Philo app on each platform.
- Best overall: Roku
- Best for Apple users: Apple TV
- Best for Alexa: Amazon Fire TV
- Best for Android users: Chromecast with Google TV
- Best smart TV: Samsung TV
- Best for gamers: NVIDIA SHIELD TV Pro
Best overall: Roku
We love the Roku streaming platform—most CableTV.com staff use Roku devices or TVs in our homes. They’re reliable workhorses (I ride my Roku Ultra hard) with a clean, customizable, easy-to-use interface that includes voice control on most models. Another big plus is that most Roku devices (sticks, boxes, and the Ultra) cost under $100.
We also enjoy Roku’s broad app compatibility. No streaming device supports more apps; we counted 1,200 movie and TV apps before we got tired and quit. We’re glad we did, because 42Matters.com reports that Roku has 24,000+ apps from 5,800+ publishers.
Pro tip: All Roku units since 2017 have voice control.
We believe Roku is the best streaming platform for any streaming app, including Philo. The only drawback we’ve uncovered is that Philo supports only the newest Roku models. So, if you’re still rocking an older Roku, it might be time for an upgrade if you wanna use it with Philo.
- Press the Home button on your remote.
- Search “Philo” (text or voice).
- Choose the Philo icon.
- Select Add Channel to download and install.
- Open the Philo app by clicking the icon at the bottom of the Home screen.
Got more Roku questions? Check out Roku Support for help from users and experts.
Best for Apple fans: Apple TV 4K
Like Apple users wouldn’t buy the Apple TV streaming device—but forget obsessive brand loyalty. The Apple TV 4K is a solid, if pricey, bet that supports 4K HDR and Dolby Vision and has popular Apple features like Siri voice search and AirPlay (casting) compatibility. The Apple TV 4K also supports all the major live TV streaming services—including Philo—plus most major on-demand streamers.
- On the Apple TV menu, select the App Store.
- Search for Philo.
- Choose Philo, select “Get,” and confirm the free app purchase.
- After the app downloads and installs, open it from your Apple TV menu.
Find additional resources for enriching your Apple TV experience on the Apple TV Support website.
Best for Alexa: Amazon Fire TV
Amazon’s Fire TV devices—Cubes, Sticks, Tablets, TVs, and even the Echo Show—all have built-in Alexa assistants. You can choose the right Fire TV device for your needs because the devices (everything except the TVs and some Echo Show models) cost under $150 and support Philo.
On the user experience tip, Philo worked with Amazon to ensure the Philo app functions perfectly with Alexa voice controls, and that Philo channels integrate into Fire TV’s live TV guide.
- On the home screen, search “Philo” using the on-screen keyboard or mic button.
- Select the Philo app and click the Download icon.
- Open Philo from the Your Apps & Channels menu.
If you have more questions about your Fire TV device, contact Amazon Customer Service.
Best for Android: Chromecast with Google TV
There’s nothing special about the Philo experience on Chromecast with Google TV, but it’s a popular and affordable device option. (To be clear, we’re talking about the actual Chromecast device and remote—not the Google smart TVs, Chromebooks, and other Android-based devices with Chromecast built-in.)
Chromecast with Google TV comes in two versions—HD ($30) and 4K ($50)—and it supports Philo and 92 other TV, music, and fitness apps. Like Amazon’s Fire TV devices with Alexa, Chromecast also has voice control via Google Assistant, which is accessible through the included Chromecast voice remote.
- On your Chromecast voice remote, press the “Home” button.
- Search “Philo” from the Home screen and click “Install.”
- After the installation, open Philo from the Home page or Your Apps menu.
For additional help installing apps on Google TV, visit the Google TV Help Center.
Best smart TV: Samsung TV
If you prefer using a smart TV to reduce device/cable clutter, Samsung makes great ones—and they support the Philo app. I adore my Samsung QN90A Neo QLED, once the top recommendation in our guide to the Best Smart TVs.
In addition to its stellar 4K HDR picture, clear audio, low latency, and solar-charging voice remote, the QN90A (and all Samsung smart TVs) includes access to the Samsung Smart Hub. The Smart Hub has nearly 2,200 apps—with about 1,400 of them in the video category.
- Press the Home button on your Samsung solar voice remote.
- Scroll left and select the Apps icon.
- Search “Philo,” then select the Philo app icon.
- Select “Install.”
- Open Philo or add it to the TV’s Home menu bar for quick access.
You can learn more about managing your Samsung TV’s apps by visiting Samsung Support.
Best for gamers: NVIDIA SHIELD TV Pro
The NVIDIA SHIELD TV Pro isn’t on Philo’s supported devices list. Also, it costs $200.
So why do I recommend this expensive, potentially iffy-for-Philo doohickey? Because I use the SHIELD on my second TV, and it runs Philo just fine. It also does much more than run streaming apps.
I don’t know why Philo works on my SHIELD, or why it’s not on Philo’s official list—so your mileage may vary. But if you already have the device, download the Philo app and fire it up. I think it’ll work for you. I used it myself just this morning (see image).
But is the SHIELD worth its high price? Oh, yeah. You’ll get your money’s worth using your SHIELD to watch tons of streaming apps, set up a PLEX server, and play video games on your big ol’ flatscreen TV (PC, Steam membership, and NVIDIA GeForce NOW subscription required).
- Choose “Store” from the top menu on the NVIDIA SHIELD TV Pro home screen. Or open the Google Play Store app on the device.
- Search “Philo.”
- Click on the Philo icon to download the app.
- Open Philo, sign in, and start watching.
If you need more help installing apps on the SHIELD, visit the NVIDIA SHIELD TV Pro support page.
Philo supported devices FAQ
Can you cast Philo to a smart TV?
Yes, Philo supports casting from mobile devices via both AirPlay (iOS) and Chromecast (Android).
Can you watch Philo on multiple devices simultaneously?
You can watch Philo on up to three devices at once.
