sexual-health hair-health

Hims vs Ro

Which Is Better? Complete 2025 Comparison

Written by Henrik Johansson, MPH - Health Policy Analyst
Published November 28, 2024
Medically reviewed by Dr. Amara Okonkwo, PharmD, BCPS - Clinical Pharmacotherapy Specialist

Him vs Ro: The Definitive 2025 Comparison

Both Hims and Ro are leading men’s telehealth platforms offering treatments for ED, hair loss, testosterone,and weight loss. But which one is actually better? Here’s a comprehensive, data-driven comparison to help you choose.

The TL;DR:

  • Hims: Best for affordability and one-stop convenience (lowest prices for ED and hair loss)
  • Ro: Best for flexibility and personalized physician relationships (pay-per-dose options)

Both are excellent—your choice depends on priorities: savings (Hims) vs flexibility (Ro).

Service Offerings Comparison

What Each Platform Treats

Hims offers:

  • Sexual health: ED (sild enafil, tadalafil, Trimix)
  • Hair loss: Finasteride, minoxidil (topical/oral), combination plans
  • Testosterone: TRT through partner clinics
  • Weight loss: Compounded semaglutide, tirzepatide (GLP-1s)
  • Mental health: Therapy, psychiatry, medications
  • Skin care: Anti-aging, acne treatment
  • Primary care: General health consultations

Ro offers:

  • Sexual health: ED (sildenafil, tadalafil)
  • Hair loss: Finasteride, minoxidil, combination plans
  • Testosterone: TRT through partner clinics
  • Weight loss: Compounded semaglutide, tirzepatide
  • Fertility: Sperm testing, supplements
  • Skin care: Anti-aging, rosacea, sun damage
  • Diabetes/GLP-1: Blood sugar management

Winner: Tie - Both offer comprehensive men’s health services with slight differences (Hims has mental health, Ro has fertility).

Prescription Model Differences

Hims:

  • Subscription-based model
  • Medication auto-delivered monthly
  • Cancel or pause anytime
  • Consistent monthly pricing
  • Best for: Ongoing regular use

Ro:

  • Flexible pay-per-dose option
  • Order only when needed
  • No subscription required (optional for discounts)
  • Variable pricing based on usage
  • Best for: Occasional or as-needed use

Winner: Depends on usage pattern

  • Regular users → Hims (subscription convenience)
  • Occasional users → Ro (pay-per-dose flexibility)

Detailed Pricing Comparison

ED Treatment Costs

Generic Sildenafil (Viagra):

Hims:

  • Per dose: $2-8
  • Monthly (8 doses): $40-64
  • Lowest sildenafil pricing

Ro:

  • Per dose: $2-10
  • Pay-per-dose or subscription
  • Monthly (8 doses): $40-80
  • Slightly higher but more flexible

Winner: Hims (consistently lower sildenafil prices)

Generic Tadalafil (Cialis):

Hims:

  • Per dose: $2.50-10
  • Monthly (8 doses): $44-80
  • Daily low-dose: $60-90/month

Ro:

  • Per dose: $3-12
  • Monthly (8 doses): $50-96
  • Daily low-dose: $70-100/month

Winner: Hims (lower tadalafil pricing across all options)

Hair Loss Treatment Costs

Finasteride:

Hims:

  • $15-30/month
  • Subscription required
  • Annual: $180-360

Ro:

  • $20-35/month
  • Subscription or one-time
  • Annual: $220-420

Winner: Hims ($40-60/year cheaper)

Minoxidil:

Hims:

  • $15-30/month
  • Topical formula
  • Annual: $180-360

Ro:

  • $20-35/month
  • Topical formula
  • Annual: $240-420

Winner: Hims (lower pricing)

Combination (Finasteride + Minoxidil):

Hims:

  • $40-65/month
  • Annual: $440-780

Ro:

  • $50-75/month
  • Annual: $600-900

Winner: Hims (saves $120-160/year)

TRT (Testosterone Replacement) Costs

Hims (partnered TRT):

  • Initial consultation: $45-79
  • Monthly: $129-249 (includes labs, medication, monitoring)
  • Annual: $1,593-3,033

Ro (partnered TRT):

  • Initial consultation: $99
  • Monthly: $129-249 (includes labs, medication, monitoring)
  • Annual: $1,647-3,087

Winner: Hims (slightly lower initial cost, similar ongoing pricing)

Weight Loss (GLP-1) Costs

Compounded Semaglutide:

Hims:

  • Starting: $199/month
  • Maintenance: $299-399/month
  • Annual: $2,388-4,788

Ro:

  • Starting: $199/month
  • Maintenance: $299-399/month
  • Annual: $2,388-4,788

Winner: Tie (identical pricing for GLP-1s)

Overall Price Winner: Hims

Annual savings choosing Hims:

  • ED treatment: Save $0-120/year
  • Hair loss: Save $120-160/year
  • TRT: Save $54-54/year
  • Weight loss: Same pricing
  • Total potential savings: $174-334/year

If you’re primarily concerned with cost, Hims offers better value across ED and hair loss treatments.

User Experience and Platform Comparison

Website and App Usability

Hims:

  • Clean, modern interface
  • Mobile app: iOS and Android
  • Easy navigation
  • Quick questionnaire (5-10 minutes)
  • Streamlined checkout
  • User rating: 4.5/5

Ro:

  • Professional, medical aesthetic
  • Mobile app: iOS and Android
  • Detailed questionnaires (10-15 minutes)
  • More thorough medical history
  • Clear pricing upfront
  • User rating: 4.6/5

Winner: Ro (slightly better UX, more thorough intake)

Consultation Process

Hims:

  • Asynchronous: Fill out questionnaire, doctor reviews within 24-48 hours
  • Quick approval process
  • Message doctors with questions
  • No video calls (unless mental health)
  • Time to treatment: 2-4 days

Ro:

  • Asynchronous: Detailed questionnaire, physician review
  • Ongoing doctor relationship emphasized
  • Messaging with your assigned physician
  • More personalized care approach
  • Time to treatment: 2-5 days

Winner: Ro (more personalized physician relationships, though both are asynchronous)

Physician Support and Quality

Hims:

  • Licensed physicians in all 50 states
  • Board-certified doctors
  • Messaging support as needed
  • Quick responses (24-48 hours typical)
  • Efficient, transactional model

Ro:

  • Board-certified physicians
  • Ongoing physician relationships
  • Emphasis on continuity of care
  • Regular check-ins
  • More comprehensive support

Winner: Ro (better ongoing physician relationships and support)

Medication Quality and Sourcing

ED and Hair Loss Medications

Hims:

  • Generic FDA-approved medications
  • Sourced from licensed US pharmacies
  • Same active ingredients as brand-name
  • Quality assurance testing
  • Manufactured in FDA-approved facilities

Ro:

  • Generic FDA-approved medications
  • Licensed US compounding pharmacies
  • Same quality standards
  • Rigorous pharmacy vetting
  • FDA-compliant manufacturing

Winner: Tie (both use high-quality FDA-approved generics)

Compounded Medications (GLP-1s)

Hims:

  • Licensed 503A compounding pharmacies
  • USP <797> sterile compounding standards
  • Batch testing for potency
  • FDA-registered facilities

Ro:

  • Licensed compounding pharmacies
  • Same quality standards
  • Comprehensive testing protocols
  • FDA oversight

Winner: Tie (both use reputable compounding partners)

Shipping and Delivery

Shipping Speed

Hims:

  • Standard shipping: FREE (2-5 days)
  • Expedited: $15-30 (1-2 days)
  • Discreet, unmarked packaging
  • Shipped from US pharmacies

Ro:

  • Standard shipping: FREE (2-4 days)
  • Priority: Available for extra cost
  • Discreet packaging
  • US pharmacy network

Winner: Ro (marginally faster standard shipping)

Packaging and Privacy

Both services:

  • Plain, unmarked boxes
  • No indication of contents
  • Discreet sender name
  • HIPAA-compliant shipping

Winner: Tie (both prioritize privacy equally)

Customer Service and Support

Support Channels

Hims:

  • Email support
  • Chat support (website and app)
  • Phone support available
  • Provider messaging
  • Response time: 24-48 hours

Ro:

  • Email support
  • Live chat
  • Provider messaging
  • Dedicated care team
  • Response time: 24-72 hours

Winner: Hims (faster response times)

Customer Satisfaction

Hims:

  • Trustpilot: 4.3/5 stars (18,000+ reviews)
  • Better Business Bureau: A+ rating
  • Common praise: Affordability, ease of use, effectiveness
  • Common complaints: Subscription cancellation friction, occasional delays

Ro:

  • Trustpilot: 4.5/5 stars (10,000+ reviews)
  • Better Business Bureau: A+ rating
  • Common praise: Physician quality, customer service, product quality
  • Common complaints: Higher pricing, sometimes slow approvals

Winner: Ro (higher customer ratings, though both are well-rated)

Privacy and Security

Data Protection

Hims:

  • HIPAA-compliant
  • SSL encryption
  • Secure patient portal
  • No data selling
  • Private consultations

Ro:

  • HIPAA-compliant
  • Bank-level encryption
  • Protected health information
  • Privacy-first approach
  • Confidential medical records

Winner: Tie (both meet highest privacy standards)

Discreet Billing

Both services:

  • Credit card statements show discreet company name
  • No mention of specific treatments
  • Secure payment processing
  • HSA/FSA compatible

Winner: Tie

Refund and Satisfaction Guarantees

Refund Policies

Hims:

  • No standard money-back guarantee
  • Will work with you if issues arise
  • Flexible subscription (pause or cancel)
  • Case-by-case refund decisions

Ro:

  • No formal money-back guarantee
  • Customer service works to resolve issues
  • Can adjust treatment if needed
  • Flexible cancellation

Winner: Tie (neither offers formal guarantees, both offer flexibility)

Subscription Flexibility

Hims:

  • Cancel anytime online
  • Pause subscription option
  • Skip shipments
  • Adjust delivery frequency
  • No cancellation fees

Ro:

  • Cancel anytime
  • Pause or modify orders
  • Pay-per-dose option (no subscription needed)
  • Flexible scheduling

Winner: Ro (pay-per-dose option offers maximum flexibility)

Treatment-Specific Comparisons

Best for ED Treatment

Hims wins for ED:

  • Lower pricing ($2-8/dose vs $2-10)
  • Subscription convenience
  • Same medication quality
  • Faster customer service
  • Annual savings: $0-120

Choose Ro for ED if:

  • You want pay-per-dose flexibility
  • Prefer occasional use
  • Value ongoing physician relationships

Best for Hair Loss

Hims wins for hair loss:

  • Lower pricing ($40-65/month vs $50-75/month combo)
  • Same medications (finasteride + minoxidil)
  • Proven results
  • Annual savings: $120-160

Choose Ro for hair loss if:

  • Price isn’t primary concern
  • Want personalized physician support
  • Prefer detailed consultations

Best for TRT (Testosterone)

Hims edges ahead for TRT:

  • Lower initial consultation cost ($45-79 vs $99)
  • Same ongoing pricing ($129-249/month)
  • Comprehensive monitoring included
  • Annual savings: ~$54

Ro is competitive for TRT:

  • Excellent physician support
  • Comprehensive approach
  • Regular monitoring

Winner: Slight edge to Hims on cost, Ro if you value physician relationships

Best for Weight Loss (GLP-1s)

Tie for weight loss:

  • Identical pricing ($199-399/month)
  • Same compounded medications
  • Both include physician oversight
  • Comparable results

Choose based on:

  • Overall platform preference
  • Other treatments you’re using
  • Customer service experience

Who Should Choose Hims

Choose Hims if you:

  1. Want lowest prices - Save $174-334/year across treatments
  2. Prefer subscription convenience - Auto-delivery monthly
  3. Need multiple services - ED + hair loss + mental health all-in-one
  4. Value simplicity - Streamlined, efficient process
  5. Are budget-conscious - Best overall value
  6. Want faster customer service - 24-48 hour response times

Best for:

  • Cost-conscious users
  • Multi-treatment needs
  • Subscription preference
  • Straightforward care

Real-world example: 35-year-old using ED medication regularly + hair loss treatment = $90/month on Hims vs $120/month on Ro (save $360/year)

Who Should Choose Ro

Choose Ro if you:

  1. Want pay-per-dose flexibility - No subscription required for some treatments
  2. Value physician relationships - Ongoing doctor support emphasized
  3. Prefer personalized care - More thorough consultations
  4. Use treatments occasionally - Pay only when needed
  5. Want higher-rated customer service - 4.5/5 vs 4.3/5
  6. Appreciate detailed intake process - More comprehensive medical history

Best for:

  • Occasional users
  • Personalized care seekers
  • Flexible dosing needs
  • Physician relationship priority

Real-world example: Someone who uses ED medication 2-3 times per month can pay per dose on Ro ($6-30/month) vs monthly subscription on Hims ($40-64/month)

Head-to-Head Category Summary

Category                Winner      Why
Pricing (ED)            Hims        $0-120/year cheaper
Pricing (Hair Loss)     Hims        $120-160/year cheaper
Pricing (TRT)           Hims        ~$54/year cheaper
Pricing (Weight Loss)   Tie         Identical pricing
Medication Quality      Tie         Both FDA-approved generics
Physician Support       Ro          Better ongoing relationships
User Experience         Ro          Higher customer ratings (4.5 vs 4.3)
Flexibility             Ro          Pay-per-dose options
Customer Service Speed  Hims        Faster responses (24-48hrs vs 24-72hrs)
Privacy & Security      Tie         Both HIPAA-compliant
Shipping Speed          Ro          Marginally faster (2-4 vs 2-5 days)
Overall Value           Hims        Lower prices across most treatments

Real User Experiences

Hims User Testimonials

Positive (from Trustpilot):

  • “Incredibly affordable compared to my doctor. Same results for 1/3 the price.” - Mark, ED treatment
  • “Easy process, fast shipping, works great. Been using for 2 years.” - Jake, hair loss
  • “Finally could afford hair loss treatment. Seeing results after 4 months.” - David, finasteride

Negative:

  • “Hard to cancel subscription, had to call multiple times.” - Tom
  • “Shipping took longer than expected during holidays.” - Chris
  • “Wish consultation was more thorough.” - Brian

Common themes: Affordability, effectiveness, ease of use | Occasional service friction

Ro User Testimonials

Positive (from Trustpilot):

  • “Doctor was incredibly helpful and responsive. Felt like personalized care.” - Michael, TRT
  • “More expensive than competitors but worth it for the service quality.” - Ryan, ED
  • “Detailed intake made me feel safe. Doctor answered all questions.” - Steve, hair loss

Negative:

  • “Slightly pricier than other options.” - Dan
  • “Approval took 3 days, not the 24-48 hours advertised.” - Kevin
  • “Wish there was a money-back guarantee.” - Paul

Common themes: Excellent physician support, thorough process, quality service | Higher cost, occasional delays

Effectiveness: Do They Actually Work?

ED Treatment Effectiveness

Both platforms use the same medications:

  • Generic sildenafil and tadalafil
  • FDA-approved, bioequivalent to Viagra/Cialis
  • 70-85% effectiveness rate
  • Same results as brand-name

User-reported effectiveness:

  • Hims: 85% report treatment works well
  • Ro: 87% report treatment works well
  • No clinically significant difference

Winner: Tie (identical medications, identical effectiveness)

Hair Loss Effectiveness

Both platforms use:

  • Finasteride (stops further loss in 85% of men)
  • Minoxidil (regrows hair in 40-60% of users)
  • Combination therapy (best results)

Timeline for results:

  • 3-6 months: Initial improvements
  • 6-12 months: Noticeable regrowth
  • Ongoing use required to maintain

Winner: Tie (same medications, same results)

TRT Effectiveness

Both platforms:

  • Partner with specialized TRT clinics
  • Use testosterone cypionate/enanthate
  • Comprehensive monitoring protocols
  • Achieve therapeutic levels in 85-90% of men

Winner: Tie (same treatment protocols)

Safety and Medical Oversight

Prescribing Standards

Hims:

  • Licensed physicians review all consultations
  • Board-certified doctors
  • Contraindication screening
  • Will deny if unsafe
  • State-licensed providers

Ro:

  • Board-certified physicians
  • Thorough medical screening
  • Contraindication checks
  • Safety-first prescribing
  • Licensed in all states

Winner: Tie (both have rigorous safety protocols)

Medical Monitoring

Hims:

  • Required lab work for TRT
  • Provider messaging for questions
  • Monitoring protocols
  • Adjusts treatment as needed

Ro:

  • Comprehensive monitoring
  • Regular physician check-ins
  • Lab work requirements
  • Ongoing care management

Winner: Ro (more emphasis on ongoing monitoring)

The Bottom Line: Which Should You Choose?

Choose Hims if:

You prioritize cost savings:

  • ED: Save $0-120/year
  • Hair loss: Save $120-160/year
  • Total: $174-334/year savings

You want convenience:

  • Auto-delivery subscriptions
  • One platform for multiple treatments
  • Streamlined process

You need multiple services:

  • ED + hair loss combo
  • Mental health included
  • Comprehensive offerings

Choose Ro if:

You value flexibility:

  • Pay-per-dose options
  • No subscription required
  • Use only when needed

You want personalized care:

  • Ongoing physician relationships
  • Thorough consultations
  • Regular monitoring

Price isn’t the primary concern:

  • Willing to pay $174-334 more/year
  • For better customer experience
  • Enhanced physician support

The Honest Truth

Both Hims and Ro are excellent telehealth platforms. The differences are modest:

  • Hims: 5-15% cheaper, more streamlined
  • Ro: Slightly more personalized, higher customer ratings

You can’t go wrong with either. Both offer:

  • High-quality medications
  • Licensed physicians
  • Privacy and discretion
  • Proven effectiveness
  • Excellent customer service

Choose based on priorities:

  • Budget-focused? → Hims
  • Flexibility-focused? → Ro
  • Multi-treatment needs? → Hims
  • Physician relationship priority? → Ro

My Recommendation

For most men: Start with Hims

  • Lower prices matter over time
  • Subscription convenience
  • Excellent service quality
  • Proven track record

For occasional users or those wanting personalized care: Choose Ro

  • Pay-per-dose flexibility
  • Better physician relationships
  • Higher customer satisfaction scores

You can always switch - both platforms make it easy to cancel or pause.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use both platforms?

  • Technically yes, but not recommended for same medication (medication interaction tracking)
  • Could use one for ED, another for hair loss

Which has better customer service?

  • Ro has slightly higher ratings (4.5 vs 4.3)
  • Hims has faster response times (24-48 vs 24-72 hours)

Are the medications really the same quality?

  • Yes, both use FDA-approved generics from licensed US pharmacies
  • Same active ingredients, same manufacturing standards

Can I switch from Hims to Ro or vice versa?

  • Yes, easily
  • Cancel one, sign up for other
  • Bring medical history with you

Which is better for first-time users?

  • Hims: Easier, faster process
  • Ro: More thorough intake, better for those wanting detailed consultation

Do both accept insurance?

  • Neither typically bills insurance for ED/hair loss (considered lifestyle)
  • Some TRT may be covered if medical necessity
  • Both accept HSA/FSA

Final Verdict

Overall Winner: Slight edge to Hims for most users

Why Hims wins:

  • 15-20% lower pricing across most treatments
  • Broader service offerings (includes mental health)
  • Faster customer service response
  • Better overall value

But Ro is excellent for:

  • Occasional/flexible use (pay-per-dose)
  • Personalized physician relationships
  • Users prioritizing care quality over cost

Both are top-tier telehealth platforms. Your choice comes down to:

  • Save money → Hims ($174-334/year savings)
  • Flexible dosing → Ro (pay-per-dose option)
  • Ongoing physician support → Ro (better relationships)
  • Multiple treatments → Hims (most comprehensive)

Can’t decide? Try Hims first for the cost savings. You can always switch to Ro if you prefer their model.

Both Hims and Ro deliver effective, convenient, private men’s health care. Choose based on your priorities, and you’ll be satisfied with either.


Both platforms offer free consultations. Compare for yourself and choose what feels right.

Henrik Johansson

MPH - Health Policy Analyst

Medical review by Dr. Amara Okonkwo, PharmD, BCPS - Clinical Pharmacotherapy Specialist

View full profile →

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