Hone Health vs Hims

Quick Verdict

Hone Health: TRT specialist platform with comprehensive hormone optimization, at-home testing, quarterly monitoring, and dedicated physician oversight. Higher cost ($139-200/month) but specialist-level care.

Hims: Fast, affordable TRT within broader men’s health platform. Generic testosterone injections/creams starting at $79/month with streamlined process. Best for users wanting quick, budget TRT.

Bottom Line: Choose Hone Health for specialist TRT care with comprehensive monitoring ($139-200/month). Choose Hims for affordable, fast TRT within multi-service platform ($79-99/month). Both use licensed physicians and prescription testosterone.

Detailed Comparison

Testing & Diagnosis

Hone Health uses comprehensive at-home hormone testing:

• At-home finger-prick blood test kit ($45, often waived)
• Tests total testosterone, free testosterone, estradiol, SHBG, LH, FSH
• Results in 2-3 days
• 45-60 minute physician consultation to review
• Personalized treatment plan based on full hormone panel
• Ongoing quarterly testing included in treatment
• No lab visits required

Hims requires traditional lab testing:

• Partner with Quest Diagnostics or LabCorp
• In-person lab visit ($50-75 out-of-pocket)
• Tests total testosterone primarily
• Online questionnaire + brief physician review
• Faster approval (often same-day after results)
• Follow-up testing as needed ($50+ per test)

Hone’s at-home testing is more convenient and comprehensive. Hims is faster to start but requires lab visit.

Pricing Comparison

Hone Health pricing includes comprehensive monitoring:

• Testosterone injections: $139-179/month
• Testosterone cream: $179/month
• Includes quarterly hormone testing ($180 value)
• Includes specialized physician consultations
• Includes dose optimization and adjustments
• Total annual cost: $1,668-2,148 (with included testing)

Hims has lower upfront costs:

• Testosterone injections: $79/month
• Testosterone cream: $99/month
• Follow-up testing extra ($50-75 per test)
• Brief physician check-ins included
• Supplies included
• Total annual cost: $948-1,188 (plus $150-300 for recommended testing)

Hims is cheaper month-to-month but Hone includes testing that Hims charges extra for. With recommended quarterly testing, the gap narrows to $40-60/month difference.

Medical Care & Physician Expertise

Hone Health provides TRT specialist care:

• Board-certified physicians specializing in hormone optimization
• 45-60 minute initial consultation
• Comprehensive treatment planning
• Monitors estrogen, SHBG, and other markers
• Adjusts protocol based on full hormone panel
• Quarterly physician review of bloodwork
• Focused on optimal testosterone levels and overall hormone balance

Hims provides general telehealth physician care:

• Licensed physicians (not TRT specialists)
• 15-20 minute consultations
• Streamlined treatment approach
• Focuses primarily on testosterone levels
• As-needed follow-ups
• Standard TRT protocols
• Emphasizes convenience and speed

Hone’s physicians have deeper TRT expertise. Hims physicians follow standard protocols efficiently.

Treatment Options & Customization

Hone Health offers comprehensive TRT options:

• Injectable testosterone (cypionate or enanthate)
• Testosterone cream/gel
• Testosterone pellets (long-acting implants)
• HCG to preserve fertility
• AI (aromatase inhibitors) if needed for estrogen control
• Customized protocols based on individual response
• Flexible dosing adjustments

Hims offers standard TRT options:

• Injectable testosterone cypionate
• Testosterone cream/gel
• Standard protocols (100-200mg/week typical)
• Dose adjustments as needed
• Focus on proven, straightforward treatments

Ongoing Monitoring & Optimization

Hone Health includes comprehensive monitoring:

• Quarterly at-home blood tests (every 3 months)
• Tracks testosterone, estradiol, SHBG, hematocrit, PSA
• Physician review of results with protocol adjustments
• Proactive management of side effects
• Long-term health monitoring (cholesterol, liver function)
• Optimizes for peak performance and health

Hims provides basic monitoring:

• Recommend follow-up testing 3-6 months
• Testing not included ($50-75 per test)
• Physician review available when you order tests
• Reactive adjustments when issues arise
• Focus on maintaining therapeutic testosterone levels

Hone’s included quarterly testing and proactive monitoring is a significant advantage for long-term TRT safety and optimization.

Platform & Experience

Hone Health has medical-focused platform:

• Comprehensive health intake
• Hormone dashboard tracking
• Educational resources on TRT
• Direct messaging with physician team
• Sophisticated but can feel complex
• Focus on medical precision

Hims has consumer-friendly platform:

• Simple, streamlined interface
• Fast ordering and prescription process
• Basic tracking features
• Multi-service hub (ED, hair, etc.)
• Easy-to-use mobile app
• Focus on convenience

Speed to Treatment

Hone Health: 7-10 days typically

• Order at-home test kit (2-3 days)
• Complete test and send back (1 day)
• Results and physician consult (2-3 days)
• Prescription and medication delivery (3-5 days)

Hims: 3-5 days typically

• Schedule lab visit (1-2 days)
• Get tested (same day)
• Results and prescription approval (1 day)
• Medication shipped (2-3 days)

Hims is faster to start treatment. Hone’s at-home testing adds a few days but more convenient overall.

Our Recommendation

Choose Hone Health if you:

• Want TRT specialist physicians
• Value comprehensive hormone optimization (not just T)
• Prefer at-home testing convenience
• Want quarterly monitoring included
• Need customized protocols (fertility preservation, estrogen control)
• Willing to pay $60/month more for specialist care
• Take long-term health seriously

Choose Hims if you:

• Want the most affordable TRT ($79-99/month)
• Prioritize speed and simplicity
• Comfortable with standard TRT protocols
• Don’t mind lab visits for testing
• Want TRT as part of broader men’s health platform
• Already use Hims for ED or hair loss treatment
• Budget is primary concern

Both provide legitimate TRT with licensed physicians and prescription testosterone. Hone Health is the specialist option with comprehensive care. Hims is the fast, affordable option for straightforward TRT. Your choice depends on whether you want specialized hormone optimization or simple, cheap testosterone replacement.

Common Questions

Is Hone Health worth the extra cost?

For many users, yes. Hone includes quarterly testing ($180 annual value), specialist physician consultations (vs general MDs), and comprehensive hormone optimization. If you factor in the cost of testing Hims charges extra for ($200-300/year), Hone’s premium shrinks to $40-60/month. You’re paying for TRT specialist care, better monitoring, and hormone optimization beyond just testosterone. If you want the cheapest possible TRT, choose Hims. If you want optimal results and long-term health, Hone is worth it.

Can I get the same testosterone medication from both?

Yes, both prescribe FDA-approved testosterone cypionate for injections and testosterone cream/gel. The medication is identical - 200mg/mL testosterone cypionate from licensed U.S. pharmacies. The difference is medical oversight, monitoring, and customization, not the drug itself. You’ll achieve similar testosterone levels on either platform if dosed appropriately.

Which is better for first-time TRT users?

Hone Health is better for TRT beginners because specialist physicians explain the process thoroughly, monitor more markers (estrogen, SHBG), and catch/prevent side effects early. The 45-60 minute initial consultation educates you properly. Hims works for experienced TRT users who know what to expect and just need affordable medication access. Starting TRT is complex - specialist guidance helps avoid common mistakes.

Do I need quarterly testing if I’m on stable TRT?

Yes, quarterly testing (every 3 months) is medical best practice for TRT, especially the first year. You need to monitor testosterone levels, estrogen, hematocrit (blood thickness), PSA (prostate), and liver function. Annual testing minimum, quarterly is ideal. Hone includes this; Hims requires you to order separately. Long-term TRT without proper monitoring risks cardiovascular issues, prostate problems, and hormone imbalances.

Can I switch from Hims to Hone (or vice versa)?

Yes, easily. Both allow cancellation anytime. Bring your current prescription and recent lab results to your new provider consultation. Many users start with Hone for the specialist onboarding and monitoring, then switch to Hims once stable to save money. Or start with Hims for fast, cheap TRT, then switch to Hone if you need better optimization or monitoring.

Which has better customer service?

Hone Health has more responsive, medically-focused support because they’re TRT-only. Hims has larger support team handling multiple services, which can mean longer response times but more comprehensive FAQ resources. For medical questions, Hone’s direct physician access is superior. For billing/logistics questions, both are adequate.