Hims vs. Roman: Products, Services, Prices, and Reviews

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ED and hair loss are common health issues, with ED commonly affecting males over the age of 40 years and hair loss due to hormonal changes occurring in up to 50% of males.

Both ED and hair loss can cause emotional distress, but there is a range of prescription treatments available for both conditions.

Hims and Roman offer these treatments to order online.

This article discusses both brands, the products they offer, and how to order, and answers some frequently asked questions.

Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and was correct at the time of publication.

Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.

Hims and Roman are both telehealth companies that provide prescription and nonprescription treatments for various conditions. They typically market their products to males.

The table below provides an overview of both brands. Prices are correct as of April 2023.

Hims began operating in 2017 and is headquartered in San Francisco. The company sells prescription and nonprescription treatments geared primarily toward males, including treatments for ED, hair loss, and PE. Hims has a sister company, Hers, which sells female health products.

Hims also sells skin care products, including those for aging support, wrinkles, and acne, and various medication treatments for mental health conditions. Hims also provides psychiatry assessments and individual and group therapy sessions.

Hims is a subscription company, and people receive their treatment every month or once every 3 months.

Before making an order from Hims, a person might consider the advantages and disadvantages of the service.

Hims pros and cons

Learn more about Hims.

New York-based company Roman also launched in 2017. The company sells prescription and nonprescription treatments for ED, hair loss, and PE.

In addition, Roman offers treatments for skin conditions such as eczema and excessive sweating. It also sells various daily health supplements, including multivitamins and products for testosterone support, stress relief, and prostate health.

Roman is also a subscription company. People will receive their treatment on demand, monthly, or every 3 months.

Before making an order from Roman, a person might consider the following advantages and disadvantages.

Roman pros and cons

Online customer reviews are mixed for Hims and Roman. Learn more about the reputation of both brands below.

Hims

Hims has an accredited page with the BBB. At the time of publishing, the BBB gave the company an A+ grade. However, customer reviews averaged 1.08 out of 5 stars.

Reviews praising Hims mention quick responses when problems occurred with orders. However, neutral and negative reviews mention difficulty canceling subscriptions, canceled appointments, and slow responses from doctors.

Reviewers on Trustpilot gave Hims an average rating of 3.9 out of 5 stars. Here, 69% of the 1,344 reviews are 5 stars.

Customers mention professional and respectful service from doctors and effective medication. However, critical reviews state customers were being charged after canceling orders, and shipping times were slower than advertised.

Positive reviews frequently mention the service’s convenience and knowledgeable doctors. Negative reviews report poor communication with customer service staff and difficulty canceling subscriptions.

Roman

Roman has accreditation with the BBB. At the time of publishing, the organization gave the company an B+ grade.

However, customer reviews on the BBB website gave Roman an average rating of 1.75 stars out of 5.

At the time of publishing, there are 12 reviews on BBB. Critical reviews mention late deliveries and undelivered medication. However, positive reviews state that the company’s vitamins and ED medications are effective, and deliveries were fast.

Trustpilot reviews average at 2.1 stars out of 5, although there are only 11 reviews on this page. At the time of publishing, 91% of the reviews on Trustpilot rated Roman 1 out of 5 stars.

Reviews mention slow delivery times that do not match company claims, significant price increases, and difficulties in contacting customer support teams.

Hims and Roman offer similar prescription medication for ED.

Learn more about the different ED treatments available.

Hims ED

Hims has the following ED treatments available:

Viagra

• Price range: from $139 per use
• Prescription needed: yes
• FDA approved: yes

This product is branded sildenafil. Its active ingredient is sildenafil citrate. It is a well-known and very established ED drug.

Sildenafil

• Price range: from $3 per use
• Prescription needed: yes
• FDA approved: yes

This PDE5 inhibitor helps people get and maintain an erection by increasing blood flow to the penis. It is the generic version of Viagra and contains the same active ingredient. Hims claims it is the company’s most popular ED treatment as it is 95% cheaper than its branded equivalent.

Cialis

• Price range: from $958 per month
• Prescription needed: yes
• FDA approved: yes

This branded product is another PDE5 inhibitor. It is the branded version of tadalafil. People can take it once a day for people who want ongoing support with ED. It means people do not have to plan ahead and take medication before sex — the drug will deliver erection support as they need it.

Tadalafil

• price range: from $82 per month
• prescription needed: yes
• FDA approved: yes

Tadalafil is the generic version of Cialis. People can take it as needed, and according to Hims, its effects can last for up to 36 hours. While it is more affordable than branded Cialis through Hims, people will need to plan ahead and take it at the right time before sex.

Stendra

• Price range: from $53 per use
• Prescription needed: yes
• FDA approved: yes

This is another PDE5 inhibitor and one that Roman does not offer. Its active ingredient is avanafil, but Hims does not offer a generic version.

This drug can be effective 15 minutes after a person takes it.

Roman ED

Roman sells the following ED treatment:

Viagra

• Price range: from $90 per dose
• Prescription needed: yes
• FDA approved: yes

Roman sells Viagra in 25, 50, and 100 milligrams (mg) strengths. They all cost $90 per dose.

Roman states 50 mg is its customers’ favorite strength.

Sildenafil

• Price range: from $4 per dose
• Prescription needed: yes
• FDA approved: yes

The generic version of Viagra, sildenafil works in the same way for a much lower price per dose. It comes in 25, 50, and 100 mg options at $4, $6, and $10 per dose, respectively.

Hims also recommends sildenafil for PE.

Cialis

• Price range: from $20 per dose
• Prescription needed: yes
• FDA approved: yes

From Roman, Cialis comes in 5, 10, and 20 mg strengths. 5 mg doses cost $20 per pill, while 10 and 20 mg doses cost $80.

Tadalafil

• Price range: from $11
• Prescription needed: yes
• FDA approved: yes

With the same active ingredient as Cialis, tadalafil is a more affordable, generic as-and-when option. It comes in 5, 10, and 20 mg strengths and costs between $11 and $44.

Daily Generic Cialis

• Price range: from $8
• Prescription needed: yes
• FDA approved: yes

People should take this tadalafil drug daily. Both doses, 2.5 and 5 mg, cost $8 per pill.

Hims and Roman sell prescription and nonprescription treatments for hair loss.

Hims hair loss

Hims sells the following prescription hair loss treatments:

Oral finasteride

• Price range: from $22 per month
• Prescription needed: yes
• FDA approved: yes

This pill may help prevent new hair loss by preventing testosterone from converting to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Higher levels of DHT can prevent new hair growth.

Minoxidil Solution or Foam

• Price range: from $15 a month
• Prescription needed: yes
• FDA approved: yes

Minoxidil (Rogaine) is another treatment that may help prevent hair loss. This medication encourages hair to remain in the growing stage and prevents hair from falling out of the follicles.

Hims offers minoxidil in a foam or solution. The foam may be easier to apply and Hims claims it can show results within 3–6 months. However, it is more expensive at $20–30 per bottle.

The minoxidil solution is best suited to the crown of the head, according to Hims. It costs $15 per bottle.

Topical finasteride and minoxidil spray

• Price range: no price listed
• Prescription needed: yes
• FDA approved: no

This spray combines finasteride and minoxidil to provide the benefits of both FDA-approved medications. However, this spray is not FDA-approved.

Instructions advise people to spray this onto their hair once a day and they may see results within 3–6 months.

Thick Fix Thickening Shampoo and Conditioner

• Price range: from $19 per bottle
• Prescription needed: no
• FDA approved: no

Hims’ Thickening Shampoo uses saw palmetto, which research suggests is a potential natural treatment for hair loss. However, more research is needed, and this shampoo may only make hair appear thicker.

The Thickening Conditioner costs $22 a bottle. It uses niacinamide to hydrate the hair. It makes hair appear fuller and feel softer.

Roman hair loss

Roman has the following hair loss treatments available:

Oral finasteride

• Price range: $20 a month
• Prescription needed: yes
• FDA approved: yes

Finasteride is the generic name for the branded drug Propecia. It can help slow hair loss.

Topical minoxidil

• Price range: $16 a month
• Prescription needed: yes
• FDA approved: yes

Roman recommends this topical treatment for the crown of the head. It may help regrow hair.

Oral minoxidil

• Price range: $30 a month
• Prescription needed: yes
• FDA approved: no

While minoxidil is FDA-approved, oral minoxidil is considered an off-label use of the drug. This means the FDA has not approved it in this form for hair loss.

It contains the same ingredients as topical minoxidil but may cause different side effects, such as low blood pressure and leg swelling, according to Roman.

Finasteride and minoxidil

• Price range: $35 per month
• Prescription needed: yes
• FDA approved: yes

This pack combines oral finasteride and topical minoxidil. This provides a person with the benefits of both drugs: finasteride can slow hair loss, while minoxidil can help regrow hair.

Both Hims and Roman also sell treatments for PE, including wipes and sprays.

Hims premature ejaculation

Hims offers prescription and nonprescription treatment for PE.

Climax Delay Spray

• Price range: $31 per bottle
• Prescription needed: no
• FDA approved: no

Climax Delay Spray is a nonprescription desensitizing product that people can spray on their penis to delay ejaculation. It uses lidocaine, which is a local anesthetic.

Hims also offers the antidepressant sertraline to treat PE.

Climax Delay Wipes

• Price range: $19 per wipe
• Prescription needed: no
• FDA approved: no

Climax Delay Wipes work in a similar way to the spray. Each wipe contains benzocaine, which is a local anesthetic generally used for pain, to reduce sensation and delay orgasm. They may be a less messy way to use topical PE products.

Learn more about PE wipes.

Antidepressants

• Price range: $24 a month
• Prescription needed: yes
• FDA approved: not for PE

Hims offers two antidepressants as off-label treatments for PE. These include sertraline and paroxetine.

Antidepressants are known to reduce libido, which may help a person delay ejaculation. However, they can also cause ED.

While these medications are FDA-approved to treat anxiety and depression, Hims offers these antidepressants for off-label use to treat PE.

Roman premature ejaculation

Roman’s prescription and nonprescription treatments for PE include:

Roman Swipes

• Price range: from $22 per month
• Prescription needed: no
• FDA approved: no

Roman Swipes is a desensitizing product that people can wipe onto their penis to help delay ejaculation. It uses 4% benzocaine.

The FDA has not approved spray benzocaine products. Each box contains eight single-use wipes.

Sertraline

• Price range: from $0.80 per dose
• Prescription needed: no
• FDA approved: not for PE

Roman offers one antidepressant option for PE: sertraline. People must take this medication daily and be aware that it can cause serious side effects.

A person can order nonprescription products directly from the Hims and Roman websites, but getting prescription medication requires a few extra steps.

Getting Hims prescription treatments

To order a prescription treatment, people must create an account with Hims and discuss their symptoms with a licensed healthcare professional. This consultation takes place online.

If the healthcare professional finds that medication is suitable, they can write a prescription. Hims then ships the medication to the person in discreet packaging. The shipping is free, and the package arrives in 2–5 business days.

Hims offers free consultations and ongoing care. However, insurance companies do not cover the costs of these services.

Getting Roman prescription treatments

To order prescription treatment, a person completes an online questionnaire about their medical history and symptoms and uploads a photo of their ID.

A healthcare professional reviews this questionnaire to determine the best approach and writes a prescription, if necessary.

Roman offers follow-up appointments at no extra cost. Insurance companies do not cover the costs of these sessions or treatments.

The company offers free shipping in discreet packaging. Roman writes that people will receive their packages 2–4 days after ordering, although all orders qualify for 2-day shipping at no extra cost.

Hims and Roman both offer similar services and products. Below, we provide a more in-depth comparison of the two companies.

Price

Roman has a pricing page on its website for all products, whereas Hims lists some prices but not others.

The table below shows how Hims and Roman compare on prices for treatments for ED, hair loss, and PE.

Prices are correct as of April 2023.

Products and conditions

In addition to ED, hair loss, and PE treatments, Hims also offers the following:

• Skin care: This includes pro-aging support, acne creams, and basic skin care products.
• Allergies: Hims treats seasonal allergies, hay fever, itchy eyes, and sinus congestion.
• Infections: Treatments for ringworm, jock itch, athlete’s foot, yeast infections, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and more are available from Hims.
• Anxiety and depression: Various antidepressant medications are available following a consultation.
• Therapy and support groups: Hims offers online counseling with licensed therapists for $99 per session and online, anonymous support groups.

Roman offers these additional products:

• Cold sores and genital herpes: Roman offers the antiviral valacyclovir.
• Daily supplements: Roman can provide a men’s multivitamin and daily supplements for heart health, testosterone support, stress relief, and prostate health.
• Allergies: Various anti-allergy medications are available starting at $19 per month.
• Eczema: Prescription triamcinolone cream is available on a quarterly plan.
• Excessive sweating: A topical prescription solution is available for individuals who sweat excessively, which is known as hyperhidrosis.
• Mental health: Roman offers treatments for depression, anxiety, and seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
• Weight management: Roman offers a prescription of Plenity, which it states is the only FDA-approved weight management tool made from natural building blocks.

Consultations

Both companies offer initial consultations and ongoing appointments at no extra cost.

Subscription, delivery, and insurance

Both companies offer monthly or quarterly subscriptions. Roman also allows people to buy certain products on demand.

Hims and Roman offer free delivery in discreet packaging.

Neither service accepts insurance.

Hims and Roman provide safety information for all products. Below is an overview of some of the potential side effects a person may experience when taking medication from Hims or Roman.

Side effects of ED medication

Some common side effects of ED medication include:

• headaches
• nasal congestion
• sensitivity to light

Additionally, the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) recommends that a person seek medical attention if their ED medication causes a prolonged erection or they experience vision or hearing loss.

Side effects of hair loss medication

Both Roman and Hims supply finasteride for hair loss. Some common side effects of finasteride include:

• ED
• decrease in ejaculate volume
• increase in the risk of high-grade prostate cancer

If a person takes any other medication, they should inform the healthcare professional during their consultation. Certain drugs can interact with other medications, which can lead to potentially life threatening conditions.

For example, people who take nitrates and PDE5 inhibitors for ED have an increased risk of developing potentially serious low blood pressure.

A person can consider the following telehealth companies as alternatives to Hims and Roman:

• Keeps: Keeps offers hair loss treatments including oral finasteride, minoxidil solution and foam, ketoconazole shampoo, and a range of thickening shampoos, conditioners, and other hair products. Prices start at $10 per month, depending on the treatment a person chooses. Learn more about Keeps.
• Lemonaid: Lemonaid provides a similar range of products to Hims and Roman, including treatments for ED, PE, and hair loss. Prices start at $2 for Lemonaid ED medication, $1 for PE treatment, and $60 for a 3-month supply of hair loss treatments. Learn more about Lemonaid.

Below are some common questions about telehealth companies and ED and hair loss treatment.

Are there any other treatments for ED?

The NIDDK says there may be alternative treatments to medication for ED. It recommends some lifestyle changes, such as stopping smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, and staying physically active.

People may also consider other treatments, such as vacuum erectile devices, to help them achieve and maintain an erection. People should discuss all treatment options with their doctor.

Learn about other natural ways to treat ED.

Are there any other ways to prevent hair loss?

There are many treatments available for hair loss, including:

• Hair transplant: This procedure involves a surgeon moving healthy hair from another part of the scalp to an area with thinning hair.
• Platelet-rich plasma: This treatment involves taking blood from a person, separating the plasma from the blood, and injecting the plasma into the scalp.
• Laser devices: Some companies sell laser devices for home use that may help encourage hair growth. People should only buy products that the FDA has approved.

Learn more about how to treat hair loss.

Are online pharmacies safe?

The FDA states that a safe, legal pharmacy always requires a prescription from a licensed doctor and has a physical address and telephone number within the United States.

Pharmacies should also have a license to operate in the state where they do business and have a state-licensed pharmacist to answer customer queries.

The FDA lists online pharmacies to avoid on its website.

Is Roman the same as Hims?

Roman and Hims are both telehealth companies that offer online consultations with healthcare professionals who can prescribe medications for several health conditions.

However, different companies own and operate Roman and Hims. People should consider which brand offers the medication at the price they find most acceptable before choosing which company to use.

Does Hims make you last longer?

Hims offers PE products, such as climax delay sprays and wipes. These products can help a person have sex for longer before ejaculating.

Which is better, BlueChew or Roman?

Blue Chew and Roman are both telehealth companies that offer prescription medication for ED.

Roman sells treatments for hair loss, mental health, skin care, and a range of sexual and primary care concerns. By comparison, Blue Chew only sells three ED medications: sildenafil, tadalafil, and vardenafil. All these products are sold in a chewable form, which is not an FDA-approved form of these drugs.

What does Hims prescribe to last longer?

Hims sells two prescription medications to address PE. These medications are sertraline and paroxetine, which are a type of antidepressant called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Research has shown SSRIs can help prevent PE.

Hims and Roman are telehealth companies that sell health products for males. Some options include prescription ED medication, hair loss and PE treatments, and nonprescription general health products.

Both companies offer consultations and follow-up appointments with healthcare professionals to discuss prescriptions and any side effects. Reporting any side effects is important.