Guide · Updated 2026

Hims vs. Ro for GLP-1s

Two of the biggest US telehealth brands, two very different personalities. Here's how they actually compare when your goal is weight loss.

Couple comparing telehealth GLP-1 provider options on a laptop

TL;DR: Ro is the better fit if you want branded Wegovy or Zepbound, want to use insurance, and value a structured medical program. Hims is the better fit if you want a slick app experience, cash-pay compounded semaglutide, and lower friction on intake. Both are legitimate, US-based, and physician-supervised.

At a glance

	Hims	Ro
Founded	2017	2017
GLP-1 launch	2024 (compounded)	2023 (branded + compounded)
Model	App-first, async	Structured membership, ongoing physician oversight
Medications	Compounded semaglutide (oral + injectable); limited branded	Wegovy, Zepbound, Mounjaro, Ozempic; compounded
Insurance	Limited	Yes for branded drugs
Membership fee	Included in drug price	$145/mo
Starting price	~$199/mo (oral compounded)	Varies — insurance copay to $600+ cash
Refund policy	Prorated	Prorated

Where Hims wins

User experience. The app is polished, onboarding is fast, and the intake takes ~10 minutes.
Cash-pay compounded price. Oral compounded kits start around $199/mo — cheaper than most competitors.
Brand comfort. If you've used Hims for anything else (hair loss, ED, mental health), the account carries over.
Discreet. Packaging and communication are neutral — good for people who don't want a "weight-loss clinic" vibe.

Where Ro wins

Branded medication access. Better systems for prescribing and fulfilling Wegovy, Zepbound, and Mounjaro.
Insurance handling. Actively runs prior authorizations for eligible patients.
Physician oversight. Regular check-ins, dose escalations, and side-effect management built into the program.
Care depth. Includes coaching, nutrition guidance, and progress tracking as standard features.

Where they're the same

Both use US-licensed clinicians and US-licensed pharmacies.
Both cover ~48+ states.
Both allow pause/cancel with prorated refunds.
Both include shipping in the price.
Neither ships internationally.

Which one to pick

Insurance covers Wegovy or Zepbound: Ro.
Cash-pay, want cheapest compounded semaglutide: Hims.
Want structured medical program with regular check-ins: Ro.
Prefer minimal-touch, app-first experience: Hims.
Have T2D and need diabetes-focused care: Ro — better clinical infrastructure.

FAQ

Is Hims or Ro cheaper for GLP-1?

Depends on the drug. Hims's compounded semaglutide starts around $199/mo. Ro's cash compounded is similar; Ro's branded program is typically slightly higher because it includes a stronger physician-oversight layer.

Which one takes insurance?

Ro is more insurance-friendly for branded Wegovy, Zepbound, Mounjaro, and Ozempic. Hims has more limited insurance integration and leans cash-pay.

Do you talk to a real doctor?

Both use US-licensed clinicians. Ro's model is more structured with routine check-ins. Hims is more app-first and asynchronous.

Which one ships faster?

Comparable — both typically deliver within 3–7 business days after approval.

Can I get Zepbound through Hims or Ro?

Ro yes, both cash and insurance. Hims has more limited branded tirzepatide access; check current formulary.

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Educational content, not medical advice. Talk to a licensed clinician before starting or changing any medication.