Hims vs. Rocket RX for ED 2024: How Do They Compare?

In the old days, getting a prescription for erectile dysfunction medication wasn’t simple. You had to make an appointment weeks in advance, take time out of your day to travel there, have an awkward talk with your doctor, and then head to your local pharmacy.

Thanks to telehealth platforms like Hims, Rocket Rx, Roman, and BlueChew, it’s more convenient than ever to access prescription ED medications, including sildenafil citrate (generic Viagra®) and tadalafil (generic Cialis®) if you’re deemed eligible by a healthcare provider.

In this article, we’ll compare the similarities and differences between Rocket Rx and Hims, two platforms that focus on men’s health issues like erectile dysfunction (ED) and hair loss. We’ll cover products, pricing, accessibility, and more.

Whether you’ve been dealing with erectile dysfunction for some time or you’re just beginning to notice symptoms, we’ll answer all your pressing questions, like:

• How do these telehealth platforms work?

• Do Rocket Rx and Hims offer access to the same medications?

• Are the medications approved by the Food and Drug Administration?

• How do the subscription models compare?

Keep reading to learn more and choose the option that feels right to you.

Before connecting with a healthcare provider, Hims and Rocket Rx require you to complete an online intake form about your current ED symptoms and medical history.

According to its website, the Rocket Rx intake form is short and can be completed in two minutes.

The Hims intake form may take slightly longer as you have more opportunities to share specific information about your health history and treatment preferences. Before you send us your completed intake form for a medical review, you can choose which medications you’re interested in (along with pricing details for each) to streamline the prescribing process.

Filling out the online intake form allows your assigned healthcare provider to establish your health profile and determine the best treatment plan for your needs.

Your health profile at Hims is beneficial if you are experiencing other medical issues beyond ED. Since we offer access to several products and compounded formulas, your healthcare provider can use the information to create an individualized plan.

Sharing your medical history is also important because it helps us determine if ED medication is safe for you. Both Hims and Rocket Rx ask questions about your blood pressure, heart health, and current medicine regimen to avoid serious side effects.

Once a medical provider at Hims or Rocket Rx reviews your intake form, they’ll let you know if you’re eligible for treatment. This may take up to 24 hours.

In most cases, the intake form and messaging with your provider are sufficient for them to determine if you’re a suitable candidate for ED medication. But different states have different requirements, so you may be required to have a phone call or video visit with a healthcare provider before receiving your prescription if you live in one of these states:

• Alaska

• Arkansas

• Washington D.C. 

• Kansas

• Mississippi

• New Mexico

• North Dakota

• Oklahoma

• Rhode Island

• Vermont

• West Virginia

Hims is available in all 50 states, as well as Washington D.C. The platform is also available in the U.K. with similar treatment options.

Rocket Rx is available in select states: Alaska, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

When it comes to who’s reviewing your intake form, Hims requires our medical providers to go through a rigorous vetting process when onboarded, including licensing verification and ongoing training.

Limited information about some of Rocket Rx’s licensed providers is accessible on its website.

The most popular FDA-approved medications for ED are PDE5 inhibitors. These treatments increase blood flow to the penis to help you get and maintain longer-lasting erections. Both Hims and Rocket Rx provide access to these types of medications if you’re deemed eligible for treatment.

They include:

• Sildenafil. You may know sildenafil as Viagra, the first-ever FDA-approved medication for erectile dysfunction. Though it’s chemically the same as Viagra, sildenafil is considerably less expensive because it’s a generic medication. Sildenafil should be taken as needed before having sex.

• Tadalafil. Better known as Cialis, tadalafil is another generic medication that is more affordable than its brand-name counterpart. Like sildenafil, tadalafil improves blood flow to the penis for better erections, but tadalafil can be taken daily or as needed because it works for up to 36 hours. Sildenafil has a shorter half-life and only works for around four hours. Some people prefer daily tadalafil because it allows them to have more spontaneous sex.

Though Rocket Rx and Hims help eligible patients cut costs by providing access to generic medications, full product lines differ regarding other treatments available, dosage options, and more.

Generic vs. Brand Name ED Pills: Rocket Rx vs. Hims

The main difference between generic medications like sildenafil and tadalafil and brand-name Viagra and Cialis is the price tag. Even though the active ingredients are the same, the brand-name medications run more expensive. While paying less may appeal to some customers, others may simply prefer the brand-name version.

For this reason, Hims offers access to brand-name Viagra and Cialis in addition to generic sildenafil and tadalafil if you’re eligible for treatment.

However, Rocket Rx offers only the generic versions of Viagra and Cialis.

If you’re eligible, Hims also provides access to PDE5 inhibitor Stendra®. Stendra contains the active ingredient avanafil. Stendra works faster than sildenafil and tadalafil, in as little as 15 to 30 minutes, and its effects last up to six hours.

Form Factors and Flavors: Hims vs. Rocket Rx

Another difference between Hims and Rocket Rx is that we offer access to various formulations and flavors in addition to standard flavorless pills.

These products include:

• Hard Mints. Hims Hard Mints are chewable ED treatments that contain sildenafil or tadalafil in varying dosages (or a combination of both + vitamin B12). Packaged in a discreet tin case, these hard mints come in two flavors: wintergreen mint or wintergreen mint + lemon flavor. 

• Sex Chews. Sex Chews are also chewable ED medications that contain personalized dosages of tadalafil or sildenafil (or tadalafil + sildenafil + vitamin B12). They’re available in three flavors: berry, lemon, and berry + lemon.

Rocket Rx medications are standard tablets with no added flavors.

Other Compounded Products from Hims vs. Rocket Rx

Hims and Rocket RX offer single-ingredient products like sildenafil and tadalafil, but we also provide access to compounded products with one or more active ingredients to address multiple symptoms beyond ED if you’re eligible for treatment. Compounded medications contain the same active ingredients as brand-name medications, though they are not approved by the FDA.

Erectile dysfunction can often be a sign of another health issue like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or cardiovascular disease. It can also occur alongside other problems like premature ejaculation (PE) or hair loss. Compounded products allow you to treat multiple issues at once, simplifying your daily regimen. If you are interested in treating multiple health conditions at once and are determined eligible by a provider, these products can save you time and money from having to refill various prescriptions at your local pharmacy.

In addition to Hard Mints and Sex Chews, which may combine sildenafil and tadalafil, other compounded sexual health products you can find on our platform include:

• Sex Rx + Climax Control. Research shows that erectile dysfunction is the single greatest risk factor for premature ejaculation. Sex Rx + Climax Control contains prescription tadalafil for ED and fluoxetine (the active ingredient in Prozac®), which is commonly prescribed off-label for premature ejaculation. The 2-in-1 treatment is taken daily for better erections and longer-lasting sex, giving you more control over your body and sex life.

• Sex Rx + Hair Hero. Not enough research shows that hair loss and ED are directly linked, but they can occur together, especially as you age. Sex Rx + Hair Hero contains tadalafil alongside minoxidil or finasteride, two of the most common oral medications for hair loss.

• ED + Heart Health. Studies show that ED is present in more than 50 percent of men with a history of cardiovascular disease. ED + Heart Health is a compounded medication that can improve erections and support cardiovascular health. The 2-in-1 medication contains tadalafil for ED and atorvastatin (the active ingredient in Lipitor®). Atorvastatin is often prescribed to lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart attacks in those with a known history of heart disease.

Dosage Options: Rocket Rx vs. Hims

Both Rocket Rx and Hims offer multiple dosage strengths for daily and as-needed ED medications. At Hims, dosages are personalized based on the customer's exact needs and preferences. Providers can customize dosages to ensure patients get the most appropriate treatment plan.

If you’re prescribed one of our compounded products, like Hard Mints or Sex Chews, your healthcare provider will help determine the most efficient dosage based on your unique needs. They’ll also ensure that the medication fits your preferences regarding formulation and flavor.

Rocket Rx does not offer personalized dosages or compounded formulas.

Health Products Beyond ED: Hims vs. Rocket Rx

While both Hims and Rocket Rx provide access to prescription medications for erectile dysfunction and hair loss after a consultation with a provider to determine eligibility, Hims offers access to a more extensive array of over-the-counter and prescription products for health issues beyond ED.

These include:

• Over-the-counter and prescription medication for premature ejaculation (Rocket Rx is slated to launch PE treatments soon)

• Weight loss medications

• Mental health treatments

• Wellness supplements

• Sex toys, including penis rings and male vibrators that support better erections

• Condoms (including condoms that help delay climax)

• Personal lubricants

Hims and Rocket Rx specialize in men’s health issues. Hims also has a partner brand called Hers geared towards women’s health.

By providing eligible patients access to generic medications for ED, Rocket Rx and Hims are more affordable than online pharmacies that only offer brand-name ED treatments.

Pricing varies by brand and product. For example, Hims daily use tadalafil starts at $32 per month, whereas Rocket Rx daily tadalafil starts at $37.50 per month. Hims offers more shipping frequencies, which lowers the price of your medication if you choose a longer subscription. We’ll go into more detail about shipping frequencies and subscription options below.

For Daily Use

At Hims, daily tadalafil costs $32 per month with a 12-month subscription. Your annual cost works out to $384. There are also options for monthly ($79/month), every three months ($49/month), and every six months ($39/month).

At Rocket Rx, daily tadalafil costs $37.50 monthly with a three-month subscription. If you choose to renew, your annual cost works out to $450. There are also monthly ($60/month) and every two months ($45) options.

Rocket Rx also offers one-time purchases, which may appeal to those who do not want to commit to a subscription. Hims does not offer this option, but you will save more with us in the long run if you choose the longest subscription route.

Before Sex Options

Again, pricing varies by brand depending on the product, dosage, and subscription. But here’s a quick breakdown of how sildenafil pricing differs the longer you commit:

Hims:

• Pricing: $4 to $6.50 per use.

• Dosage Options: Choose from 4x, 6x, 8x, 10x, 12x, 14x, or 16x doses per month.

• Subscription Options: Monthly, three-month, six-month, or annual subscriptions. The longer the subscription, the more you save.

• Example Cost: If you choose 8 doses per month at 50 mg (the typical starting dose), it costs $4 per use with the annual subscription. With a monthly subscription, the cost bumps up to $6.50 per use for 8 tablets. With a three-month subscription, it’s $5.50 per use.

Rocket Rx:

• Pricing: $1.50 to $5.50 per use.

• Dosage Options: Choose from 8x, 16x, 24x, 32x, or 64x doses per month.

• Subscription Options: Monthly, two-month, three-month subscriptions, or one-time purchases.

• Example Cost: The lowest price ($1.50) is only available if you purchase 64 tablets at the low dosage of 25 mg. If you want 8 doses per month at 50 mg, it costs $4.50 per use if you opt for a one-time purchase or monthly subscription. If you choose the three-month subscription (the longest subscription), it’s $3.50 per use for 24 tablets. There is no annual subscription.

Extra Savings on Compounded Medications

At Hims, we also offer access to 2-in-1 and 3-in-1 compounded medications if a healthcare provider determines your eligibility, so you can address multiple symptoms at once without having to pay for various prescriptions. With personalized dosage strengths and dosing options per month, you have more flexibility over your treatment plan to make it work best for you.

Neither Rocket Rx nor Hims takes insurance, so all costs are out of pocket. However, your medication expenses may qualify for reimbursement if you have an FSA or HSA plan. 

Rocket Rx and Hims have a few similarities when it comes to shipping:

• Free shipping (in select locations for Rocket Rx)

• Discreet packaging

While Hims ships anywhere within the United States, including Washington D.C., Rocket Rx products are only available in select U.S. states.

Rocket Rx and Hims both allow you to place your prescription order online and connect with a provider, but there are a few differences regarding customer service:

At Hims, we offer:

• An app/online portal to adjust your treatment plan and message your provider

• A live chat function

• 24/7 customer support

• Unlimited, free follow-up messaging between patients and providers 

Rocket Rx does not have an app, but they do offer:

• Customer support Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET

• Messaging ability via text, phone, and email

Using a telehealth platform like Rocket Rx or Hims helps you get the medical care you need without the hassle. By offering access to generic versions of well-known brand-name ED medications, you can upgrade your sex life without leaving home after a consultation with a healthcare provider.

While both telehealth platforms offer access to some of the same types of medications, there are some key differences to consider when deciding which one to use:

• Product Range. Both Rocket Rx and Hims offer eligible patients access to generic Viagra and Cialis as well as popular hair loss medications. Hims also provides eligible patients access to brand-name ED medications and compounded medications to treat multiple health issues at once (heart health, premature ejaculation, hair loss, etc.)

• Formulations. Hims offers access to chewable ED treatments like our Hard Mints and Sex Chews with multiple flavors if you’re deemed eligible for treatment. Rocket Rx only offers standard tablets.

• Dosage Options. Both Hims and Rocket Rx offer various dosage strengths and dosing options, allowing your provider to design a customized treatment plan. However, Hims has more dosage options and personalized dosages in our compounded medications.

• Availability. You can order from the Hims platform in all 50 states, as well as Washington D.C. The Hims platform is also available in the U.K. Rocket Rx is limited to select U.S. states.

• Shipping Flexibility. Hims provides a broader range of shipping frequencies compared to Rocket Rx. However, Rocket Rx allows one-time purchases.

• Customer Support. Both companies have online access to providers, but Hims has 24/7 customer support, unlimited messaging with providers, and live chat functionality through the Hims app.

• Cost. Pricing is comparable on the Rocket Rx and Hims platforms, with dosage options starting under $2 per day. Rocket Rx offers a lower cost per use for as-needed medications. However, Hims offers more subscription options. In addition, compounded medications may help eligible patients save time and money by treating multiple symptoms at once.

Want to learn more about Hims offerings for ED and other sexual health issues? Connect with a healthcare professional to get a recommendation today.

Quick note: This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice nor endorsement of one brand over another.