Ro vs. Hims for ED in 2025: a comparison guide

If you’re one of the 50 million men dealing with erectile dysfunction (ED), you’re probably not jazzed about finding time to meet with a healthcare provider to get treatment, especially if you have to take time off work to meet in person. 

That’s where telehealth platforms like Ro (formerly Roman) and Hims come in.

Telehealth has revolutionized the way people access healthcare, making it easier to quickly see a licensed provider from the comfort of your own home. Today, four in ten people have used a telehealth service like Hims or Ro in the past year.

At first glance, Ro and Hims may seem similar, but our review reveals some key differences between Hims’ vs. Ro’s offerings for ED treatment. This guide compares Ro vs. Hims to help you determine which platform best fits your needs.

Note: This article is Ro-sponsored content intended for informational purposes only. It should not be taken as medical advice. If you have any questions or concerns about your condition or treatment, please talk to your healthcare provider.

Ro and Hims offer FDA-approved and compounded medications for erectile dysfunction treatment. However, they differ in how they approach the patient experience. Ro provides a broader range of form factors—like sublingual, gummy, and tablet options—that can be personalized based on patient preferences and use cases, while Hims' website shows that it provides a variety of ingredient combinations. Of note, compounded medications are not FDA-approved, but may be prescribed when a patient’s needs cannot be met by a commercially available drug or during shortages. 

Ro Sparks is a great option for patients who need a fast-acting medication or one that doesn’t need to be swallowed. Sparks is a dissolvable tablet with 55 mg sildenafil and 22 mg tadalafil. Another non-pill option, but for daily use, is Ro Daily Rise Gummies, which contain 7 mg of tadalafil. Ro offers consistency and transparency for those with patient needs that can’t be met by standard ED medications and want to know what they’re taking. While Hims offers various formulations, some of which include tadalafil, the exact dosage isn’t always clearly disclosed on the website before starting the online visit. 

In addition to differences in overall approach, the two platforms also vary in the specific features of their ED treatments. As an example, take the as-needed, personalized medications, Ro Sparks vs. Hims Mints. Sparks is a fast-acting dissolvable lozenge designed to absorb directly into the bloodstream, typically kicking in around 15 minutes on average,  after it dissolves. Hims has chewable as-needed Mints that work more like traditional oral medications, and which Hims states may take 30 to 60 minutes to take effect, depending on the formulation.

Ro offers one of the only prescription ED gummies currently on the market. Daily Rise Gummies with tadalafil are designed to be taken once daily to help men stay ready around the clock, which is ideal for those who prefer spontaneity over timing doses.

Beyond the medications, Ro emphasizes a streamlined, supportive experience with transparent pricing, unlimited provider follow-ups, and flexible subscription options.

Read on for more detailed information about Ro vs. Hims. 

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Both Ro and Hims provide access to prescription phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. These oral medications are considered the first-line treatments for ED, and are approved for that use by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) D. PDE5 inhibitors work by increasing blood flow to the penis, making it easier to get and maintain an erection once you’re aroused. Popular PDE5 inhibitors include:

• Viagra (sildenafil): The OG PDE5 inhibitor, Viagra, was first approved to treat ED back in 1998. Viagra is taken on demand, about 1 hour before having sex, although it can start working in as little as 30 minutes. The effects of Viagra last for about 4 hours.

• Cialis (tadalafil): Cialis is unique among PDE5 inhibitors in that you can take it on demand, like Viagra, or you can take it daily for 24/7 effects. When taken on demand, Cialis works in as little as 30 minutes, and lasts for up to 36 hours, earning it the nickname “the weekend pill.”

In addition to traditional oral medications like brand-name Viagra and Cialis, as well as their generics, Ro and Hims both offer compounded ED medications that come in different forms but use some of the same active ingredients. Compounded ED offerings are not FDA-approved but are permitted to be prescribed under federal law. 

ED treatment forms: Ro vs. Hims

Ro and Hims offer oral PDE5 inhibitors, including brand-name Viagra, brand-name Cialis, generic sildenafil, and generic tadalafil. For those who prefer something other than a pill, both telehealth platforms also offer ED medications in different formulations, which may include gummies, dissolvable tablets, and mints. The following overview is informed by Ro’s product details and information available on the Hims’ website.

Form factors: Ro vs. Hims 

Ro and Hims (according to their website) provide both standard branded and generic ED meds and compounded ED meds that use the same active ingredients found in traditional treatments like Viagra and Cialis. Ro offers a variety of form factors (a dissolvable sublingual, a gummy, and a tablet) to provide the flexibility you want. 

Our custom formulations offer alternatives to standard tablets, helping patients who require flexibility in how and when they take their medication. Ro simplifies access to ED treatment by providing clear, easy-to-understand options — whether you prefer medication taken as needed or daily. With a variety of form factors, there’s a choice to fit every lifestyle.

Hims’ compounded offerings include Hard Mints and Sex Chews, which are stated to contain varying doses of sildenafil, tadalafil, or a blend of both, sometimes combined with additional ingredients like vitamin B12 or multivitamins. At first glance, this variety may appeal to some, but it can also feel daunting to understand which is best for your lifestyle–and often the ingredients and dosages just aren’t transparent. As-needed Hard Mints are chewable tablets that must be digested like standard medications, and Hims states that they take at least 30 minutes to take effect. The amount of tadalafil varies by the formulation you are prescribed, but it is described as maxing out at 11.2 mg (less tadalafil than Ro Sparks contains). 

Ro focuses on a mix of variety and simplicity, offering quality compounded treatments designed for ease, speed, and consistency, for people who need options that standard ED medications may not provide.

To recap, here’s a breakdown of our compounded options: 

• Ro Sparks is a dissolvable tablet that contains 55 mg of sildenafil and 22 mg of tadalafil. Because it dissolves under your tongue and is absorbed directly into the bloodstream, it works in as little as 15 minutes on average, after it dissolves (faster than traditional oral medications). Hims’ website states their as-needed Hard Mints start working in 30 minutes. The cost for Ro Sparks is $12 per dose. Quarterly plans include a $15 discount. Plus, if prescribed, new sexual health members get $15 off their first order on a recurring plan.

• Daily Rise Gummies are a once-daily option containing 7 mg of tadalafil. They are designed to keep the medication active in your system 24/7 so you’re always ready. Ro offers one of the only ED gummies on the market. The cost is $89 per month. Quarterly plans include a $20 discount. Also, if you are prescribed medication, new sexual health members get $15 off their first order on a recurring plan. 

Both companies aim to make ED treatment more accessible, but Ro’s clear product structure and rapid-onset options make it easier for patients to find treatment that fits their needs without the guesswork.

Ro Sparks vs. Hims Hard Mints (as needed)

As mentioned earlier, both Ro and Hims offer compounded medications for ED. Two of the most commonly compared products for as-needed ED treatment are Ro’s Sparks and Hims’ Hard Mints. So, what sets them apart? Let’s get a little more specific. 

Here’s a handy table to break down some of the key differences (Hims' information taken from their website): 

We think the biggest differences are how fast both work, the strength of the medication, and how you take the medication. Ro Sparks starts to work in just 15 minutes on average after it dissolves, while Hims states that its Hard Mints take 30 minutes to start working (more on this in a moment). Plus, with more tadalafil in each dose, Sparks gives you a higher concentration of tadalafil in your system.

Ro Sparks is a sublingual tablet, which means it dissolves under the tongue and is absorbed directly into the bloodstream. Hims Hard Mints, on the other hand, are chewable and must be digested before they take effect.

That difference in delivery makes a big impact. Because Sparks bypasses your digestive system, it starts working in about 15 minutes on average, after it dissolves. Hims states that its Hard Mints can take 30 minutes to kick in. This also means that what you eat or drink may matter more when you take Mints because it’s absorbed through the digestive tract. Since Sparks is absorbed through the bloodstream, your erection won’t be affected if you have a big dinner before you’re ready to get into bed. 

In short, if you want to be ready faster for when the moment strikes, Sparks gives you the flexibility to act on your own timing, not your medication’s.

Generic options for ED: Ro vs. Hims 

For those looking for affordable ED treatment, both Ro and Hims offer generic versions of Viagra (sildenafil) and Cialis (tadalafil). Although Hims and Ro appear to have similar pricing for their generic ED medications, Ro has a wider selection of dosage strengths for both sildenafil and tadalafil.

Sildenafil (generic of Viagra) is taken as-needed. It takes about 30 minutes to kick in, and lasts for 4 hours. Tadalafil (generic of Cialis) can be prescribed as a daily medication that treats ED 24/7, or you can take it as-needed for effects that last up to 36 hours (hence its nickname “the weekend pill”). When taken as-needed, it takes between 30 minutes and 2 hours to kick in.

Ro generic ED treatments include:

• Generic Viagra (sildenafil): Ro offers generic Viagra in all three dosage strengths at prices up to 95% cheaper than branded Viagra. 

• Generic Cialis (tadalafil): Ro offers tadalafil in all available dosage strengths. Ro offers both daily tadalafil, which comes in lower doses of 2.5 mg and 5 mg, as well as the as-needed version of tadalafil, which comes in higher doses of 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg. 

Hims’ website states that its generic ED treatments include:

• Generic Viagra (sildenafil): Like Ro, Hims offers generic Viagra in all three dosage strengths: 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg. 

• Generic Cialis (tadalafil): Hims also offers daily tadalafil (2.5 mg and 5 mg doses) as well as as-needed tadalafil (5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg doses).

Branded options for ED: Ro vs. Hims 

For those interested in brand-name ED medications, both Ro and Hims offer Viagra and Cialis, but there appear to be notable differences in pricing and flexibility. At Ro, we provide brand-name Viagra in the standard strengths of 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg. On our recurring plan, Ro offers it at a lower cost of $90 per dose, compared to around $139 from Hims (according to an online visit).

Regarding brand-name Cialis, Ro provides a wider range of dosage options, including 5 mg for daily use and 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg for as-needed use. Hims appears to only offer the 5 mg daily dose, which limits flexibility for those who may prefer or require as-needed dosing. Ro’s pricing is also more transparent and competitive. The 5 mg daily dose costs $600 per month through Ro, while Hims appears to charge $958 per month for the same strength. Ro also gives patients the option to purchase Cialis as needed, with prices starting at $20 per 5 mg dose and $80 per 10 or 20 mg dose, an option that Hims does not currently provide.

Overall, Ro offers more choices and more transparent pricing for those who want access to trusted brand-name ED treatments.

Ro offers fast shipping across the United States. With us, orders always arrive in discreet packaging 100% free of branding and typically ship within a few days. On the other hand, many unboxing videos show that Hims products may arrive with logos on the outside box, making them less discreet than Ro. 

Shipping is always free from Ro, and likewise appears to be free from Hims, but there are a few key differences in how Hims handles delivery and subscription flexibility:

• Ro offers the option to receive your ED treatment on a monthly, quarterly, or, for some offerings, a semi-annual basis, allowing you to choose the cadence that best fits your needs. This monthly shipping option provides more flexibility to see how the medication works for you, adjust your plan, or make changes without a long-term commitment.

• According to a Hims online visit we did, they require a minimum 3-month subscription for compounded ED medications, which may limit your ability to modify your treatment if it isn’t right for you. 

• In addition to home delivery, some Ro medications can also be picked up at your preferred pharmacy, giving you added convenience.

Key shipping differences include: 

If you're looking for more control over your delivery schedule and the ability to see how different treatment options work for your lifestyle before committing, Ro’s flexible shipping model may be the better fit.

Neither Ro nor Hims bills insurance, but their payment structures are very different. For most of its ED treatments, Ro lets you buy one month at a time (or opt into multi-month plans), so your first charge can be as little as $32 for a month of daily tadalafil tablets (about $1 a day).

Hims, by contrast, appears to no longer offer monthly plans according to their online visit, so every prescription ships in a 3‑, 5‑, or 6‑month bundle. While the advertised price for SexChews, for example, is “$42 per month,” it may require a single $126 charge at checkout.

When you convert both services to a true monthly basis, generic prices are broadly similar, but Ro’s pay‑as‑you‑go monthly option keeps your potential upfront commitment far lower. For example, Ro Sparks (55 mg sildenafil and  22 mg tadalafil) cost $72 for six doses (about  $12 each), while the closest Hims product reaches that price only after you pre‑pay $126–$168 for a multi‑month supply.

Bottom line: Our cost and Hims’ cost are fairly equal on a monthly basis, but Ro’s transparent pricing (trust us: it’s right on the website!) and one‑month cadence plan makes it easier to start, adjust, or cancel. Hims' pricing is a lot more challenging to find on their website and may result in different charges than expected. 

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Ro is a reputable telehealth platform that partners with licensed healthcare professionals and U.S.-based pharmacies to provide prescription treatments for erectile dysfunction, weight loss, hair loss, and more. You’ll speak with a healthcare provider to discuss your symptoms before receiving a prescription (if appropriate). Hims appears to offer similar services through their website. 

 If you’re choosing between Ro vs. Hims, here are the key factors to keep in mind:

• ED treatments: Both Ro vs. Hims offer generic sildenafil and tadalafil, along with compounded and branded options. Ro has a more affordable section of brand-name Viagra and a more affordable and broader selection of brand-name Cialis. Ro also has straightforward compounded options. When it comes to as-needed compounded medications, Ro Sparks works in about 15 minutes on average after it dissolves, while Hard Mints can take 30 mins to start working. 

• Transparent dosages: We offer clear dosages and ingredients for compounded meds like Sparks, so you know exactly what to expect. 

• Unique form factors: Ro has one of the only ED gummies on the market with an easy-to-take form factor, as well as a sublingual that works in 15 minutes on average after it dissolves. 

• Flexibility: We offer monthly plans, whereas Hims appears only to offer 3-month minimum plans.