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Hims vs Roman: Comparison of Features and Pricing

Hims vs Roman: Comparison of Features and Pricing

By Kire Stojkovski M.D
Editor craig Published 05 April 2024
Time to read 14 min

In recent years, telemedicine has revolutionized the healthcare industry, making it easier for men to access medical services and products without visiting a doctor’s office. The biggest players in the men’s health telemedicine space are Hims and Roman. 

In this in-depth comparison, we will examine the similarities and differences between Hims vs Roman, helping you decide which service is best for your needs.

Overview of Hims vs Roman

Hims

Hims is a telemedicine platform that focuses on men’s health and wellness. Launched in 2017, the company aims to provide convenient, affordable, and discreet access to medical treatments for various men’s health issues, such as erectile dysfunction (ED), hair loss, and skincare. 

Hims connects users with licensed medical professionals who can prescribe medication and offer consultations.

Roman

Roman, founded in 2017, is another telemedicine platform dedicated to men’s health. Similar to Hims, Roman offers online consultations with licensed healthcare providers who can prescribe medications for common men’s health concerns, including ED, hair loss, and premature ejaculation. Roman also offers treatments for other health issues like cold sores and allergies.

Hims vs Roman: How Do They Stack Up?

At first glance, you wouldn’t see any glaring differences between Hims vs Roman for men, except the pricing.

Both companies provide similar prescriptions for hair loss treatments and erectile dysfunction (ED). When you place them side by side, you’ll notice they’re not exactly the same thing.

Patrick Campbell knew what he was doing when he built a company to help other businesses monetize virtual subscription packages. Roman and Hims have a loyal client base that’s only growing; let’s find out why, just like we did in Hims vs Keeps.

Erectile Dysfunction Treatments: Hims vs Roman

ED is nothing to be ashamed of. The number of men who seek out erectile dysfunction treatments per month might surprise you. 

From erectile dysfunction pills to sprays for men, how do Hims vs Roman compare?

Hims

Hims Viagra packagde

This company offers six products for men with ED:

  • Cialis
  • Tadalafil (Generic Cialis)
  • Viagra
  • Sildenafil (generic Viagra)
  • Stendra
  • Hard Mints (Sildenafil + Tadalafil) Chewables

Cialis is a popular ED medication that stands out. This drug stays in your system for around 1.5 days instead of a few hours. It’s a convenient option when you can’t estimate when you’ll need it exactly, but you’ll always be prepared in case.

Tadalafil, the main ingredient in Cialis, makes for an erectile dysfunction pill that works similarly. For both drugs, success rates are high [1].

Viagra is your other name-brand drug and possibly the most famous erectile dysfunction medication. It works by relaxing blood vessels in your body, which increases blood flow and circulation. You still need to be aroused for it to work, but this effect provides room for a long-lasting erection when it matters.

The main difference between Cialis and Viagra is that the latter doesn’t last as long for men. You’ll take it as needed, up to four hours beforehand, like with BlueChew.

Sildenafil represents the generic form of Viagra, also offered by our alternative, BlueChew. It functions the same but at a lower cost for you. Studies point to its efficacy [2].

Stendra provides another short-term solution for ED. The active ingredient here is Avanafil, which is better known. Stendra also works to increase blood flow for better erections and comes with the science to back it up [3]. The upside? It only takes 15 minutes to kick in.

Hard Mints is a new chewable product from Hims to treat ED that contains sildenafil and tadalafil, according to our Hims ED Review. Bite into the mind, chew, and swallow. It takes about 30 minutes for the effects to kick in.

Roman

According to our Roman Review, it has fewer Roman pills for ED, but they’re similar to some above.

Each option comes in tablet form, and they include:

  • Sildenafil (generic Viagra);
  • Viagra (similar to BlueChew);
  • Tadalafil (Generic Cialis)
  • Cialis;

Who Wins?

If we’re talking about the number of products available, Hims takes the cake.

However, Sildenafil, for example, provides five doses from 20 mg to 100 mg, whereas Hims has 40 mg tablets only. Same with Viagra. The only Hims option is 50 mg pills, which is the most common, with Roman offering 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg.

The fact that Roman provides a variety of doses for men means you can customize your prescription for the best fit.

Hair Loss Treatments: Roman vs Hims

Hair loss treatments from both companies offer multiple products for problems with hair growth and hair loss prevention. 

Hims

Hims finasteride bottle

Your hair loss treatment plan could include the following:

  • Biotin gummies;
  • Thickening shampoo;
  • Thickening conditioner;
  • Minoxidil;
  • Finasteride;

The thickening gummies for hair loss are cherry-flavored bears that resemble a multivitamin but with a focus on hair, skin, and nail health. The active ingredients are vitamins and minerals, including biotin, vitamin D, folic acid, and vitamin B12.

Biotin is a popular treatment for hair conditions because hair loss is linked to a Vitamin D deficiency  [4] [5].

Hims thickening shampoo for hair loss features a natural substance known as saw palmetto. This ingredient is meant to help with hair growth by blocking hormones that lead to weak hair follicles when you reach middle age.

Minoxidil is the generic form of Rogaine, a popular hair growth treatment. Minoxidil is a topical solution you’ll apply daily, and research points to evidence of success with Minoxidil for treating hair loss [6]. 

Finasteride is another generic option in place of the well-known Propecia for men. These are monthly Finasteride tablets, though, and multiple studies back the efficacy of Finasteride [7].

Enjoy Hims with FREE and discreet shipping

Roman

It keeps things simple here, offering just Minoxidil and Finasteride in the same style, Minoxidil as a liquid solution and the latter being pills for hair loss.

Who Wins?

Hims and Roman both come out on top here. The products are nearly identical, aside from the packaging and design.

However, Hims provides gummies and shampoo, which we appreciate, especially given the supplements offer other benefits, outside hair growth for men.

Premature Ejaculation: Hims vs Roman

Maybe ED isn’t your problem, but controlling your ejaculation is. Both businesses have products to help with this sexual health issue for men, as well.

Hims

Hims sertraline package

Sertraline is a unique product by Hims. It’s a spray to help manage premature ejaculation and contains Lidocaine, the well-known anesthetic. This decreases the desirable sensation that leads to ejaculation, helping you control climax and last longer. They also offer Paroxetine, Clockstopper Climax Delay Spray, and wipes.

Roman

It also keeps it to one product for this category: the Roman wipes. It contains Benzocaine, which is another topical anesthetic or pain reliever. This shows it works in the same way as Sertraline by Hims.

Who Wins?

This comes down to personal preference. The wipes are a more convenient option; you can take them on the go. If you prefer a spray, a month of Hims is your best bet.

Many men face allergies or bad reactions to certain pain relievers, which may also affect their decision.

Skin Care: Roman vs Hims

While most of you are looking for hair loss and ED treatment, men must also look after their skin. Both businesses recognize that and provide a few different choices for you.

Hims

Hims acne cream

You have the following menu to choose from:

  • Acne cream;
  • Everyday moisturizer;
  • Vitamin C serum;
  • Custom anti-aging cream;
  • Goodnight wrinkle cream;

We won’t delve too deep into each ingredient here, but the anti-aging cream stands out. 

The active ingredient in this product is tretinoin, a substance classified as a retinoid which means it supports cell growth [8]. This cream also increases the collagen in your skin to provide better elasticity and firmness.

Roman

Skin care products for men from Roman include:

  • Corrective nightly defense (also containing tretinoin);
  • Preventative nightly defense;
  • Grow lashes;
  • Eczema (triamcinolone cream 0.1% solution);

Who Wins?

Hims wins this category because the business goes the extra mile with skin care, even though its primary focus is hair and ED. There’s an impressive lineup of options.

Supplements: Hims vs Roman

As with skincare, unlike BlueChew, Hims or Roman go as far as offering other supplements not about the primary topics.

Hims

Hims supplements

Choose from:

  • Sleep (melatonin);
  • Biotin (hair and nail);
  • Collagen protein (unflavored);
  • Immunity (vitamin C);
  • Calming tea;
  • Sleeping tea;

As you can see, the Hims supplement line features natural ingredients from melatonin to vitamin C, to help in other areas of your life. Note including a straight biotin option if the gummies don’t provide enough for you.

Roman

Your choices include, but aren’t limited to:

  • Testosterone supplement
  • Bone health
  • Stress relief
  • Prostate health

The testosterone supplement caught our eye. It includes all-natural ingredients such as zinc, ashwagandha, vitamin D3, and magnesium.

This multivitamin might work as a safe t booster. Zinc, in particular, is known to aid in better testosterone levels for those deficient in this vitamin [9].

Who Wins?

That’s a tough one for this category of Hims vs Roman. The testosterone supplement from the latter could be a beneficial addition to one’s sexual health regime.

Hims also offers tempting alternatives for hair, skin, and nails.

Medical Consultation and Service: Roman vs Hims

One of the best things about these virtual companies is that it makes medical consultations and services easy for men. You don’t have to visit a doctor’s office, but you’re not suffering under the hands of ill-equipped professionals, either.

Hims

Not all Hims products require a medical professional to sign off on them. You can order Most hair loss items automatically, like Minoxidil and other supplements. Treatments for ED, however, do require medical consultation.

With Hims, this is free of charge. A medical professional will examine your order and personal information to determine whether the product is appropriate and safe. 

You’ll also have access to an online platform via the Hims website to ask questions and get further support from a doctor.

Click here to get the best deals for Hims

Roman

From what we can see, it offers very similar services.

The same drugs require the same level of approval, but the follow-up system is a bit different. It features a personalized chat system where you can speak with your initial doctor who wrote the prescription. 

Who Wins?

If you’re concerned about your specific case or condition and imagine you’ll need a personal, ongoing relationship with one doctor, Roman it is.

Roman vs Hims Pricing

Pricing is one of the most important aspects of Hims vs Roman: what will your investment be, and which company will earn it? The pricing page for each company lays it out.

We take both companies’ same ED products and put the costs aside to determine the best pricing model. This will give us an idea of how the pricing page compares overall between Roman vs Hims.

Unfortunately, a month free from either isn’t available right now.

Hims

So how much does Hims cost? Let’s start with pricing the ED meds, including generic Viagra (Sildenafil), Viagra, and Cialis.

According to the Hims website, the cost of generic Viagra (Sildenafil) starts at around $3 per dose. The cost of brand-name Viagra, however, starts at $139 per use.

Other affordable options include Tadalafil, which will cost you around $82 per month, and Stendra, which costs $53 per use. 

Cialis has the steepest price. It starts at $958 per month but is a well-proven method of getting and maintaining erections. Their newest product Hard Mints (Tadalafil + Sildenafil) will cost you $6 per dose.

Roman

The pricing page for the same prescriptions are:

  • Sildenafil: $4 to $10 for a sample pack, depending on the strength/dose.
  • Viagra: $90 per sample, regardless of the dose.
  • Cialis: $20 to $80 from 2.5 to 20 mg, respectively.

Who Wins?

Based on the sheer difference between $16 and a maximum of $10 for a Sildenafil trial pack, respectively, Roman is most likely slightly cheaper across the board, according to the pricing page.

Shipping: Hims vs Roman

No one wants to deal with delayed shipping, absurd handling fees, and high pricing. Both companies will satisfy you here.

Hims

You’ll be happy to know that shipping is free of charge all the time.

This is a basic shipping rate, so expect your delivery to arrive in the mail in five to seven business days. An email containing your tracking information is sent upon approval of your order.

Expedited shipping or other custom options aren’t available at this time.

Get Hims with FREE shipping

Roman

It offers free 2-day shipping in discreet packaging.

Who Wins?

They offer the same free shipping, but Roman arrives faster.

Hims vs Roman: What Does Hims Offer That Roman Doesn’t?

We’ve already mentioned that it offers gummies and shampoo for hair loss,  whereas Roman doesn’t.

Other options for men, exclusive to this company, in comparison, include:

  • COVID assessment tests
  • Mental health medications, along with psychiatric consultation. This includes generic forms of Paxil, Prozac, and Zoloft, to name a few.

Hims vs Roman: What Does Roman Offer That Hims Doesn’t?

It offers more breadth for men’s health outside their standard hair loss and ED meds. Roman offers the following products for the following conditions, while Hims doesn’t:

  • Genital herpes
  • Weight management
  • Dandruff
  • Excessive sweating
  • Heart health

Hims vs Roman: Alternatives

You may be overwhelmed with the options these companies offer or have faced another complaint once you started the registration process. Roman vs Hims isn’t all that’s out there for men.

It’s a consumer’s choice at the end of the day. Therefore we have an alternative to mention here: the popular online BlueChew (rights reserved) for men.

BlueChew

BlueChew is a unique telemedicine service that offers Sildenafil, Tadalafil, and Vardenafil in chewable tablets. This can be advantageous for people who prefer chewables to pills, as they can be hard to swallow. Obtaining a prescription is similar to Hims, where you have an online consultation with licensed medical providers who decide which ED treatment suits you.

They also offer BlueChew free trial, meaning you can get one month free of sildenafil, tadalafil, or vardenafil chewables, where you just have to pay the shipping fee.

Hims vs Roman: FAQ

Understandably, you may have questions after all the provided information from Roman vs Hims. Here are the most common ones answered:

Who Is Hims For?

It’s for guys who care about maintaining their sexual health and more as they age in a modern and discreet way. The marketing scheme employed by this business is attractive to men of any age.

Is Hims Safe?

Safety shouldn’t be a great concern as the company is FDA-approved. That doesn’t mean that side effects are a thing of the past, though. One must still remain diligent and consult a doctor if necessary.

This is especially true if you want ED meds and suffer from high blood pressure or other heart-related conditions. Or if you’re planning on taking any of these drugs long-term.

Possible effects stemming from ED or erectile dysfunction treatment for men include:

  • Heart irregularities
  • Digestive problems
  • Hot flushes
  • Nausea
  • Headaches

Who Is Roman For?

It’s a slightly more comprehensive telehealth company for men.

Is Roman Safe?

Since we’re covering the same products between both businesses here, the side effects remain the same, too. It’s also FDA-approved, so there’s nothing to worry about there.

If you suffer from a dangerous side effect after taking any of the erectile dysfunction medications, we recommend stopping it automatically and consulting your online doctor.

Does Roman Have a Money Back Guarantee?

It also offers a money-back guarantee but with different conditions. You can return any product within 15 days for an exchange or refund, no questions asked.

Hims vs Roman: Conclusion

Is your hair count looking a little precarious? Maybe erectile dysfunction has arrived at your door, and you’re lost with what to do. Your sex life and hair condition might improve with the help of an online doctor.

In Hims vs Roman, you can see what each offers for men, from medical advice to a treatment plan, pricing, and more. Hair loss products include the likes of Minoxidil and Finasteride, with side effects remaining the same for each healthcare business.

The generic version of popular ED medications and erectile dysfunction pills are also available at a low cost, according to our table of contents. Choose between a sample pack or a per-month subscription.

So, who comes out on top here? Both businesses have much to offer, but Hims wins the ultimate battle. Thanks to Patrick Campbell for making it available online.

We appreciate the messaging behind this wellness brand for men; it makes it unique. To top it off, there are plenty of quality products, like thickening shampoo and gummies. The fact that shipping is free makes it even better.

Not satisfied with Hims vs Roman? Check with your doctor and opt for BlueChew as the alternative in this article.

Related articles:

 

References

1. Frajese, Giovanni Vanni, et al. “Tadalafil in the Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction; an Overview of the Clinical Evidence.” Clinical Interventions in Aging, Dove Medical Press, 2006, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2699638/.

2. Hatzimouratidis, Konstantinos. “Sildenafil in the Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction: an Overview of the Clinical Evidence.” Clinical Interventions in Aging, Dove Medical Press, 2006, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2699643/.

3. Cui, Yuan-Shan, et al. “Avanafil for Male Erectile Dysfunction: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.” Asian Journal of Andrology, Medknow Publications & Media Pvt Ltd, 2014, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4023381/.

4. Patel, Deepa P, et al. “A Review of the Use of Biotin for Hair Loss.” Skin Appendage Disorders, S. Karger AG, Aug. 2017, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5582478/.

5. P;, Amor KT;Rashid RM;Mirmirani. “Does D Matter? The Role of Vitamin D in Hair Disorders and Hair Follicle Cycling.” Dermatology Online Journal, U.S. National Library of Medicine, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20178699/.

6. Suchonwanit, Poonkiat, et al. “Minoxidil and Its Use in Hair Disorders: a Review.” Drug Design, Development and Therapy, Dove, 9 Aug. 2019, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6691938/.

7. Shapiro, Jerry, and Keith D. Kaufman. “Use of Finasteride in the Treatment of Men With Androgenetic Alopecia (Male Pattern Hair Loss).” Journal of Investigative Dermatology Symposium Proceedings, Elsevier, 16 Dec. 2015, www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022202X15529357.

8. Mukherjee, Siddharth, et al. “Retinoids in the Treatment of Skin Aging: an Overview of Clinical Efficacy and Safety.” Clinical Interventions in Aging, Dove Medical Press, 2006, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2699641/.

9. Prasad AS;Mantzoros CS;Beck FW;Hess JW;Brewer GJ; “Zinc Status and Serum Testosterone Levels of Healthy Adults.” Nutrition (Burbank, Los Angeles County, Calif.), U.S. National Library of Medicine, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8875519/.