Hims Vs Roman: Which One Is Better For You?

Medically reviewedby Dr. Amy Revene M.B.B.S.
WrittenbyLuat Duong
Last updated

In the digital age, personal wellness and health have found new allies in online platforms like Hims and Roman. 

As these telehealth giants rise in popularity, many individuals find themselves at a crossroads: which service is the better fit for their unique needs? 

In this in-depth comparison, we'll delve into the nuances, offerings, and distinct features of both platforms, helping you make an informed choice for your health journey. 

Whether you prioritize a specific product range, user experience, or consultation method, our guide aims to demystify the Hims vs Roman debate for you. 

Overview of Hims

hims vs roman

Hims emerged in the telehealth scene in 2017, sparked by a casual observation about skin issues made by the sister of founder Andrew Dudum. 

In just a short time, the company has established itself as a powerhouse in the realm of men's health, seamlessly integrating digital conveniences with essential health services.

Primary services & offerings:

  • Telemedicine: At its core, Hims is devoted to offering comprehensive telemedicine services for men. With the help of their platform, users can schedule appointments, get valid prescriptions, and access treatments without the need for in-person visits.
  • Erectile dysfunction (ED) treatments: Addressing a common yet often stigmatized issue, Hims provides generic medications like sildenafil (commonly known as Viagra) and tadalafil (known as Cialis). This makes ED treatments more accessible and discreet for men everywhere.
  • Hair loss solutions: Hair loss, whether due to genetics, age, or other factors, can be distressing. Hims offers a suite of products and treatments tailored to prevent hair loss and promote hair regrowth.
  • Skincare: Beyond just ED and hair loss treatments, Hims recognizes the importance of skincare in men's wellness. They provide an array of products to combat common skin concerns, ensuring that men feel confident in their skin.
  • Mental health: Understanding the growing need for mental health support, Hims offers services that cater to men's mental well-being. This includes online consultations, therapy sessions, and even medications where needed.
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Hims pros and cons

Pros:

  • Extensive product range: Hims offers a comprehensive selection of products catering to various aspects of male health, ensuring most needs are met under one roof.
  • Branded and generic medications: By offering both branded and generic versions, Hims caters to different budgets and preferences.
  • Free consultations: A highlight of Hims' service is its claim to offer free consultations, making the initial step to seeking help more accessible.
  • No shipping costs: Hims emphasizes that shipping for its products is free, potentially reducing the overall cost for customers.
  • Subscription option: For users who need regular medications, Hims offers a subscription service, ensuring timely and uninterrupted delivery of essential medicines.

Cons:

  • Customer service concerns: Some users have expressed challenges in communicating effectively with the customer service team, potentially leading to delays or misunderstandings.
  • Lack of transparent pricing: Not all products on the Hims website have clear pricing, which can make budgeting for treatments a bit challenging for potential customers.
  • Higher prices for some medications: While Hims does offer generic options, some of their medications might be pricier compared to competitors, which can be a deciding factor for some.
  • Delivery delays: There have been instances where Hims' deliveries took longer than those from competing platforms, which can be a concern for those in urgent need.
  • FDA approval: Not all hair loss products from Hims have FDA approval, raising concerns about their efficacy and safety.

Overview of Roman

hims vs roman

Established in the heart of New York in 2017, Roman has swiftly emerged as a significant player in the telehealth industry, echoing the broader movement towards digital healthcare solutions.

Tailoring its offerings to address men's specific health challenges, Roman has built a suite of products and services that cater to a wide range of needs.

It's essential for potential users to be aware that Roman offers drugs for off-label use. While this can provide additional treatment avenues, it's always crucial to consult with healthcare professionals to understand the implications and safety of such usage. 

Primary services & offerings:

  • Erectile dysfunction (ED) treatments: Stepping up to address a sensitive area of men's health, Roman offers both prescription and nonprescription treatments for ED, making it easier for men to find solutions that suit their situation.
  • Hair loss and premature ejaculation (PE) solutions: Going beyond just ED treatments, Roman also provides remedies for hair loss and PE. These offerings signify their comprehensive approach to men's health.
  • Skincare treatments: Roman recognizes the importance of healthy skin. They offer treatments for various skin conditions, including eczema and excessive sweating, ensuring men can face the world with confidence.
  • Daily health supplements: Comprehending the significance of daily nutrition, Roman has an array of supplements. From multivitamins to specialized products for testosterone support, stress relief, and prostate health, Roman ensures a holistic approach to men's well-being.
  • Subscription service: With flexibility in mind, Roman operates on a subscription model. Depending on personal needs, customers can choose to receive their treatments on demand, monthly, or every three months, making medication management a breeze.

Roman pros and cons

Pros:

  • Diverse treatment range: Roman stands out with its broad array of treatments addressing various health concerns, ensuring users can find a solution for multiple ailments in one place.
  • Branded and generic options: Catering to different budgets and preferences, Roman offers both branded and generic drug versions, giving users more choices.
  • Competitive pricing: In some cases, Roman's medications have been found to be more affordable compared to its competitors, making it a financially appealing choice for many.
  • Swift and free shipping: The company promises free and fast shipping, ensuring that users receive their medications promptly.
  • Convenient subscription service: With its subscription model, Roman offers ease and consistency in medication management, eliminating the hassle of frequent reorders.

Cons:

  • Limited doctor flexibility: Users have pointed out a perceived lack of flexibility when it comes to choosing or changing their healthcare providers through Roman.
  • Unauthorized charges: Reviews have indicated instances where the company made charges without the explicit consent or knowledge of the user, raising concerns about transparency and billing practices.

Erectile dysfunction treatments: Hims vs Roman

Erectile dysfunction is a prevalent concern, and the demand for effective treatments has given rise to telehealth giants like Hims and Roman. These platforms provide a variety of solutions, aiming to reinstate confidence and well-being in men.

Hims

Hims offers a diverse range of products to cater to the needs of men dealing with erectile dysfunction:

  • Cialis: Known for its lasting impact, Cialis remains in a man's system for approximately 1.5 days. This prolonged effect makes it an ideal choice for those who want to be prepared without being bound by strict timing.
  • Tadalafil (Generic Cialis): The essence of Cialis, Tadalafil provides similar benefits to the brand name drug. Both medicines have shown significant success rates, ensuring men can maintain an effective erection when needed.
  • Viagra: Perhaps the most iconic name in the ED treatment arena, Viagra works by dilating the blood vessels, leading to increased blood flow. However, its effect requires arousal, making it a natural enhancer.
  • Sildenafil (generic Viagra): Sildenafil offers the same efficacy as its brand-name counterpart, Viagra, but often at a more affordable price. It's an equally potent option for those seeking reliable ED treatment.
  • Stendra: A lesser-known but equally effective solution, Stendra's active ingredient, Avanafil, promises increased blood flow, helping achieve firm erections. Its quick onset of just 15 minutes makes it a preferred choice for spontaneous moments.
  • Hard mints (Sildenafil + Tadalafil) chewables: A novel approach to ED treatment by Hims, these chewable mints combine two powerful ingredients. A quick bite, chew, and swallow is all it takes, with results manifesting in about 30 minutes.

Roman

Roman, as a significant player in the telehealth industry, offers a select range of erectile dysfunction treatments that aim to cater to the varied needs of men:

  • Sildenafil (generic Viagra): This medication, the generic version of the renowned Viagra, is available in an array of doses ranging from 20 mg to 100 mg. The flexibility in dosage means men can fine-tune their treatment based on individual requirements and tolerances.
  • Viagra: A household name in the world of ED treatments, Roman provides Viagra in varying dosages: 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg, allowing men to opt for the strength that aligns with their needs.
  • Tadalafil (Generic Cialis): Acting as a more prolonged alternative to Viagra, Tadalafil ensures that men are always ready without being constrained by a tight schedule.
  • Cialis: The brand name for Tadalafil, Cialis is known for its extended efficacy, catering to those who prefer not to be bound by strict medication timings.

While Hims may boast a broader range of products, Roman's strength lies in the flexibility of dosages it offers. By providing different strengths for its treatments, Roman allows men to tailor their medication closely to their needs, ensuring optimal results and minimizing potential side effects.

Premature ejaculation: Hims vs Roman

Premature ejaculation can be a challenge for many men, but thankfully, companies like Hims and Roman have introduced products to address this issue, offering relief to those in need.

Hims

Hims offers several products designed to help men manage premature ejaculation:

  • Sertraline spray: This unique formulation contains Lidocaine, a widely recognized anesthetic. By applying this spray, men can decrease the heightened sensations that lead to early ejaculation, thereby gaining better control over their climax.
  • Paroxetine: This is another solution in Hims' arsenal for tackling premature ejaculation.
  • Clockstopper climax delay spray: As the name suggests, this spray aims to delay the climax, providing men with more time before reaching ejaculation.
  • Wipes: These discreet wipes can be used before intimacy, helping reduce sensitivity and prolonging the duration before ejaculation.

Roman

For men seeking a solution to premature ejaculation from Roman, the company offers:

  • Roman wipes: These wipes are imbued with Benzocaine, a topical anesthetic. Its mechanism of action is similar to the Sertraline by Hims, where it reduces sensitivity to delay ejaculation. Given their discrete nature, they can easily be carried around for use whenever needed.

The choice between Hims and Roman largely depends on individual preferences and needs. For those who appreciate convenience and portability, Roman's wipes are a prime choice. On the other hand, if you're looking for a variety of application methods, Hims, with its sprays and other products, might be more suitable. 

Additionally, potential allergies or sensitivities to specific anesthetics could be a determining factor in one's choice.

Hair loss treatments: Hims vs Roman

Both Hims and Roman have carved out a niche in providing solutions for hair loss, presenting a suite of products tailored for hair regrowth and prevention.

Hims

For those looking to address hair loss through Hims, the company has a diverse set of offerings:

  • Biotin gummies: These cherry-flavored gummies not only serve as a treatment for hair loss but also cater to skin and nail health. The primary components comprise essential nutrients like biotin, vitamin D, folic acid, and vitamin B12. Biotin, in particular, is sought-after in hair care, especially since deficiencies in Vitamin D have been associated with hair loss. 
  • Thickening shampoo: A key component of Hims' shampoo is saw palmetto, a natural extract. This ingredient is believed to promote hair growth by counteracting the hormones responsible for weakening hair follicles as one ages.
  • Thickening conditioner: Complementing the shampoo, the conditioner also aids in strengthening and enhancing hair volume.
  • Minoxidil: Essentially a version of the widely recognized Rogaine, Minoxidil is a daily topical application. Research has underscored its effectiveness in reversing hair loss.
  • Finasteride: A viable alternative to the renowned Propecia, Hims offers Finasteride in tablet form. Its efficacy in treating hair loss has been confirmed by various studies.

Roman

Roman streamlines its hair loss solutions, primarily focusing on:

  • Minoxidil: Presented as a liquid solution, Minoxidil remains a trusted topical treatment for hair regrowth.
  • Finasteride: Offered in pill form, Finasteride is another potent option for combating hair loss.

While both Hims and Roman bring reliable solutions to the table, the product range of the two is strikingly similar, differing mainly in branding and presentation. 

Yet, Hims manages to edge out with its additional offerings of gummies and shampoo, which not only target hair regrowth but also deliver added benefits for overall wellness.

An effective alternative to Hims and Roman for hair loss

hims vs roman

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Demonstrated by clinical trials, 93% of users noticed improvements within 45 days. 

Moreover, the company's confidence shines through their 150-day money-back guarantee, making it a risk-free option for those looking to combat hair loss effectively.

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What are the side effects of Hims vs Roman?

When exploring the treatments provided by Hims and Roman, it's pivotal to be conscious of the potential side effects. These can range from mild discomforts to more severe reactions.

PDE5 inhibitors

These medications, encompassing sildenafil, tadalafil, and avanafil, may cause:

  • Skin rashes and flushes
  • Muscular pain and back discomfort
  • Nasal congestion
  • Indigestion and headaches
  • An enduring erection surpassing 4 hours, known as priapism
  • Visual disturbances

Caution is crucial if you're on blood pressure-regulating nitrates. Combining them with PDE5 inhibitors can dangerously drop blood pressure. Ensure your doctor is aware of your complete medical history, especially heart-related issues, before you begin any of these treatments.

Sertraline reactions

While used for various conditions, including premature ejaculation, sertraline might induce:

  • Gastrointestinal upsets like nausea and diarrhea
  • Sleep disturbances, both insomnia and drowsiness
  • Sweating excessively
  • Feeling jittery or restless
  • A general sense of fatigue

Benzocaine topical use

Often employed as a numbing agent, benzocaine is typically well-tolerated. However, on rare occasions, it might lead to:

  • Skin shedding or flakiness
  • Sensitivity at the application site
  • Prickling or burning sensations
  • Warmth or reddening of the skin

Hims vs Roman: What are the differences?

Hims and Roman are prominent online healthcare platforms, both offering telemedicine services with a focus on men's health. While they share similarities, they also have distinct differences that set them apart.

Service range

While both companies provide treatments for ED, hair loss, and premature ejaculation, Hims offers a broader range of wellness products, including skincare and mental health services. Roman focuses more on comprehensive medical consultations and ongoing care.

Branding & design

Hims uses a more modern, minimalistic design with muted colors, while Roman opts for a straightforward, medical-oriented look emphasizing professionalism.

Product formulation

Both provide common medications like sildenafil and finasteride, but Hims also offers unique products such as biotin gummies and thickening shampoo. Roman, on the other hand, is known for its simplicity, typically sticking to tried-and-true formulations.

Pricing

There might be slight variations in pricing between the two, depending on promotions and the specific product. It's worth comparing both sites for the best deal based on your needs.

Hims vs Roman: Which one is better for you?

Hims and Roman both offer telehealth services focusing on men's health issues, including hair loss and erectile dysfunction. The better option depends on individual needs. Hims might be better for those looking for a wider range of products, such as biotin gummies and hair thickening shampoos, as well as mental health services and medications. 

Roman may be preferred by those needing treatments for conditions like genital herpes, dandruff, or heart health. 

It's essential to compare their product offerings, pricing, and reviews to determine the best fit for your specific health needs and preferences.

Conclusion

In the evolving landscape of telehealth, both Hims and Roman have positioned themselves as formidable players, offering a plethora of treatments tailored to men's health concerns. 

While Hims excels with a wider product range, including skincare and mental health services, Roman emphasizes comprehensive medical consultations and traditional treatments. 

Ultimately, the choice between the two hinges on individual needs, preferences, and the specific health challenges one aims to address. 

As with all health decisions, thorough research and consultation with medical professionals are paramount.

References:

  1. https://www.healthline.com/health/roman-hair-loss 
  2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8826790/ 

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Luat Duong

Luat Duong is a Copenhagen-based writer and content strategist specializing in hair loss and health. His work has been featured in MyHealthGuide, The Right Hairstyles, and Woman's Era. He is a graduate of Vaasa University. You can connect with him on LinkedIn.