Introduction: Understanding the Telehealth Market and Hims’ Position

The digital transformation of healthcare has given rise to a new generation of telehealth providers, with Hims & Hers Health, Inc. emerging as one of the most visible players in this evolving space. Originally launched as a direct-to-consumer brand targeting sensitive men’s health issues, Hims has expanded rapidly into a full-service virtual care platform. By offering accessible, discreet, and user-friendly solutions for conditions like erectile dysfunction, hair loss, mental health challenges, and women’s wellness, the company has tapped into a growing consumer demand for private, on-demand medical care. Its sister brand, Hers, extends this model to female-focused services, including birth control, skincare, and hormonal health.
The global telehealth market, valued at USD 113.83 billion in 2023, continues to grow at a robust pace, driven by technological advancements, shifting patient expectations, and lasting changes in healthcare delivery post-pandemic. In this dynamic environment, Hims operates not just as a niche player but as a multi-category health brand competing with both generalist platforms and specialized services. This article explores the competitive ecosystem surrounding Hims & Hers, analyzing key rivals, their strategic differentiators, and what these dynamics mean for consumers navigating online healthcare options.
Key Service Areas Where Hims Faces Competition

Hims has strategically diversified its offerings, allowing it to serve a broad demographic across multiple health domains. However, this expansion means the company must contend with competitors who dominate specific verticals with deeper expertise or more targeted branding. The core areas where Hims competes include:
- Men’s Health: A foundational pillar for Hims, covering treatments for erectile dysfunction (ED), premature ejaculation, and male pattern baldness. These services are often among the first entry points for users engaging with the platform.
- Women’s Health (via Hers): Addressing reproductive and hormonal needs such as birth control prescriptions, acne related to hormonal fluctuations, and hair thinning in women, positioning Hers as a modern alternative to traditional gynecological care.
- Mental Health: Offering access to licensed therapists and psychiatrists for anxiety, depression, and other common psychological conditions through virtual consultations and medication management.
- Dermatology: Providing clinically backed skincare regimens for acne, anti-aging, and hyperpigmentation, often combining over-the-counter products with prescription-strength topical treatments.
- General Wellness: Venturing into primary care services and weight management programs, signaling Hims’ ambition to become a long-term health partner rather than just a condition-specific provider.
Each of these verticals is fiercely contested. While Hims benefits from brand recognition and a seamless user experience, it often faces challengers who bring greater specialization, lower pricing, or better insurance integration.
Top Direct Competitors to Hims & Hers
As the telehealth industry matures, several companies have risen to challenge Hims’ market position through broader service portfolios, superior logistics, or deeper clinical integration. These competitors range from full-spectrum platforms to those excelling in specific niches that directly overlap with Hims’ offerings.
Roman (Ro): A Comprehensive Telehealth Platform

Roman, part of the Ro family of health brands, stands as Hims’ most formidable rival. Both companies began with a focus on men’s health and have since evolved into comprehensive digital health ecosystems. Ro’s strategy includes operating its own pharmacy network and fulfillment infrastructure, enabling tight control over the patient journey—from consultation to delivery. This vertical integration can lead to faster shipping, consistent quality, and fewer third-party dependencies.
Beyond Roman for men’s health, Ro has expanded with Rory (women’s health), Zero (smoking cessation), and Plenity (weight management), creating a cohesive suite of services designed to keep users within its ecosystem. Ro also emphasizes clinical integrity, partnering with licensed physicians and publishing transparent pricing for all treatments. Its commitment to regulatory compliance and patient safety has helped build trust in a market often criticized for prioritizing marketing over medicine.
Keeps: Specializing in Hair Loss Solutions
For individuals primarily seeking treatment for hair loss, Keeps presents a compelling alternative. Unlike Hims, which offers hair regrowth as one of many services, Keeps dedicates its entire platform to combating androgenetic alopecia. This specialization allows Keeps to refine every aspect of the user experience—from initial assessment to ongoing monitoring—with a singular focus on hair health.
The platform provides FDA-approved treatments like finasteride and minoxidil, often at competitive price points, and includes regular check-ins with medical providers to adjust treatment plans as needed. Keeps also offers educational content tailored to hair loss, helping users understand the science behind their condition. For men who prioritize affordability, clarity, and consistency in their hair loss journey, Keeps often emerges as the preferred choice.
Nurx: Leading in Women’s Health and Dermatology
Nurx has carved out a strong position in women’s health, making it a direct competitor to Hims’ Hers brand. Known for its ease of access and insurance-friendly model, Nurx enables users to obtain birth control, emergency contraception, STI testing kits, and HPV screenings without in-person visits. What sets Nurx apart is its ability to bill insurance for many of these services, significantly reducing out-of-pocket costs—a major advantage over purely cash-based models.
In dermatology, Nurx offers treatments for acne and aging skin, using a photo-based consultation process that connects patients with licensed providers. The platform’s emphasis on reproductive autonomy and affordability resonates strongly with younger, cost-conscious consumers. Its mobile-first design and integration with major pharmacy chains further enhance convenience, making it a go-to option for women seeking control over their sexual and skin health.
Lemonaid Health: Affordable Online Care
Lemonaid Health takes a no-frills approach to telehealth, focusing on delivering affordable, straightforward care for common medical issues. While Hims targets ongoing wellness and chronic conditions, Lemonaid serves as a practical solution for acute concerns such as urinary tract infections (UTIs), acid reflux, cold sores, and seasonal allergies. It also provides treatment for mental health conditions and sexual health, but typically at a lower price point.
One of Lemonaid’s standout features is its flat-fee pricing model—users pay a single fee for a consultation, regardless of whether medication is prescribed. This transparency appeals to those without insurance or those looking to avoid unpredictable healthcare costs. Though its branding may lack the polish of Hims or Roman, Lemonaid’s functional design and value-driven pricing make it a strong contender in the budget telehealth segment.
Niche and Emerging Competitors by Health Category
Beyond the major platforms, a wave of specialized providers has emerged, each dominating a specific health niche. These companies often outperform generalists like Hims by offering deeper personalization, advanced formulations, or more tailored support.
Mental Health & Wellness Alternatives (e.g., Cerebral, Talkspace, BetterHelp)
The surge in demand for mental health support has fueled the growth of dedicated digital therapy platforms. Cerebral distinguishes itself by offering a full continuum of care, including psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and weekly therapy sessions. It covers conditions such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, and insomnia, with a focus on long-term treatment plans.
Talkspace and BetterHelp, while not offering medication, have built vast networks of licensed therapists, enabling users to communicate via text, voice, or video at their convenience. These platforms often provide more flexibility in therapist matching and session frequency than Hims’ mental health offering. For individuals whose primary concern is emotional well-being, these specialists often deliver a richer, more immersive experience.
Sexual Health & ED Focused Competitors (e.g., BlueChew, RexMD)
In the erectile dysfunction space, Hims faces competition from brands that innovate in product delivery and pricing. BlueChew, for example, offers chewable versions of sildenafil and tadalafil, appealing to users who prefer an alternative to traditional pills. Its subscription model includes regular shipments and flexible dosing options, often at lower price points than Hims.
RexMD positions itself as a discreet and efficient ED care provider, emphasizing fast consultations and affordable medication. The platform streamlines the medical review process, reducing wait times and simplifying onboarding. While the core medications are similar across providers, differences in user experience, delivery methods, and pricing can sway consumer preference—especially among those sensitive to cost or seeking privacy.
Dermatology & Skincare Specific Platforms (e.g., Curology, Agency)
When it comes to skin health, few platforms match the level of personalization offered by Curology and Agency. Curology creates custom-formulated topical treatments by blending active ingredients like tretinoin, clindamycin, and azelaic acid based on individual skin assessments. Users submit photos and complete a detailed questionnaire, which a licensed provider reviews before crafting a unique formula.
Agency, Curology’s sister brand, focuses exclusively on anti-aging, offering personalized serums and creams designed to target fine lines, elasticity, and skin texture. Both brands emphasize scientific rigor and dermatologist oversight, setting them apart from more generic skincare lines. Compared to Hims’ standardized dermatology kits, these platforms appeal to users who want truly individualized regimens and visible results over time.
Business Models and Market Strategies: How Competitors Stand Out
The battle for market share in telehealth isn’t just about what services are offered—it’s also about how they’re delivered, priced, and marketed. Hims relies heavily on a subscription-based model, encouraging long-term engagement through recurring shipments of medication or skincare products. However, competitors have adopted varied strategies to capture different segments of the market.
- Subscription vs. One-time Purchase: While subscriptions dominate for chronic conditions like hair loss or ED, some platforms allow one-time purchases for acute needs. This flexibility attracts users who want to test a service before committing.
- Telehealth vs. Hybrid Models: Pure digital models dominate, but some companies integrate with physical labs or pharmacies for blood tests or in-person follow-ups, blending virtual convenience with real-world diagnostics.
- Pricing Strategies: Some providers compete on price (e.g., Lemonaid, BlueChew), while others charge a premium for personalized care (e.g., Curology, Ro). The spectrum ranges from budget-conscious to high-touch clinical experiences.
- Insurance Acceptance: Nurx and Lemonaid accept insurance for certain services, lowering barriers to access. In contrast, Hims and many DTC brands operate on a cash-pay model, which can deter some users despite offering faster onboarding.
- Patient Acquisition & Retention: Marketing plays a crucial role. Hims and Roman invest heavily in social media, influencer campaigns, and TV ads. Retention is driven by seamless UX, responsive customer support, and expanding service lines to keep users engaged across life stages.
Logistics and technology also play a key role. Companies with in-house pharmacies or fulfillment centers—like Ro—can optimize delivery speed and packaging, enhancing overall satisfaction. Meanwhile, platforms leveraging AI for triage, diagnosis support, or treatment recommendations are beginning to gain an edge in efficiency and scalability.
Choosing the Right Telehealth Provider: Factors to Consider
With so many options available, selecting the right telehealth provider requires thoughtful evaluation. The ideal choice depends on your specific health needs, financial situation, and expectations for care. Consider the following factors before making a decision:
- Service Range: Are you managing multiple conditions, or do you need expert care for a single issue? Broad platforms suit general needs; specialists often deliver better outcomes for focused concerns.
- Cost & Pricing Model: Compare consultation fees, subscription costs, medication prices, and whether insurance is accepted. Watch for automatic renewals or hidden charges.
- Doctor Accessibility & Licensing: Ensure the platform employs licensed medical providers in your state. Look for easy access to follow-ups, questions, or prescription adjustments.
- Platform User Experience: A smooth, intuitive app or website can make a big difference—especially when uploading photos, scheduling appointments, or messaging providers.
- Privacy & Data Security: Confirm the provider complies with HIPAA and uses encryption to protect your personal and medical information.
- Medication & Product Quality: Verify that prescriptions are filled by licensed pharmacies and that skincare or wellness products meet clinical standards.
- Customer Reviews & Reputation: Read feedback across multiple platforms to gauge reliability, treatment effectiveness, and customer service responsiveness. Look for patterns in both praise and criticism.
Taking the time to assess these aspects can help you find a provider that aligns with your health goals and lifestyle.
The Future of Telehealth: Trends and Regulatory Landscape
The telehealth industry is far from static. As consumer expectations evolve and technology advances, providers must adapt to stay competitive. Several key trends are shaping the next phase of digital health:
- AI and Personalization: Artificial intelligence is being used to streamline intake processes, analyze symptoms, and recommend personalized treatment paths. Some platforms are experimenting with AI-driven skin analysis or mental health screening tools.
- Integration with Wearables: Telehealth services are increasingly connecting with devices like smartwatches and fitness trackers to monitor vitals, sleep, and activity levels, enabling proactive care.
- Expansion into Chronic Disease Management: Beyond acute and lifestyle conditions, telehealth is moving into managing diabetes, hypertension, and obesity—areas that require long-term monitoring and support.
- Mental Health Integration: As mental wellness becomes central to overall health, more platforms are embedding therapy and emotional support into broader care models, recognizing the mind-body connection.
Regulation remains a pivotal factor. Policies around cross-state medical licensing, reimbursement for virtual visits, and data privacy will determine how freely telehealth providers can operate. The temporary regulatory relaxations during the pandemic boosted adoption, but their permanent status is still uncertain. As of 2024, sustained venture capital investment and growing public interest suggest continued expansion, but success will depend on balancing innovation with compliance and clinical accountability.
Conclusion: Navigating a Dynamic Telehealth Market
Hims & Hers has played a pivotal role in shaping the modern telehealth landscape, bringing once-taboo health topics into the mainstream with a consumer-friendly approach. Yet, its position is increasingly challenged by a diverse array of competitors—from full-service platforms like Roman to hyper-specialized brands like Keeps and Curology. Each of these players brings unique strengths, whether it’s lower pricing, deeper personalization, insurance compatibility, or superior logistics.
The market is no longer about who has the best marketing—it’s about who delivers consistent, high-quality care with transparency and respect for the patient. As telehealth continues to evolve, providers will need to innovate not just in technology, but in trust, accessibility, and long-term engagement. For consumers, the abundance of choice is empowering, but it also demands careful consideration. By understanding the landscape and evaluating providers based on individual needs, users can make smarter, more confident decisions in their healthcare journey.
Who are the primary direct competitors to Hims & Hers in the telehealth market?
The primary direct competitors to Hims & Hers include Roman (Ro), which offers a similarly broad range of men’s and women’s health services, Keeps specializing in hair loss, Nurx focusing on women’s health and dermatology, and Lemonaid Health providing affordable general online care.
How do Hims’ competitors like Roman and Keeps differentiate their services?
Roman differentiates through its comprehensive Ro ecosystem, including Rory for women’s health and a vertically integrated pharmacy, aiming for a holistic patient experience. Keeps differentiates by specializing exclusively in hair loss solutions, offering a highly focused and often cost-effective approach for that specific concern.
Are there specific Hims alternatives for women’s health, mental health, or dermatology?
- Women’s Health: Nurx is a strong alternative, known for birth control, STI testing, and emergency contraception.
- Mental Health: Cerebral, Talkspace, and BetterHelp specialize in therapy and psychiatry services.
- Dermatology: Curology and Agency offer highly personalized, custom-compounded skincare treatments.
What are the key factors to consider when choosing between Hims and its various competitors?
Key factors include the specific health condition you need to address, the range of services offered, overall cost and pricing models (subscription vs. one-time, insurance acceptance), doctor accessibility, platform user experience, and privacy policies.
Do any of Hims’ competitors offer more affordable pricing or different subscription models?
Yes, some competitors like Lemonaid Health often offer competitive flat-fee consultations for general conditions, which can be more affordable for one-off needs. Others, like BlueChew, might have different pricing structures for specific medications. Insurance acceptance, as seen with Nurx, can also make services more affordable for eligible patients.
Is there a Hims competitor that specializes in a very niche health area?
Yes. For example, Keeps specializes solely in hair loss, and BlueChew focuses exclusively on chewable ED medication. Curology and Agency are highly specialized in personalized dermatology and anti-aging skincare, respectively.
What is the market share of Hims compared to its biggest rivals?
Determining precise, up-to-date market share figures can be complex as private companies don’t always disclose them. However, Hims & Hers and Ro (Roman) are generally considered the two largest direct-to-consumer telehealth players in terms of revenue and market capitalization, often competing closely for dominance in segments like men’s health. Other companies hold significant shares in their respective niche markets.
How do online reviews and customer satisfaction ratings compare across Hims and its top competitors?
Online reviews and satisfaction ratings vary significantly across platforms and service areas. General trends indicate that platforms with clear communication, efficient service, and effective treatments tend to receive higher ratings. However, issues like shipping delays, medication side effects, or perceived lack of personalized care can lead to lower scores for any provider. It’s advisable to check multiple reputable review sites (e.g., Trustpilot, BBB, app store reviews) for a balanced perspective.
Are there any investment or stock-related platforms that list Hims’ financial peers?
Yes, as Hims & Hers Health, Inc. (HIMS) is a publicly traded company, investment platforms like Yahoo Finance, Bloomberg, and Google Finance list its financial data. Peers in financial analysis often include other publicly traded telehealth companies or healthcare technology firms, and sometimes even traditional pharmaceutical companies that are moving into DTC models. Ro, being private, would not be listed in the same way, though its valuation is often compared.
What are the common misconceptions about Hims’ ownership or origin, and how do competitors fare in terms of brand transparency?
A common misconception is that Hims is owned by Snoop Dogg or a Chinese company. In reality, Hims & Hers Health, Inc. is a U.S.-based, publicly traded company (NYSE: HIMS) founded by Andrew Dudum and Jack Abraham. Most major competitors, including Roman (Ro), Keeps, and Nurx, are generally transparent about their ownership and U.S. origins. Publicly traded companies like Hims have additional reporting requirements that enhance transparency regarding their financial structure and operations.
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