Is Hims Legit? An Honest Review
If you're considering Hims for ED treatment, you probably want to know: Is this a real, legitimate service? Will I get safe medication? Here's what you need to know.
The Short Answer
Yes, Hims is legitimate. Founded in 2017, Hims is a licensed telehealth company that employs licensed healthcare providers and dispenses FDA-approved medications. They're not a scam, and they're not selling fake pills.
That said, like any service, Hims has pros and cons. Customer experiences vary, and it may not be the best choice for everyone. Read on for the full picture.
What Is Hims?
Hims (also known as "Hims & Hers" after expanding to include women's health in 2018) is a telehealth company that provides online access to prescription medications for various men's health conditions, including erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, hair loss, and mental health.
The core appeal is convenience: instead of scheduling an in-person doctor's appointment to discuss something potentially embarrassing, you complete an online questionnaire, consult with a licensed provider via messaging (or video in some states), and—if appropriate—receive medication shipped directly to your door in discreet packaging.
Hims at a Glance
Founded
2017
Headquarters
San Francisco, CA
Services
ED, PE, Hair Loss, Mental Health, Skincare, Weight Loss
Availability
All 50 states (some service limitations by state)
Consultation Cost
Free (for most services)
Insurance Accepted
No (cash-pay only)
Why People Question Hims' Legitimacy
It's reasonable to be skeptical. The internet is full of scam "pharmacies" selling counterfeit medications. In October 2024, the CDC issued an alert about illegal online pharmacies selling millions of unregulated, counterfeit prescription medications.
So how do you know Hims is different? Here are the legitimacy markers:
Licensed Healthcare Providers
Hims employs licensed physicians and healthcare providers who are credentialed in your state. They review your medical history and make prescription decisions.
FDA-Approved Medications
Hims dispenses FDA-approved medications including brand-name Viagra and Cialis, as well as their generic equivalents (sildenafil and tadalafil).
Licensed Pharmacies
Medications are dispensed through licensed pharmacies with U.S. addresses. Hims networks with pharmacies around the country.
Publicly Traded Company
Hims & Hers Health, Inc. is a publicly traded company (NYSE: HIMS), subject to regulatory oversight and financial reporting requirements.
Requires Prescription
Legitimate services always require a prescription from a licensed provider. Hims won't sell you ED medication without a medical evaluation.
Harvard Health's Guidance
According to Harvard Health, safe online medication retailers "will always require a provider's prescription, will have a U.S. address and phone number, and will be licensed with a state board of pharmacy." Hims meets all of these criteria.
What ED Medications Does Hims Offer?
| Medication | Type | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|
| Sildenafil (generic Viagra) | Tablets | ~$2-4/dose |
| Brand Viagra | Tablets | ~$70+/dose |
| Tadalafil (generic Cialis) | Tablets | ~$4-8/dose |
| Brand Cialis | Tablets | ~$70+/dose |
| Hard Mints / Sex Chews | Chewables (compounded) | Varies |
| Daily Tadalafil | Tablets or Chews | ~$85/month |
Hims is one of the few major telehealth providers that offers the Pfizer-manufactured generic sildenafil, giving you the option of medication made by the same company that makes brand-name Viagra.
How the Hims Process Works
Complete Online Questionnaire
Answer questions about your health, medical history, current medications, and ED symptoms. This typically takes 5-10 minutes.
Provider Review
A licensed healthcare provider reviews your information. They may message you with follow-up questions. Some states require a video consultation.
Prescription Decision
If appropriate, the provider writes a prescription. If ED medication isn't safe for you (due to heart conditions, nitrate use, etc.), they'll let you know.
Medication Shipped
Medication is shipped to your door in discreet packaging. Most orders arrive within a few days. Free shipping is standard.
The initial consultation is free for ED services. You only pay for medication if you're prescribed it.
What Do Customers Say?
Customer reviews for Hims are mixed—which is actually pretty normal for telehealth services. Here's what the feedback looks like:
Common Praise
- + Convenient and fast process
- + Avoids awkward in-person conversations
- + Medications work as expected
- + Discreet packaging
- + Good pricing on generics
Common Complaints
- - Subscription can be hard to cancel
- - Customer service response times
- - Automatic renewals without clear reminders
- - Limited direct access to providers
- - Side effects (expected with ED meds)
Watch Out for Subscriptions
The most common complaint about Hims is the subscription model. When you order, you're typically signing up for recurring shipments. Make sure you understand the cancellation policy and how to pause or cancel before your next shipment.
Pros and Cons of Hims
Pros
- ✓ Legitimate and licensed – Real providers, real medications
- ✓ Convenient – No in-person appointments, home delivery
- ✓ Free consultation – No cost to get evaluated
- ✓ Brand and generic options – Including Pfizer generic sildenafil
- ✓ Comprehensive platform – ED, hair loss, mental health, and more
- ✓ Competitive generic pricing – Some of the lowest per-dose costs
- ✓ Phone and chat support – Better than email-only competitors
Cons
- ✗ Subscription model – Must actively cancel to stop shipments
- ✗ No insurance – Cash-pay only, no insurance accepted
- ✗ No in-person exam – May miss underlying health issues
- ✗ Provider access – Messaging-based, not traditional appointments
- ✗ Cancellation complaints – Some users report difficulty
- ✗ Not for complex cases – Better suited for straightforward ED
Is Hims Right for You?
Hims is a good fit if:
- • You want convenient access to ED medication without an in-person visit
- • You're generally healthy with no complex medical conditions
- • You prefer competitive generic pricing
- • You're comfortable with a subscription model
- • You might also use their other services (hair loss, mental health, etc.)
Consider alternatives if:
- • You have significant heart disease or take nitrates
- • You want to use insurance to pay for medication
- • You prefer a one-time purchase over subscriptions
- • You want an in-person physical examination
- • You have complex health conditions requiring specialized care
Hims vs Other Options
| Feature | Hims | Roman | BlueChew |
|---|---|---|---|
| Consultation | Free | Free | Free |
| Brand-name available | Yes | Yes | No |
| Chewable options | Yes | Yes | Yes (only) |
| Customer support | Phone, chat, email | Email only | Email, chat |
| Other services | Hair, mental health, skin, PE | Hair, skin, PE | ED only |
| Generic pricing | ~$2-4/dose | ~$2-6/dose | ~$3/dose |
Safety Considerations
While Hims is legitimate, there are inherent limitations to telehealth for ED:
- • No physical exam: ED can be a sign of underlying conditions like heart disease or diabetes. An online questionnaire can't catch everything an in-person exam might.
- • Relies on your honesty: The provider makes decisions based on what you tell them. If you're not completely honest about your health history, the assessment may not be accurate.
- • Not for complex cases: If you have significant health conditions, you may need more comprehensive care than telehealth can provide.
Important Safety Warning
ED medications should never be taken with nitrates (like nitroglycerin for chest pain). This combination can cause dangerous drops in blood pressure. Be completely honest with your provider about all medications you take.
Ready to Try Hims?
If you decide Hims is right for you, the consultation is free. You'll only pay if you're prescribed medication.
Get Started with HimsThe Bottom Line
Hims is a legitimate telehealth company offering real ED medications prescribed by licensed providers. It's not a scam, and the medications work. That said, it's a subscription-based service that doesn't accept insurance, and some customers have complained about the cancellation process. For many men, Hims offers a convenient, affordable way to access ED treatment—just make sure you understand how the subscription works before signing up.