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In an increasingly digital world, the convenience of online shopping has extended to the healthcare industry, and the rise of online pharmacies is making it easier than ever to access prescription medications and health products. With prescription prices in the U.S. being two and a half times higher than those in similarly developed countries, it is unsurprising that Americans are looking for ways to save on their medications. Online pharmacies are becoming popular alternatives that can dispense (and sometimes deliver) prescription drugs at a lower out-of-pocket price than traditional pharmacies.
Whether you’re looking for competitive pricing, speedy delivery, or top-notch customer service, online pharmacies offer consumers more options and better service than ever before. However, it’s vital that prescriptions are obtained from reputable companies that disclose the medication's origin, as not all countries regulate drug manufacturing as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration does. As well, companies that claim to dispense controlled substances, such as opioids, stimulants, and sleep aids, are still required to follow strict protocols when distributing and delivering regulated medications.
To help you find a safe and trustworthy online pharmacy, we researched several online options and consulted with a medical expert so you can make an informed choice for your healthcare needs. In addition to our research, a Pharmacy Director on our Medical Expert Board reviewed this article for medical and scientific accuracy.
10 Best Online Pharmacies of 2024
- Best for Fast Shipping: Amazon Pharmacy
- Best for Medicare: OptumRx
- Best for Bundling Services: Select Rx
- Best for Birth Control: Hers
- Best for Hair Loss: Ro
- Best for Discounts: GeniusRx
- Best for Temperature-Sensitive Shipping: HealthWarehouse
- Best for Customer Support: Honeybee
- Best for ED Prescriptions: Lemonaid Health
Best for Fast Shipping : Amazon Pharmacy
- Subscription: Not required; however, Prime members save more
- Medical Consultation Required? No
- Accepts Insurance? Yes
Getting all your pharmacy needs met in one place means less work for you. Amazon Pharmacy provides just that, plus it saves you money in the process and provides free, two-day shipping to Prime members.
Fills prescriptions from any provider
Parents can manage children’s prescriptions
RxPass gives additional savings on eligible meds
Provides a pill packaging service
Prime members save up to 80%
RxPass not available in every state
Prime savings not available for Medicare or Medicaid recipients
According to its website, Amazon entered the online pharmacy business “to reduce the barriers that prevent people from receiving the medication they need.” It gives customers access to a full-service online pharmacy that delivers medication quickly and efficiently.
Amazon pharmacy dispenses the most popular drugs for every family member—even four-legged—at rock-bottom prices. While you don’t have to be an Amazon Prime member to use Amazon Pharmacy, the subscription comes with additional benefits: Prime members get the same fast two-day shipping guarantee for medications they get for other retail goods. Plus, Prime members save an average of 80% on generic versions of drugs and 40% on formulary or name-brand prescriptions.
Amazon also recently rolled out RxPass exclusively for Prime members. For a flat $5 fee per month, RxPass dispenses all eligible prescriptions, including common medications for blood pressure, anxiety, and cholesterol management. The downside is that RxPass is not available nationwide yet, and residents in large states such as California and Texas cannot participate in this program.
Shipping is not free for those who do not have Amazon Prime, and non-members can expect to receive their packages in about four to five days instead of two. Amazon accepts insurance flexible spending account (FSA) and health savings account (HSA) payments for prescriptions. You can check whether your plan is accepted and how much Amazon's price is to see whether you can save money by self-paying versus using your insurance benefits. Amazon also has a PillPack service for an additional fee. Users who have difficulty remembering what day and time to take multiple medications can have their medication packaged in easy-to-read individual packets every month.
Best for Medicare : OptumRx
- Subscription: Covered insureds only
- Medical Consultation Required? No
- Accepts Insurance? Yes
For Medicare Part D subscribers with a plan administered through Optum, using OptumRx can save time, money and hassles, such as waiting in a long line at the local pharmacy.
One of the largest Medicare Part D providers
Dispenses up to three months at a time
Subscribers can use virtual healthcare to get prescriptions
This is an insurance provider
Primary care consults expensive: $55
Insurance not accepted for telehealth appointments
For the 49 million people enrolled in the Medicare Part D plan, part of that coverage may involve getting vital prescriptions at a cheaper rate. This plan allows participants to access drugs in protected classes, such as those used to treat infectious diseases and cancer. Optum also administers your prescription plan if you are a UnitedHealthcare member. Going through its online pharmacy, OptumRx, may save you even more than using your benefits elsewhere. However, the downside to this system is that you have to be insured by Optum to use the services that OptumRx provides.
OptumRx also helps vulnerable patients stay on track with their medication regime by filling up to three months’ worth of a prescription at a time. Its research indicates that non-adherence is responsible for up to 50% of treatment issues and failings. OptumRx seeks to put an end to this with its home delivery in larger quantities. Shipping these medications every three months can keep patients who might be prone to skipping doses if they run out or run low supplied with the medication they need at all times.
Best for Bundling Services : Select Rx
- Subscription: None
- Medical Consultation Required: Yes
- Accepts Insurance: Yes
Select Rx’s goal is to take the hassle out of monthly pill management by aligning all prescribed and over-the-counter medications to ship at the same time. If you need to simplify how you receive your medication from month to month, look no further.
All monthly medication delivered once a month
Packages medication by time and day
No shipping or subscription fees
Not available in every state
Doesn’t provide drug pricing on website
Ensuring medication is taken as prescribed is a crucial component of healthcare management. Some people find it difficult to juggle their medication regime and wind up skipping doses or not getting refills in a timely manner. If simplifying your monthly medication regime is the goal, SelectRx may be just what you need.
SelectRx can bundle and prepackage pills together by day and time of day you need to take them—a unique feature among companies we reviewed. These are then put in easy-to-read packages, so you don’t have to guess if you took your medication on a certain day or time. This pill bundling service is helpful for those who have many pills to take in a day or who are at risk of skipping doses if they get confused.
After a relatively easy sign-up process and brief phone consultation with a medical professional, SelectRx takes the reins on your medication management for both prescription and non-prescription drugs. The team at SelectRx coordinates with your prescribing physicians to ensure that it has all the orders needed to begin filling your medication. Next, it contacts your current pharmacies to stop all outstanding orders and make any transfers necessary. It then compiles your prescription medication and the over-the-counter pills you indicated you take (such as allergy pills and vitamins) and packages them for shipping. SelectRx does not charge for shipping and auto-delivers your box of medication every month, so you never have to worry about running out or skipping doses while waiting for refills to come in from different places. SelectRx accepts most major insurers, as well as Medicaid and Medicare Part D, and it also invites customers to call if they find a lower price on medication elsewhere.
Best for Birth Control : Hers
- Subscription: Starts at $12/month; follow-up consults are $5
- Medical Consultation Required: Yes
- Accepts Insurance: No
Hers provides online consultations and dispenses generic birth control pills (meaning they’re often less expensive out-of-pocket) for people who menstruate and want birth control in discreet packaging without making a trip to the doctor.
Available nationwide
Free medical consultation
Discreet and free shipping
Not FSA/HSA eligible
Only generics available
Not a full-service pharmacy
The primary function of the birth control pill is to prevent pregnancy by providing a dose of estrogen, progesterone, or a combination of both to block ovulation. However, it also can help with other common conditions, such as acne, mood swings, painful cramps, and headaches. Some people may be reluctant or unable to make the trip to a doctor for a birth control prescription, so Hers takes that out of the equation.
Anyone considering the birth control pill must have a free virtual consult with a Hers healthcare provider. After reviewing your medical history and symptoms, the provider decides what kind of pill might work and dispenses the prescription for the generic version. Hers offers users a flat monthly fee that starts at $12 and includes the cost of the prescription and its delivery. If you start to take the medication and need to follow up with your provider, you can do so. In some cases, it may take a bit of trial and error to find one that works. The monthly price of Hers depends on the type of drug you're on. Hers doesn't accept insurance or FSA/HSA payments.
One caveat: Not everyone who menstruates can take the birth control pill. Certain medical conditions and lifestyle factors make it risky for some. If you have high blood pressure, diabetes, or cancer, you may not be able to take the pill. If you smoke, the birth control pill can result in the development of blood clots. Therefore, it is crucial that you are honest with the provider during the consultation and report all known conditions and lifestyle factors that make taking the pill risky. Hers has an easy cancellation policy if the service is no longer relevant.
Best for Hair Loss : Ro
- Subscription: Available, but not required
- Medical Consultation Required: Not always; in some cases and states
- Accepts Insurance: No
Discretion and treatment are often important for people experiencing hair loss. Ro provides both, along with a range of treatment options at affordable prices in the quest to help people losing their hair feel better about themselves.
Discreet and free shipping
Free online consultation with licensed provider
Transparent pricing
Doesn’t accept insurance
Only generics for hair loss
Does not fill prescriptions from outside providers
Eighty percent of people assigned male at birth (and half of all people assigned female at birth) will experience hair loss during their lifetime. While there are many reasons for this, it can be a difficult process regardless of why it’s happening. Over the years, medical technology has made some strides in creating medication to help. Companies such as Ro have made it easier for those who may feel reluctant to go to their own physician for in-person treatment for hair loss. Ro was founded in 2017 to provide erectile dysfunction and hair loss care to men via online healthcare professionals and discreet packaging. It has since expanded its pharmacy and healthcare offerings to include weight loss, skincare, and fertility.
Ro works like many other telehealth companies—you start by giving your medical history via a virtual appointment with a U.S. licensed provider (either a physician or nurse practitioner). If the provider determines that medication can help with hair loss during this virtual visit, a prescription will be dispensed through Ro and shipped for free to your home. You can contact Ro and get follow-up appointments with a provider as needed. Common treatments provided by Ro include over-the-counter strength minoxidil (generic Rogaine) for $16 a month, prescription-strength oral minoxidil for $30 a month, finasteride (generic version of Propecia) for $20 a month, and a combination of both for $35 a month. Ro also allows users to cancel their ongoing subscription and treatment at any time.
Best for Discounts : GeniusRx
- Subscription: No
- Medical Consultation Required: No
- Accepts Insurance: No
The cost of medication fluctuates, sometimes from month to month. GeniusRx claims that it will find the lowest price for any prescription—and ship it to your house for free.
No subscription costs
Free shipping
Applies coupons and manufacturer rebates automatically
Shipping can be slower than other companies
Doesn’t take insurance, including Medicaid and Medicare
Must call to use FSA/HSA account
Over the last few years, prescription drug prices have climbed. In 2021, Americans spent $603 billion on prescription medication, and of that, $421 billion was for retail drugs. Generic drugs and manufacturer coupons can bring the cost of medication down substantially, but finding those discounts is not always easy or efficient. GeniusRx not only automatically finds the best deals on your prescription medication, but as a full-service online pharmacy, it dispenses and ships them as well.
GeniusRx does not charge a fee to use its service and only asks users to register. You can pay $5 for expedited shipping or use the standard shipping service for free. You will need to contact your provider to have them send prescriptions directly to the online pharmacy via fax or a direct prescribing program. If you don’t do that, you must give GeniusRx permission to request your prescriptions from the providers you list. GeniusRx can dispense controlled substances, but only if your provider sends the prescription directly through an online system. Absent this, like many other online pharmacies, GeniusRx cannot fill these prescriptions.
While the company does not accept insurance, it claims that it often finds medication at lower prices than insurance copays, sometimes at savings of up to 80%. It accepts FSA and HSA payments; however, you must call and speak to a representative to use them. If you are worried about hitting your insurance deductible, even with lower prescription prices, your insurer might allow you to submit receipts to go towards that out-of-pocket maximum.
Best for Temperature-Sensitive Shipping : HealthWarehouse
- Subscription: No
- Medical Consultation Required: No
- Accepts Insurance: No
Some medications must be kept at a certain temperature for them to remain effective. HealthWarehouse takes extra measures to ensure that medication reaches you under time constraints and temperature conditions.
Available nationwide
Free standard shipping for newsletter subscribers
Expedited shipping available for a fee
Dispenses and ships temperature-controlled drugs
Doesn’t accept insurance
Shipping costs almost $30 extra for temperature-controlled medicine
Insulin is a commonly prescribed medication for people with diabetes, and it is also one of a slew of prescription medications that need to remain cold. Since some medications can undergo substantial changes in chemical composition and effectiveness during a temperature change, they can actually end up doing more harm than good by degrading or becoming toxic. Other prescription medications, such as Humira and Ozempic, even require refrigeration upon receipt. HealthWarehouse has instituted special protocols to ensure all refrigerated medications remain cold during transport.
Not only does it ship next-day air in a temperature-controlled cooler or cold box, but the company goes the extra mile and includes a monitoring temperature strip. If a cold-storage medication reaches you and that strip indicates the container temperature exceeded a pre-ordained threshold, you can contact the company for a free replacement.
HealthWarehouse also promises to provide medication at the lowest prices it can find. The service does not require a subscription or fee. All prescriptions need to be transmitted directly from providers electronically. Standard shipping is free for those who sign up for the HealthWarehouse newsletter, and expedited services are available for an additional charge. For those who need temperature-controlled medication, Healthwarehouse charges $30 for one-business-day shipping. The company does not accept any form of insurance, purporting that cutting out the “middleman” saves customers more money.
Best for Customer Support : Honeybee
- Subscription: No
- Medical Consultation Required: No, but a pharmacist can answer questions
- Accepts Insurance: No
If a medication is new, you may have questions only a medical professional can answer. Honeybee lets you speak to a pharmacist about any questions or concerns you may have.
Pharmacist consultations available weekdays
Free shipping on all orders
Membership program offers discounted medications
Not available nationwide
Doesn’t accept insurance
First-class shipping is slow
Medical support with an online service that dispenses prescriptions is important, especially when it comes to understanding how your prescriptions work and what side effects you might experience. Pharmacists at Honeybee are available Monday through Friday to answer your questions and concerns.
This personalized service was one of the intentions of Honeybee’s co-founders, Jessica Nouhavandi and Peter Wang, when they started the online pharmacy in 2017. At the time, the two were running a small pharmacy in California, where they saw first-hand the disparity in medication prices for those with and without insurance. They decided a small-town pharmacy experience was becoming harder to come by, so they started Honeybee, aimed at helping customers to save money by purchasing generic medication direct from U.S. manufacturers.
Honeybee doesn't take insurance but says its prices are lower than they would be with insurance copays and rates. Like other online pharmacies on this list, Honeybee allows users to search for their medication by name to get an idea of pricing.
Free shipping is a bit slow compared to other companies. Honeybee uses U.S. First Class mail which can take up to 10 days to deliver. For those who need their medication quicker, the company charges $12 for expedited shipping, which delivers in about three to five days. Honeybee cannot ship prescriptions to Montana, Indiana, Alabama, or Louisiana.
Best for ED Prescriptions : Lemonaid Health
- Subscription: No
- Medical Consultation Required: Yes
- Accepts Insurance: No
Lemonaid Health is a one-stop-shop to get an erectile dysfunction prescription and the medications delivered to your doorstep.
Prescriber consultations available
Free shipping on all orders
Free follow-up consultations
First consultation costs $25
Doesn’t accept insurance
First-Class shipping is slow
Getting erectile dysfunction medication is easy, private and expertly managed with Lemonaid Health. The telehealth and online pharmacy platform—now owned by DNA testing giant 23andMe—can prescribe medications for dozens of common conditions and health issues virtually, including four popular ED drugs.
Lemonaid Health can fill your pre-existing prescription for these medications. Or, if you don’t have one, you can schedule a virtual consultation with one of its providers. If the prescriber deems it medically necessary for you to take ED medication, they will prescribe you generic Viagra (sildenafil), Cialis (Tadalafil), Levitra (vardenafil) or daily Cialis (also generically called Tadalafil), which can allow you to be more spontaneous, as opposed to other drugs that have to be taken 15 minutes to two hours prior to sex.
Your initial consultation—often done through the review of a questionnaire, although some providers may request a phone or video meeting—will cost $25, but that single consultation covers your first prescription plus 11 refills, and any follow-up consultations in that period are free. You can also message your provider at any time, free of charge. Lemonaid Health doesn’t accept insurance, but prescription costs are low: Just $2 to $8 per fill. Your medications ship for free, and most will arrive in a couple of days
Best for Abortion Pills : AidAccess
- Subscription: No
- Medical Consultation Required: Yes
- Accepts Insurance: No
Amid the erosion of abortion access in many U.S. states, AidAccess aims to provide affordable medication abortion in every state, regardless of local legislation.
Ships to all 50 states
Financial assistance available
Allows orders for future needs
Medication costs over $100
Not anonymous
Shipping can take up to three weeks in states with restrictive abortion laws
Access to abortion care is more challenging and critical than ever in the U.S. AidAccess is among the nonprofits trying to fill the gaps in care, especially in states where abortion providers’ hands are tied.
AidAccess ships abortion pills to Puerto Rico, Washington, D.C., and all 50 states in the U.S., including those that have passed legislation to outlaw pregnancy termination. To get your medication mailed to you, you’ll fill out a questionnaire, which will be reviewed by a provider as your “consultation.” One drawback of the service: you will need to fill out a form with your own name. You will also need to provide a shipping address, but if you are concerned for your safety, you can have the pills shipped to a support person who does not live at your home address. In states where abortion is legal, your medication should come within days after the prescription is approved. But in states with trigger laws, it could take longer—one to three weeks—to receive your medication because the pills must be shipped from India.
The online consultation and the medications cost between $105 and $150. Financial assistance is available through Aid Access’s own fund, which means that you don’t have to prove that you need assistance, making the pills more accessible to anyone. Aid Access also sets itself apart by allowing people to order abortion pills before they need them, so you don’t have to worry about rushing to acquire them in the future.
Final Verdict
When choosing an online pharmacy, there are numerous factors to consider to find the right fit for your needs. Amazon Pharmacy currently provides the fastest shipping of any online pharmacy we reviewed. It also tends to offer lower-priced medication and provides a range of other benefits for its Amazon Prime members. The RxPass, free two-day shipping, and Pill Pack services make the already discounted prescription prices even more economical. For those who want more targeted services, such as birth control, Hers is worth checking out, as is Ro for hair loss treatment.
Compare the Best Online Pharmacy
Company | Subscription | Medical Consultation Required? | Accepts Insurance? | Free Shipping? |
---|---|---|---|---|
Amazon Pharmacy
Best for Fast Shipping |
None; Prime members get more discounts | No | Yes | For Prime members |
OptumRx
Best for Medicare |
N/A | No | N/A (it is the insurer) | Yes |
Select Rx
Best for Medication Bundling |
No | No | Yes | Yes |
Hers
Best for Birth Control |
Yes; starts at $12 per month | Yes | No | Yes |
Ro
Best for Hair Loss |
Yes, but it is not required | Yes | No | Yes |
GeniusRx
Best for Discounts |
No | No | No | Yes |
HealthWarehouse
Best for Temperature-Sensitive Shipping |
No | No | No | No |
Honeybee
Best for Medical Support |
No | No | No | Yes |
Lemonaid Health
Best for ED Prescriptions |
No | Yes | No | Yes |
AidAccess
Best for Abortion Pills |
No | Yes | No | No |
Guide to Choosing the Best Online Pharmacy
Are Online Pharmacies Worth It?
With the high cost of some medications, comparing prices or getting an estimate of how much a prescription might cost in advance is critical. Online pharmacies, such as GeniusRx, allow you to search for medication and get an idea of how much it will cost in advance. When it fills the prescription, GeniusRx will search for the lowest prices available and make any adjustments.
The ability to compare prices and generic versions of your necessary medications is a significant benefit, according to our subject matter expert, Lindsay Modglin, who has a decade of experience as a nurse. Many local pharmacies lack the resources to provide various products, and some don't offer the in-depth education needed for customers to understand their drug and pricing options.
Another aspect that makes an online pharmacy appealing is its convenience. Having prescriptions shipped to your door, especially on auto-ship so you never run out, can be a big benefit. But companies like SelectRx and Amazon Pharmacy go the extra mile to sort pills into dosing packages by hour and day upon request. This can go a long way in ensuring medication is taken when and how intended.
Is There Medication You Can’t Get From an Online Pharmacy?
Most online pharmacies dispense all or most commonly prescribed medications. However, in the case of temperature-sensitive medicines, such as insulin, fewer pharmacies deliver.
Controlled substances, like opioids and stimulants, require special care and protocol when being filled. Online pharmacies can fill them under certain conditions, but the process is different from traditional medications. Since these substances are highly regulated and require doctor approval and a signature upon receipt, getting them from an online pharmacy can take longer. It's important to note that most telehealth facilities cannot prescribe controlled substances; these prescriptions usually need to come from an in-person visit with a qualifying physician.
How to Compare the Best Online Pharmacies
Since online pharmacies impact your health and wellness, it is important to look at these factors when deciding which one to go with.
- Reputation: When your health is at stake, you don’t want to order medication from just any company. While drug prices are certainly a determining factor, you’ll want to ensure that the pharmacy itself is safe to use and reputable. The FDA has a website that helps consumers uncover and report unsafe pharmacy practices. You can search for pharmacies licensed in your state on this website to vet them. The FDA also updates its list of online pharmacies it has issued warning letters. You can view the list here to ensure a company you are considering is not on it.
- Cost: Most of the companies on this list do not charge a subscription service, but for those that do, the cost starts at $12 a month. Even Amazon Pharmacy does not require users to be members of Amazon Prime, but it does offer deeper discounts and incentives for those who are. When it comes to estimating the cost of a particular medication, you may want to stick with companies that allow you to search their site for drugs by name and dosage.
- Insurance: Most Americans have some kind of health insurance, whether through a private company, Medicare, or Medicaid. If you are part of this group, being able to use your insurance benefits, or FSA or HSA funds, may be a deciding factor when looking for an online pharmacy. While only a few on this list take insurance, it is interesting to note that almost all claim that their prices are lower than insurer copays. It is worth exploring to see if this is true for your medication.
- Shipping: For medication that needs cold storage, you want to ensure it gets to you at the correct temperature and in a reasonable time. HealthWarehouse guarantees that your temperature-sensitive medication will be packed with a temperature monitor that alerts you if the package gets too hot or too cold during transit. It also ships these sensitive medications out Monday through Thursday, two-day air mail. However, shipping is not always free through HealthWarehouse like it is through Ro or GeniusRx. While Honeybee offers free shipping, you may not receive your order for up to 10 business days. Even its expedited service, for a $12 charge, may not get your medication to you in less than five days.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How Do You Know If an Online Pharmacy Is Reputable?
Knowing who is dispensing your medication and where the pills come from is essential to your safety. Look for companies that provide reliable services, such as safe and secure payment methods, fast delivery times, and accurate product details, said Modglin. Legit online pharmacies require the same prescription from your doctor as a physical pharmacy and have the same safety measures to protect your information. Avoid any pharmacy that doesn’t require a prescription or offers your medication at a price that seems too good to be true.
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Can You Get Medicine Prescribed Online?
Some online pharmacies offer users the ability to get medical care from the privacy and comfort of their homes. These providers can prescribe medication that can then be transmitted to online pharmacies. The two providers on this list, Hers and Ro, offer limited health services, such as consults and follow-ups, as well as prescriptions.
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Do Online Pharmacies Offer Discounts?
The online pharmacies we considered for this list all offer some kind of discount for either the prescription medication they dispense or for shipping—or, in many cases, both. Some companies, such as Amazon Pharmacy, offer subscribers deeper discounts on medications and/or shipping than non-subscribers.
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Do Online Pharmacies Take Insurance?
Of the eight companies on our list, three accept insurance in addition to the other perks they offer. OptumRx, our choice for Medicare users, is an insurer, so it doesn't accept patients with any other kind of insurance. Many companies that do not accept insurance, such as GeniusRx, claim that their prices are lower than those offered by insurance coverage.
Methodology
To create this list of the best online pharmacies, we evaluated over 30 companies that offer online pharmacy services. Factors taken into account for this evaluation include the cost of medications, telehealth services, shipping, and subscriptions, states, and ages served, variety of healthcare services and medication provided, availability of healthcare professionals to answer questions, customer service availability, quality of service and customer reviews, track record of reliability, shipping speed, and discretion, and safety of your personal data.
Since online pharmacies are growing in popularity, it was also important for us to look at each company on this list from a safety standpoint first. Several companies did not make this roundup because of concerns over their practices, such as some of what’s cited on this FDA list.