The internet teems with services offering monthly deliveries of contraceptives at more affordable prices. Whether you take “the pill” or prefer alternatives, such as a patch, ring, or shot, companies like Nurx and Hers are able to ship quality birth control to your door.
We took a deep dive into these subscription services to compare two of the best known providers of online birth control.
Related reading: Nurx Review
How Do Nurx and Hers Work?
Both providers ask individuals to first complete an extensive questionnaire. Keep in mind that you’ll need a blood pressure reading from the last 6 months, so it may be helpful to get that first.
Many states allow you to fill a birth control prescription online, but if you happen to live somewhere that doesn’t, you’ll have to make an appointment at your doctor’s office.
What Kind of Birth Control Do Nurx and Hers Offer?
The vast number of birth control options offered on these platforms include:
- Form: pill, patch, ring, and shot
- Type: progestin-only (POPs), combination pills (progestin and estrogen), emergency contraception (PlanB)
- Pill cycle: 28-days, 24-days, and 21-days
- Brand: Yaz, Molan, Camila, Lutera, and more
If you’ve already found a preferred brand of birth control that works for you, whether it’s hormone-based or hormone-free, you’re very likely able to get it online from one of these providers.
Always let your healthcare provider know about any health conditions or any other prescription or non-prescription drugs, vitamins, or supplements you are taking before beginning a new medication.
Hers vs. Nurx for birth control | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | Starting at $12/month | Starting at $15/pack |
| Prescribes for | Preventing Pregnancy Fighting Acne Reducing PMS Lighter and Skipping Periods | Preventing Pregnancy Fighting Acne Reducing PMS Lighter and Skipping Periods |
| Types of birth control pills | Combination Pills Progestin-Only Pills | Combination Pills Progestin-Only Pills |
| Other birth control options | ❌ | Vaginal Ring Birth Control Patch |
| Free doctor's consultation? | ✅ | ❌ $30 fee |
| Free shipping? | ✅ | ✅ |
| Same-day pickup at pharmacy? | ❌ | ❌ |
| Available in all 50 US states? | ✅ | ❌ |
| Website | Hers | Nurx |
Hers vs. Nurx: Pill Comparison
Hers and Nurx offer both combination (estrogen + progestin) and progestin-only pills (POPs). Nurx offers more than 50 birth control pill options, while Hers offers around 13 choices.
Related reading: Hers Birth Control Review: Is It Worth It?
Hers vs. Nurx: Non-Pill Alternatives
Only Nurx prescribes birth control in alternative forms, like a patch you place on your skin once a week, or a flexible ring you insert vaginally every 21 days. Nurx even offers a birth control shot that is given in the stomach or upper thigh once every three months, if that works better for your needs.
Other Types of BC: Offline and Emergency
There are other effective forms of birth control that Nurx and Hers don’t offer, such as intrauterine devices (IUDs) or implanted contraceptives, which need to be inserted in a healthcare provider’s office.
Emergency contraception (i.e. PlanB), which isn’t intended for regular use, is available via Nurx, however, Hers does not offer it.
Why should you get your birth control prescription online?
The benefits of getting your birth control online may include:
- A lower cost for the overall appointment compared to an in-office doctor’s visit
- Price of the medicine may be very reasonable, which may be helpful if you don’t have health insurance
- It may save you a lot of time and may be more convenient than heading to your healthcare provider’s office
- Your medication can be conveniently delivered directly to your house each month
Are Nurx and Hers good choices if you don't have insurance?
With a low cost, online doctor’s visits, and predictable drug prices that are noted on their websites, Hers and Nurx may work well for some individuals who don’t have insurance.
The Verdict: Which Is Best, Hers or Nurx?
Hers is the most convenient.
With beautiful branding, a superb web experience, and only about $12 to get started, Hers is the ultimate birth control subscription for anyone aiming for convenience. Its sheer simplicity is likely to win over individuals who want an approachable number of birth control pill options. The brand seems palatable to those willing to pay a tiny premium for a frictionless customer experience.
Try Hers → Nurx is the best overall.
Try Nurx → Nurx strikes the right balance between simplicity and variety, all at an attractive price. At about $15 per month, Nurx seems like the best option for those without insurance. On top of offering birth control pills, patches, and rings, it’s also the only provider to offer the option of birth control in an injectable shot.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much do alternative forms of birth control cost online?
The cost of online birth control depends widely on the type, brand, and insurance coverage (if applicable).
- Hers birth control starts at about $12 per month and does not work with network health plans.
- Nurx may be covered through insurance, however, they don’t work with network health plans. Otherwise, it costs about $15 per month.
Why should you get your birth control prescription online?
The benefits of getting your birth control online may include:
- A lower cost for the overall appointment compared to an in-office doctor’s visit
- Price of the medicine may be very reasonable, which may be helpful if you don’t have health insurance
- It may save you a lot of time and may be more convenient than heading to your healthcare provider’s office
- Your medication can be conveniently delivered directly to your house each month
Are Nurx and Hers good choices if you don't have insurance?
With a low cost, online doctor’s visits, and predictable drug prices that are noted on their websites, Hers and Nurx may work well for some individuals who don’t have insurance.
Methodology
We conduct extensive research to evaluate the pricing, effectiveness, accessibility, overall quality, and user experience of every telehealth service we review. This also includes examining and comparing each provider to comparable telemedicine alternatives. We also evaluate usability, treatments, prescription delivery time, and more to determine the best value for those seeking fast and reliable telehealth services.
| Review Process | Key Metrics | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Sign up online | – ease to complete intake form – affordability – upfront commitment or subscription required? – money back guarantee or refund policy? | 0.5 |
| Vitual consult with provider / determine eligibility | – ease to get appointment to determine eligibility – need to leave house for labs or other in-person care? | 1 |
| Shipping + unboxing | – shipping cost – time from order to treatment delivery – discreet packaging to maintain privacy | 0.5 |
| Test + journal for 1-3 months | – ease of application – transition into habitual use – taste / smell / feel / pain | 1.5 |
| Results after 3 months of use | – efficacy / results – lack of side effects – ease of refill / reordering – quality of ongoing clinical support – responsive customer support – willingness to recommend to a friend | 1.5 |