Software · head to head
GoodRx vs BetterHelp
The short version
- Only GoodRx has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
- Each has a real cost: GoodRx limited effectiveness for controlled substances and specialty medications due to pharmacist discretion and manufacturer pricing; BetterHelp pricing from $50-$90 per week billed every 4 weeks with location and therapist availability variations
- They diverge on capability: GoodRx covers Price Comparison, BetterHelp covers Video Sessions.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which GoodRx and BetterHelp actually diverge.
| Attribute | GoodRx | BetterHelp |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | Free | $50/week |
| Free tier | Yes | No |
| Platforms | iOS, Android, Web | Web, iOS, Android |
| Founded | 2011 | 2013 |
Identical on both: pricing model (Unknown), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).
What each one covers
Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.
Only in GoodRx
- Price Comparison
- Discount Coupons
- Pharmacy Finder
- Drug Information
- Telehealth
- Pharmacies
- Health Plans
Only in BetterHelp
- Video Sessions
- Phone Sessions
- Messaging
- Journaling
- Worksheets
Both cover
- HIPAA
- Cloud deployment
- Web support
- Mobile support
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
GoodRx
- Comparing and finding the lowest prescription drug price across nearby US pharmaciesnot BetterHelp
- Getting free prescription discount coupons for use at pharmacy checkoutnot BetterHelp
- Low-cost telehealth visits for common conditions via GoodRx Carenot BetterHelp
- Medication price tracking, refill reminders, and drug identificationnot BetterHelp
- Discounted pet medications and dental discounts via GoodRx Companionnot BetterHelp
BetterHelp
- Online therapy with licensed mental health professionalsnot GoodRx
- Flexible scheduling with messaging, video, phone, and live chat optionsnot GoodRx
- Access to 150+ worksheets and therapy support modulesnot GoodRx
- Weekly free group seminars with expert therapistsnot GoodRx
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
GoodRx
- Limited effectiveness for controlled substances and specialty medications due to pharmacist discretion and manufacturer pricing
- Pharmacy acceptance varies and is not universal, with some preferred pharmacies not honoring GoodRx pricing
- Prices fluctuate daily, weekly, or monthly making it difficult to budget for consistent medication costs
- Discount prices cannot be combined with insurance coverage, making it unsuitable for insured individuals
BetterHelp
- Pricing from $50-$90 per week billed every 4 weeks with location and therapist availability variations
- Not suitable for minors or those under legal guardianship
- Cannot provide official diagnoses, fulfill court orders, or prescribe medication
- Requires reliable internet access; not appropriate for emergency or crisis situations
Pricing, plan by plan
GoodRx
FreeNo published plan breakdown. See the GoodRx review.
BetterHelp
$50/weekNo published plan breakdown. See the BetterHelp review.
Which should you pick?
Choose GoodRx if
- You need price comparison.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on iOS, Android, Web.
- You also want discount coupons.
Choose BetterHelp if
- You need video sessions.
- You work on Web, iOS, Android.
- You also want phone sessions.
Questions people ask
- Is GoodRx or BetterHelp better?
- Neither clearly leads. GoodRx starts at Free and BetterHelp at $50/week, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, GoodRx or BetterHelp?
- GoodRx has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for GoodRx and $50/week for BetterHelp.
- Does GoodRx or BetterHelp run on more platforms?
- GoodRx runs on iOS, Android, Web. BetterHelp runs on Web, iOS, Android.
- Can I use GoodRx for free?
- Yes. GoodRx has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. BetterHelp starts at $50/week.
- What is GoodRx best used for?
- GoodRx is most often used for comparing and finding the lowest prescription drug price across nearby us pharmacies, getting free prescription discount coupons for use at pharmacy checkout, low-cost telehealth visits for common conditions via goodrx care, medication price tracking, refill reminders, and drug identification. Of those, comparing and finding the lowest prescription drug price across nearby us pharmacies and getting free prescription discount coupons for use at pharmacy checkout are not what BetterHelp is typically brought in for.
- What can GoodRx do that BetterHelp cannot?
- GoodRx covers Price Comparison, Discount Coupons, Pharmacy Finder, Drug Information. BetterHelp covers Video Sessions, Phone Sessions, Messaging, Journaling. Both handle HIPAA, Cloud deployment, Web support, Mobile support.
Answered from the vendors’ own pages
GoodRx: How much can GoodRx help you save on prescriptions?
GoodRx can help save up to 80% on prescriptions at over 70,000 US pharmacies. Savings vary by medication, pharmacy, and location.
SourceGoodRx: What is GoodRx Companion and how much does it cost?
GoodRx Companion (formerly GoodRx Gold) is a paid membership at $14.99 per month or $119.88 per year. It includes access to a list of 200+ generic medications that are free for members at participating pharmacies, plus $19 online care visits.
SourceGoodRx: Can GoodRx be combined with insurance or Medicare?
No. GoodRx discounts cannot be used in combination with health insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid. Payments with GoodRx also do not count toward insurance deductibles.
SourceGoodRx: Are controlled substances eligible for GoodRx discounts?
Some controlled substances are eligible for GoodRx discounts, but certain drugs including all opioids such as hydrocodone and tramadol, and some stimulants like amphetamine are ineligible for Rewards discounts. Pharmacists maintain clinical judgment to refuse coupons for controlled medications.
Source