Software · head to head
Ro vs BetterHelp
The short version
- Each has a real cost: Ro uS-only service - Ro's own help center states it cannot serve individuals residing outside the United States, including US territories; BetterHelp pricing from $50-$90 per week billed every 4 weeks with location and therapist availability variations
- They diverge on capability: Ro covers Video Consultations, BetterHelp covers Video Sessions.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Ro and BetterHelp actually diverge.
| Attribute | Ro | BetterHelp |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $39/month | $50/week |
| Pricing model | subscription | Unknown |
| Founded | 2017 | 2013 |
Identical on both: free tier (No), platforms (Web, iOS, Android), 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 Ro
- Video Consultations
- Prescription Services
- Medication Delivery
- Digital Health Records
- Ongoing Care
- Pharmacies
- Insurance
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.
Ro
- GLP-1 weight-loss program (Ro Body) with prescription medication and coachingnot BetterHelp
- Erectile dysfunction treatment and medication deliverynot BetterHelp
- Hair loss treatmentnot BetterHelp
- Skincare prescriptionsnot BetterHelp
- Fertility-related consultations and productsnot BetterHelp
BetterHelp
- Online therapy with licensed mental health professionalsnot Ro
- Flexible scheduling with messaging, video, phone, and live chat optionsnot Ro
- Access to 150+ worksheets and therapy support modulesnot Ro
- Weekly free group seminars with expert therapistsnot Ro
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
Ro
- US-only service - Ro's own help center states it cannot serve individuals residing outside the United States, including US territories
- Care is limited to Ro-affiliated, US-licensed providers - users cannot choose an outside doctor
- Treatment and medication availability varies by US state
- Focused on a narrow set of conditions (weight loss, ED, hair loss, skincare, fertility) rather than general primary care
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
Ro
$39/month- Membership$39/month
- Unlimited doctor visits
- Prescription fulfillment
BetterHelp
$50/weekNo published plan breakdown. See the BetterHelp review.
Which should you pick?
Choose Ro if
- You need video consultations.
- You work on Web, iOS, Android.
- You also want prescription services.
Choose BetterHelp if
- You need video sessions.
- You work on Web, iOS, Android.
- You also want phone sessions.
Questions people ask
- Is Ro or BetterHelp better?
- Neither clearly leads. Ro starts at $39/month and BetterHelp at $50/week, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, Ro or BetterHelp?
- Ro starts at $39/month and BetterHelp at $50/week.
- Does Ro or BetterHelp run on more platforms?
- Both run on Web, iOS, Android, so platform support will not decide this one for you.
- What is Ro best used for?
- Ro is most often used for glp-1 weight-loss program (ro body) with prescription medication and coaching, erectile dysfunction treatment and medication delivery, hair loss treatment, skincare prescriptions. Of those, glp-1 weight-loss program (ro body) with prescription medication and coaching and erectile dysfunction treatment and medication delivery are not what BetterHelp is typically brought in for.
- What can Ro do that BetterHelp cannot?
- Ro covers Video Consultations, Prescription Services, Medication Delivery, Digital Health Records. BetterHelp covers Video Sessions, Phone Sessions, Messaging, Journaling. Both handle HIPAA, Cloud deployment, Web support, Mobile support.