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By Valerie Williams
Editor
Fact Checked
Sarah DavisEditor
Updated: Feb 2, 2024, 5:29am
Commissions we earn from partner links on this page do not affect our opinions or evaluations. Our editorial content is based on thorough research and guidance from the Forbes Health Advisory Board.
The scope of online shopping has grown immensely in the last couple of years, including the creation of online pharmacies. Online pharmacies can offer the same array of services that in-person pharmacies do, and many even include perks like special savings and overnight shipping—sans the long lines at many physical locations.
With all of the available options, it’s easy to get overwhelmed in deciding if an online pharmacy is right for you and your medication needs. And even if you do decide to try going online, which online pharmacy should you choose? The Forbes Health editorial team did the legwork, thoroughly researching popular online pharmacies and analyzing their offerings, so you can make an educated decision. Here are our top picks.
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FEATURED PARTNER OFFER 
Partner Offers feature brands who paid Forbes Health to appear at the top of our list. While this may influence where their products or services appear on our site, it in no way affects our ratings, which are based on thorough research, solid methodologies and expert advice. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services
HealthWarehouse Pharmacy
- Industry leading prices
- No insurance necessary, no membership or subscription fees
- Award winning patient services
- 4.6 / 5 star overall rating - 20,000+ patient reviews
- Free shipping to all 50 States and US territories
- 16 years of excellence - the first and longest running American online pharmacy
{{ showSummarySection ? 'Hide Summary' : 'Show Summary' }}
- Best Online Pharmacy Options of 2024
- Express Scripts Pharmacy
- Amazon Pharmacy
- Birdi
- BlinkRx
- HealthWarehouse
- CaryRx
- Rx Outreach
- Methodology: How We Picked the Best Online Pharmacies of 2024
- How Do Online Pharmacies Work?
- Who Should Use Online Pharmacies?
- What Are the Benefits of Online Pharmacies?
- Potential Risks Associated With Online Pharmacies
- How Much Does Medication Cost From an Online Pharmacy?
- What Makes a Good Online Pharmacy?
- What to Look for in an Online Pharmacy
- Summary: Compare the Best Online Pharmacies of 2024
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Our Top 7 Online Pharmacies
- Best for Member Benefits: Express Scripts Pharmacy
- Best for Fast Delivery: Amazon Pharmacy
- Best for Specialized Care: Birdi
- Best for Virtual Doctor Visits: BlinkRx
- Best for Filling Multiple Prescriptions: HealthWarehouse
- Best for Accessible Customer Service: CaryRx
- Best for Individuals without Insurance: Rx Outreach
Best Online Pharmacy Options of 2024
Best for Member Benefits
Express Scripts Pharmacy
All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
- Only available for those with Express Scripts benefits coverage
- Offers $0 copay on certain medications
- Works with a network of over 70,000 pharmacies
- Free standard shipping and overnight shipping is available on request
Why We Picked It
Pros & Cons
Best for Fast Delivery
Amazon Pharmacy
4.9
All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
- No membership fees for Prime members
- Accepts most insurance plans
- Offers Prime members savings of up to 80% without insurance
- Offers free delivery (and free two-day delivery for Prime members)
Why We Picked It
Pros & Cons
Best for Specialized Care
Birdi
4.6
All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
- No membership fees
- Accepts most insurance plans
- Offers discounted medication prices
- Free standard delivery
Why We Picked It
Pros & Cons
Best for Virtual Doctor Visits
BlinkRx
4.0
All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
- No membership cost
- Offers discounts on over 15,000 prescriptions
- Offers free delivery nationwide for select medications
- Online doctor visits available for some conditions
Why We Picked It
Pros & Cons
Best for Filling Multiple Prescriptions
HealthWarehouse
3.9
All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
- No membership fees
- Free standard shipping
- Offers discounted prescription medications
- Provides medications prescribed by both physicians and veterinarians
On HealthWarehouse's Website
Why We Picked It
Pros & Cons
Best for Accessible Customer Service
CaryRx
3.8
All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
- Services available without membership
- Free same-day delivery available in Washington, D.C., parts of Maryland and Northern Virginia
- Accepts most insurance plans
- Offers free shipping nationwide
Why We Picked It
Pros & Cons
Best for Individuals Without Insurance
Rx Outreach
3.8
All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
- No membership fees
- Provides access to affordable medications for those who qualify
- Provides some free medications each month on a first-come, first-serve basis
- Medications can be shipped to your provider or to you directly
- Free standard shipping
Why We Picked It
Pros & Cons
Methodology: How We Picked the Best Online Pharmacies of 2024
To find the best online pharmacies, the Forbes Health editorial team analyzed data on the top online pharmacies, identifying the best based on factors including:
- Membership costs and benefits
- Insurance acceptance
- Medication discounts
- Free shipping available
- Online pharmacist and customer service support available
- Whether prescriptions are required
How Do Online Pharmacies Work?
While every online pharmacy differs, utilizing an online pharmacy typically requires a few steps:
- Set up an account with the online pharmacy you have selected. It will likely require you to submit a credit card and insurance information.
- Be sure to select a pharmacy licensed to sell prescription medications in the state you reside.
- You will need a valid prescription from your health care provider, who may call the prescription in, or you can provide it yourself by fax or mail.
- Depending on how your online pharmacy works, you could have the option of having your medications sent directly to you in the mail, or you could pick them up at a local pharmacy.
- A reputable online pharmacy should provide access to a licensed pharmacist for any questions.
Who Should Use Online Pharmacies?
Online pharmacies vary in what services they offer and for some people, it may not make sense to use an online pharmacy versus a physical store. However, if you are looking for convenience and the ability to manage medications from the comfort of your home (and smartphone), an online pharmacy may be a great choice for you.
Talk to your health care provider if you have questions about whether using an online pharmacy makes sense for your particular situation.
What Are the Benefits of Online Pharmacies?
Aside from the obvious convenience of having your medications delivered to your home without having to go anywhere, an online pharmacy can offer a lot of the same services as an in-store option, providing you select an online pharmacy that offers support from a licensed pharmacist so you can ask questions about your medications.
Some online pharmacies, including several that made our ranking, offer conveniences such as automatic refills that make filling your monthly medications an easier process (and eliminating the risk that you’ll run out before having a chance to get to the store), discounted medication, 24/7 customer service support and free, fast shipping.
Potential Risks Associated With Online Pharmacies
If you know you prefer speaking with a pharmacist in person, it may not make sense to utilize an online pharmacy. Some people may also not feel comfortable using a website or app to find information and set up their prescriptions, which could lead to inaccuracies and delays in receiving needed medications, so it might be better for those patients to use an in-store pharmacy.
The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) also cautions that some online pharmacies are fraudulent, and obtaining your medications from them could be dangerous, as the medication could be counterfeit. Consider these warning signs from the FDA when trying to determine if an online pharmacy is legitimate or possibly fraudulent:
- They allow the purchase of drugs without a prescription
- Their prices and discounts seem unusually cheap
- They send unsolicited email offers for low-price medications
- They ship medications from another country
- They’re located outside the U.S.
- They are not licensed by a state board of pharmacy in the U.S.
How Much Does Medication Cost From an Online Pharmacy?
Depending on the type of medication, online pharmacies can offer more competitive prices than some brick-and-mortar pharmacies. This is because some online pharmacies do not take insurance, and therefore, are able to avoid fees associated with insurance or a pharmacy benefits manager.
Companies like Amazon and Costco are also able to keep their online pharmacy costs lower because they make money off membership fees, enabling them to offer medications at a lower price.
What Makes a Good Online Pharmacy?
Which online pharmacy is best for you will be based on your individual needs, but for our ranking, we considered whether an online pharmacy charges a membership fee, if it accepts insurance, whether it offers medication discounts and free shipping, whether it provides an online pharmacist for customer support and whether it requires valid prescriptions.
What to Look for in an Online Pharmacy
What you look for in an online pharmacy will depend on your personal needs, but the FDA also provides tips on locating an online pharmacy that is safe and legitimate. Be sure that your online pharmacy checks the following boxes:
- They require a valid prescription
- They have a physical U.S. address
- They provide a state-licensed pharmacist to help you with your prescriptions
- They are licensed by the state board of pharmacy both in your own state and the state in which they operate
As far as other features that matter to you, some pharmacies have different shipping options and of course, prices. Which pharmacy you prefer will depend on your personal needs and what is convenient for you, but begin by making sure they are a safe and legitimate operation.
Get What You Need, Without a Trip To The Pharmacy
Your one stop shop for all of your prescription, over-the-counter, and pet med needs. Shop online, or call and speak to an expert at 1-800-317-7503.
On HealthWarehouse's Website
Summary: Compare the Best Online Pharmacies of 2024
| Online Pharmacy | company_logo | Forbes Health Ratings | forbes_advisor_rating_image | Best For | View More | learn_more_cta_below_text | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Express Scripts Pharmacy | | 5.0 |  | Best for Member Benefits | View More | #express_scripts_pharmacy_section | |
| Amazon Pharmacy | | 4.9 |  | Best for Fast Delivery | View More | #amazon_pharmacy_section | |
| Birdi | | 4.6 | | Best for Specialized Care | View More | #birdi_section | |
| BlinkRx | | 4.0 |  | Best for Virtual Doctor Visits | View More | #blinkrx_section | |
| HealthWarehouse | | 3.9 |  | Best for Filling Multiple Prescriptions | Learn More | On HealthWarehouse's Website | https://try.healthwarehouse.com/BestOnlinePharmacy?utm_source=ForbesHealth&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=Forbes_BestOnlinePharmacy" rel="nofollow" |
| CaryRx | | 3.8 | | Best for Accessible Customer Service | View More | #caryrx_section | |
| Rx Outreach | | 3.8 | | Best for Individuals Without Insurance | View More | #rx_outreach_section |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I get prescription medication online?
Prescription medication is available through online pharmacies. You can find a licensed online pharmacy in your state by using this database from the FDA.
Where can I find legitimate online pharmacies?
Our ranking provides a number of legitimate online pharmacies, but if you’re trying to determine if an online pharmacy is legitimate, find out whether it requires prescriptions, if it’s based in the U.S., if it provides a physical address and telephone number, if it has a licensed pharmacist available to answer questions and if it’s licensed with a state board of pharmacy.
Can you get Adderall from an online pharmacy?
Adderall is available through online pharmacies with a valid prescription.
Sources
References
- BeSafeRx: Your Source For Online Pharmacy Information. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Accessed 07/22/2022.
- Buying Medicines Online: It's Convenient and Private, but Beware of Unsafe Websites. University of Rochester Medical Center. Accessed 3/29/2023.
- How to Buy Medicines Safely From an Online Pharmacy. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Accessed 3/29/2023.
- Online Pharmacies Can Help You Save Big on Prescription Drugs. Consumer Reports. Accessed 3/29/2023.
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Information provided on Forbes Health is for educational purposes only. Your health and wellness is unique to you, and the products and services we review may not be right for your circ*mstances. We do not offer individual medical advice, diagnosis or treatment plans. For personal advice, please consult with a medical professional.
Forbes Health adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. To the best of our knowledge, all content is accurate as of the date posted, though offers contained herein may no longer be available. The opinions expressed are the author’s alone and have not been provided, approved or otherwise endorsed by our advertisers.
Valerie WilliamsEditor
Valerie is a seasoned writer and editor who has spent her career creating content in the parenting and women's wellness spaces. Before joining Forbes Health, Valerie was the trending news editor at Scary Mommy. When she's not helping women and families live their best and healthiest lives, she's spending time with her family, walking her dogs, reading or exercising.
Sarah DavisEditor
Sarah is an experienced writer and editor enthusiastic about helping readers live their healthiest and happiest lives. Before joining Forbes Health, Sarah worked as a writer for various digital publications including LendingTree, theSkimm, CNBC and Bankrate. When she isn’t writing or editing, you can find Sarah with her nose in a book or enjoying the outdoors with her French bulldog, Honey.
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