Best Online Pharmacies of July 2024 (2024)

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To determine the best online pharmacies, the Forbes Health editorial team analyzed data on more than 25 online pharmacies, identifying the best based on 21 metrics. Star ratings were then solely determined by the editorial team and are based on the following:

• Whether services are available without membership (5%)
• Membership availability (5%)
• Membership cost per month (15%)
• Insurance acceptance (5%)
• Number of insurance companies accepted (5%)
• National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) accreditation (10%)
• Whether prescriptions are required (10%)
• Provider availability to prescribe medications when necessary (2.5%)
• Whether the pharmacy has a physical address and phone number in the U.S. (5%)
• Whether the pharmacy is listed on BeSafeRX as a licensed online pharmacy (5%)
• Nationwide availability (2.5%)
• Medication discounts (2.5%)
• Licensed pharmacist and customer service support available (5%)
• 24/7 customer service communication availability (2.5%)
• BBB and Trustpilot ratings (4%)
• Free shipping (5%)
• Nationwide shipping (5%)
• Expected shipping time (2%)
• Overnight shipping availability (2%)
• Whether the pharmacy accepts returns (2%)

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.

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.

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.

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

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 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

Additionally, it may be beneficial to review an online pharmacy’s privacy policy to ensure that it follows practices to protect patient health information.

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.