SkinnyRx vs TMates: Which GLP-1 Provider Is Better?
By Iacob Pastina, Independent Researcher
TMates beats SkinnyRx overall, scoring 7.8/10 vs 7.3/10. TMates is more affordable at $158/mo vs $199/mo. Choose SkinnyRx for users who want flexibility in compounded glp-1 medication fo. Choose TMates for users who want flexible pricing across compounded glp-1s (me.
A side-by-side comparison of SkinnyRx and TMates covering pricing, scores, medication types, insurance, and more to help you decide.
SkinnyRx
#36 of 47Direct-to-consumer telehealth platform offering compounded GLP-1 medications across five formats — injectable and sublingual semaglutide, semaglutide tablets, and tirzepatide as either injectable or tablets. Operated by Lean Rx, Inc. (Sacramento, CA). Compounded only — does not prescribe brand-name Wegovy/Zepbound/Ozempic/Mounjaro. Cash-pay only with HSA/FSA accepted; does not bill insurance. 4,100+ Trustpilot reviews at 4.8 stars.
Visit SkinnyRxTMates
#16 of 47Telemedicine platform offering two distinct archetypes: compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide with medication included (commitment pricing $158-$249/mo), and a clinical-service-only path to brand-name Wegovy/Zepbound at $99/mo where the prescription is sent to the patient's pharmacy. Phentermine also available. 2026 expansion added brand-name FDA-approved options.
Visit TMates| Feature | SkinnyRx | TMates |
|---|---|---|
| Our Score | 7.3/10 | 7.8/10 |
| Starting Price | $199/mo | $158/mo |
| Medication Type | Compounded | Both |
| Insurance Accepted | No | Yes |
| Best For | Users who want flexibility in compounded GLP-1 medication format (injectable, sublingual, or tablet) at a mid-tier price point | Users who want flexible pricing across compounded GLP-1s (medication included, $158-$249/mo with commitment discounts) and a cheap clinical-service-only path to brand Wegovy or Zepbound ($99/mo, patient fills at own pharmacy) |
| Ranking | #36 | #16 |
Pros & Cons Compared
SkinnyRx
Pros
- +Five medication formats — the broadest compounded-GLP-1 menu in DTC telehealth, including the rare oral tirzepatide tablet that almost no competitor offers
- +$199/mo entry price for both injectable and sublingual semaglutide is competitive in the mid-tier compounded segment
- +Fast onboarding: 5–10 minute online questionnaire, physician review in 24–48 hours, medication delivered in 3–7 business days with temperature-controlled shipping
- +4,100+ Trustpilot reviews at 4.8 stars — among the strongest aggregate social-proof signals in the GLP-1 telehealth category
Cons
- −No brand-name FDA-approved options (Wegovy, Zepbound, Ozempic, Mounjaro) — compounded-only model limits patients who want or need an FDA-approved finished product
- −Limited public transparency: founders, executive team, medical director, and specific compounding-pharmacy partners are not named on the public site
- −Cash-pay only — does not bill commercial insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid (HSA/FSA payments accepted)
- −Independent reviews flag inconsistent customer-service responsiveness, which is a real concern for a medication that requires titration support and dose-adjustment dialogue
TMates
Pros
- +Steep multi-month commitment discounts on compounded sema — $158/mo on 12-month plan ($1,900 upfront) vs $249/mo month-to-month
- +Clinical-service-only path to brand Wegovy and Zepbound at $99/mo — prescription goes to patient's pharmacy (you fill separately using insurance or cash)
- +Same price at all dose levels for compounded — no cost escalation as you titrate up
- +Phentermine available at $149/mo for patients who benefit from a different appetite-suppressant approach
Cons
- −Brand Wegovy/Zepbound $99/mo is CLINICAL SERVICE ONLY — medication cost is separate (paid at your pharmacy, which can be $1,000+/mo cash without insurance)
- −Best compounded pricing requires 6-12 month prepayment (upfront $1,050-$1,900)
- −90-second assessment quiz suggests convenience over clinical thoroughness compared to competitors with full medical intakes
- −Not affiliated with Novo Nordisk (Wegovy) or Eli Lilly (Zepbound) — TMates prescribes but does not dispense brand-name
Our Verdict
TMates edges out SkinnyRx with a score of 7.8/10 vs 7.3/10. If budget is your priority, TMates starts at $158/mo compared to SkinnyRx's $199/mo. TMates accepts insurance, which can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket costs. TMates offers both brand-name and compounded medications, giving you more flexibility. Choose SkinnyRx if you want: users who want flexibility in compounded glp-1 medication format (injectable, sublingual, or tablet) at a mid-tier price point. Choose TMates if you want: users who want flexible pricing across compounded glp-1s (medication included, $158-$249/mo with commitment discounts) and a cheap clinical-service-only path to brand wegovy or zepbound ($99/mo, patient fills at own pharmacy).