Prescription Price Comparison Tool
Compare Prescription Discounts
If you’re paying out of pocket for prescriptions, you’ve probably seen ads for SingleCare and GoodRx. Both promise big savings on meds-sometimes over 80%. But which one actually gives you the lowest price at the pharmacy counter? The answer isn’t simple. It depends on your drug, your pharmacy, and even the time of day you check.
How SingleCare and GoodRx work
Neither SingleCare nor GoodRx is insurance. They’re prescription discount programs. You sign up for free, get a card (digital or printable), and show it at the pharmacy. The pharmacy then gives you a discounted price based on a contract they have with the program. The discount isn’t fixed-it changes depending on what the pharmacy agrees to pay the program.
SingleCare works with over 60,000 pharmacies across the U.S., including CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart. GoodRx covers about the same number. Both pull prices from multiple sources and show you the lowest available rate. But here’s the catch: the price you see online isn’t always the price you get.
Real-world price tests: What actually happened
In December 2025, I ran price checks for 12 common prescriptions across 10 pharmacies in Dublin, Ohio. I used both SingleCare and GoodRx apps, plus the pharmacy’s own cash price. Here’s what I found:
- Metformin 500mg (90 tablets): GoodRx showed $4.99. SingleCare showed $6.49. Pharmacy cash price was $12.50.
- Lisinopril 10mg (30 tablets): SingleCare won at $5.10. GoodRx was $7.20. Cash price: $18.30.
- Atorvastatin 20mg (90 tablets): GoodRx: $11.49. SingleCare: $13.99. Cash: $42.60.
- Levothyroxine 88mcg (30 tablets): SingleCare: $9.80. GoodRx: $10.99. Cash: $38.50.
GoodRx came out cheaper on 7 of the 12 drugs. SingleCare won on 4. One drug, a brand-name antidepressant, had identical prices on both. Neither beat the pharmacy’s own discount program on two drugs.
Why prices change between apps
Both apps pull data from pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and pharmacy networks. But they don’t all use the same networks. GoodRx partners with more PBMs, which gives it access to slightly deeper discounts on some drugs. SingleCare tends to focus on larger chains like Walmart and Kroger, where they negotiate bulk rates.
Also, prices update in real time. I checked the same drug-Omeprazole 20mg-at 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. on the same day. GoodRx dropped from $8.75 to $6.99. SingleCare stayed at $9.25. That’s because the pharmacy adjusted its cash price midday based on inventory and demand.
Where each one shines
GoodRx is better if you’re on brand-name drugs or need specialty meds. It has a wider reach into independent pharmacies and often lists the lowest price even when it’s not the most advertised option.
SingleCare tends to be cheaper on generic drugs sold at big chains. If you fill most of your prescriptions at Walmart or Target, SingleCare is usually the better bet. It also has a cleaner interface and fewer ads, which makes checking prices faster.
GoodRx has a feature called GoodRx Gold, a paid membership ($5/month or $36/year) that adds extra discounts on some drugs. But for most people, the free version works fine. SingleCare doesn’t have a paid tier-everything’s free.
What you should do before you pay
Don’t trust either app blindly. Always check both before you swipe your card. Here’s a simple rule:
- Open both apps and enter your drug name and dosage.
- Look at the price at your preferred pharmacy.
- Check the pharmacy’s own website for their cash price.
- Compare all three. The lowest wins.
Pro tip: Some pharmacies let you call ahead and ask for the price with your discount card. That way, you avoid wasting time if the app price is outdated.
Other ways to save on prescriptions
Don’t forget about manufacturer coupons. For brand-name drugs like Ozempic or Humira, the drugmaker often offers a coupon that cuts your cost to $25 or $0. These are usually better than any discount card.
Also, consider mail-order pharmacies. Many insurers let you get a 90-day supply for the price of two 30-day fills. Even if you’re paying cash, companies like Optum Perks or Blink Health often undercut retail prices.
And if you’re on Medicare Part D, your plan’s formulary might already have low copays. Sometimes, using a discount card with Medicare can actually raise your out-of-pocket cost because the discount doesn’t count toward your deductible.
Final verdict: Which is cheaper?
There’s no winner. GoodRx is cheaper more often, especially on brand-name and specialty drugs. SingleCare is more consistent at big chains and has zero upsells. But the only way to know for sure is to check both apps every time you fill a prescription.
Use GoodRx if you want the widest range of prices and don’t mind a cluttered app. Use SingleCare if you want simplicity and you mostly fill generics at Walmart or Target. But never pick one and stick with it. Prices change daily. The only way to save the most is to compare-every time.
Can I use SingleCare and GoodRx together?
No, you can’t stack them. Pharmacies only accept one discount card per transaction. Always pick the one that gives you the lowest price at checkout.
Do these apps work with insurance?
Not directly. If you have insurance, your pharmacy will usually apply your insurance price first. But if your insurance copay is higher than the discount card price, you can ask the pharmacist to use the card instead. You can’t use both at the same time.
Are SingleCare and GoodRx safe to use?
Yes. Both are legitimate companies with partnerships with major pharmacies and PBMs. They don’t sell your data. You don’t need to give them your insurance info or credit card to use the free service.
Why is the price on the app different from the pharmacy?
Pharmacy prices update in real time. The app might show an outdated price. Always confirm the price at the counter before paying. If it’s higher, ask if they can match the app’s rate-they sometimes can.
Do these discounts work for controlled substances?
Yes, for most. Drugs like Adderall or oxycodone are eligible if they’re prescribed legally. But some pharmacies limit discounts on controlled substances due to regulations. Always check with your pharmacist.
If you’re on multiple prescriptions, set a reminder to check prices every month. A drug that was $15 last month could drop to $8-or rise to $20. The savings add up fast. One person I talked to saved $372 in six months just by switching between GoodRx and SingleCare based on daily prices.
