Hero Automatic Pill Dispenser

4.7 Stars (14 Reviews)

Updated: January 30, 2023

The Hero automatic pill dispenser is a smart device that stores and dispenses up to 10 different types of pills. Program this medication dispenser with your dosing schedule, and you’ll receive notifications when it is time to take your pills. Hero solves the problem of remembering what time to take prescription and over-the-counter medicine.

Editorial Breakdown

Ease of Use

4.6 Stars

Smartphone App

4.8 Stars

Capacity

4.4 Stars

Product Quality

4.6 Stars

Overall Rating

4.7 Stars

Bottom Line

Hero automatic pill dispenser is a smart device that stores and dispenses up to 10 different types of medication.

Medication adherence is difficult for between 40% and 75% of seniors who struggle to remember when to take which medication at the right time. Hero is designed to automatically dispense the correct pills for your medication schedule at the push of a button.

Hero is ideal for those on a regimen of prescription or over-the-counter pills, including vitamins and supplements. This automatic pill dispenser is also a good option for those who forget to take their medications, or who have arthritis or other issues that make opening pill bottles difficult. The Hero pill dispenser is a top pick for Best Mobile App in our Automatic Pill Dispensers guide.

Pros

  • 30-day trial with money-back guarantee
  • Holds a one-month supply of up to 10 different pills
  • Prescription refill alerts
  • iOS and Android app notifies caregivers of missed doses
  • Tech support available to help with setup

Cons

  • Can’t dispense liquid or powder medications

How to Set Up Hero Automatic Pill Dispenser

The Hero automatic pill dispenser is a high-tech device that requires a bit of time to set up. Instructions for use are clear and thorough. The medications schedule is easy to program using the Hero mobile app for Android or iOS. Hero holds at least a 30-day supply of multiple medications, depending on the size of the pills.

Hero App screenshot.  "Add a Caregiver.  Choose a close friend or family member to help you stay on track with your medications.
Source: Hero

Plug in your Hero automatic pill dispenser, then connect it to Wi-Fi. Use the mobile app to program Hero with doses multiple times a day. First, identify each pill, then choose dispensing times. Finally, load medications and supplements into canisters in the dispenser. If you do not have a smartphone or you are worried about missing a dose, you can add a caregiver to help you stay on track with your medications.

Hero’s Automatic Dosing and Prescription Refills

Hero chimes and sends a notification to your smartphone when it’s time to take one or more medications. Press a button on the device to dispense pills in the correct doses. If you miss a dose, the app sends a notification to a designated caretaker or loved one, so they can make sure you take your dose. Hero notifies you when you are running low on a particular medication so you can refill the canister.

You can also use the app to program Hero to automatically reorder medications, a service called Hero Fill. Provide your prescribing doctor and pharmacy contact information, then snap a photo of your health insurance card. Hero transfers your prescription records to TruePill, the company’s pharmacy partner.

Hero Pill Dispenser Cost

You pay a one-time initiation fee of $99.99 to receive and use a Hero pill dispenser. After that, you pay a monthly membership fee. The Basic Hero plan is $29.99 with access to the device, app, optional medication refill service and technical support. The premium membership, called the Super Hero plan, costs $99.99 per month and includes extended phone and email support.

Hero Automatic Pill Dispenser logo
4.7 Stars

Hero Automatic Pill Dispenser

  • 90 Day risk free trial
  • Alerts for prescription and device refills

Hero Fill is a free prescription refill service. Of course, you still have to pay your insurance copay for medications.

Hero requires a one-year membership commitment. If you cancel during the first year of membership, you’ll be charged for the remaining months of that year. After the first year, you can cancel any time with no remaining balance due.

FeatureBasic HeroSuper Hero
Cost per month$29.99$99.99
Full access to the Hero appYesYes
Dispenser with low pill reminders and passcode option to protect medicationsYesYes
Support, 24/7 customer line, warranty and software upgradesYesYes
Phone and email support for missed doses, if device goes offline or medications are running lowNoYes
Hero Pill Dispenser Plans

How to Buy Hero Automatic Pill Dispenser

You can purchase the Hero pill dispenser on the company’s website. Shipping is free.

Hero Automatic Pill Dispenser Complaints

Hero is new on the market and does not have a lot of consumer reviews. The company publishes customer reviews on the Hero website with a 4.8 out of 5-star rating. The device also gets consistently high reviews from bloggers and websites, including Highya, the Lung Institute and Autism Dad. Hero gets an A rating from the Better Business Bureau.

Hero Automatic Pill Dispenser FAQ

What is Hero’s cancellation policy?

You can return Hero for any reason to get a refund within the first 30 days. There is no shipping fee, but you need to return the unit in original packaging. If you decide to return Hero after the 30-day trial, but before the initial 12-month membership period ends, the company automatically charges your credit card for the remaining monthly payments for the first year.
You can cancel at any time after the first year, but return the Hero pill dispenser within 30 days of the last month of membership to avoid a $300 charge.

How does the Hero Fill service work?

This optional service allows Hero to order your prescription refills, over-the-counter medications and supplements. Use the mobile app to transfer your prescriptions, and Hero’s agent can reorder or request new prescriptions from your doctor.

Does Hero automatic pill dispenser come with a warranty?

Hero covers the device for defects in workmanship or material. The company will repair or replace the pill dispenser at any time during your membership if it fails during normal use. The Super Hero plan adds coverage for damage resulting from regular use.

Can I pay for the Hero automatic pill dispenser with an HSA or FSA credit card?

Yes, you can buy Hero with your Health Savings Account or Flexible Savings Account.

Is the cost of the Hero pill dispenser tax deductible?

You can deduct the cost of the Hero pill dispenser and membership fees if you are using it to treat a diagnosed illness. The IRS allows deductions for diagnostic devices, including those used for medical treatment. Talk to your tax accountant for details.

Conclusion

The Hero automatic pill dispenser is easy-to-use and can help you take your medications on time, every time. The device works best for those who have a caregiver or other person who can monitor the app for missed or late doses. Consider the Hero pill dispenser if you are comfortable with using a mobile app for set up, or you have someone who can do that for you. 

Hero Automatic Pill Dispenser logo
4.7 Stars

Hero Automatic Pill Dispenser

  • 90 Day risk free trial
  • Alerts for prescription and device refills

14 Hero Automatic Pill Dispenser Reviews

Write Review
1 Star

April 13 2021 1:01AM

Machine cost $1,000 and 360 a year. I would not recommend this to anyone. Hard to get customer service and support. I use pill pack and it is very easy to use and get refills. I think that the customer support is not in the USA.

Stephen T.
FRESNO, CA
2 Stars

March 12 2021 1:00AM

They’re not selling the dispenser, ONLY renting it to you for $1.00/day and if you don’t want to continue to use it you must return it and then you owe them $ 360 for the year!

They call it a “Membership fee,” but that’s only semantics! You’re renting it so the first year, it will cost you, $50.00 original fee & then the $360, therefore, it costs you ~ $ 1.15/ day! I’ve gotten better rental fees from Rent-A-Center.

Pixie M.
Phoenx, AZ
4 Stars

March 10 2021 2:22PM

Support is just ok- they seem to be overseas and have a difficult time communicating over their chat interface.

Major flaw in their software is the inability to control the amount of time that must elapse before a dose of an as needed medication can be taken after another one of the same medicine was taken.

This is common for over the counter meds like **. Directions might say "take 2 tablets up to 4 times a day at least 4 hours apart". This device would allow someone to take 4 such doses back to back with no time spacing.

This is a significant risk, not just for those with dementia (for which they don't recommend this machine) but for anyone who routinely takes such medicines and simply forgets when they last took it.

If you have the app on your phone, you can look up in the log to see when you last took the dose but many older users may not have this capability. Also when you're experiencing pain, you might not have 100% of your wits about you.

There is no excuse not to have this feature- it would be commonly used and should be easy to program.

Ken J.
Wilton, NH
1 Star

February 13 2021 1:10AM

I want to warn all the persons about this pill dispenser and the app!!! First of all 1. This dispenser could not be handled by any impaired person or a person who have dementia because every time the device ask for a pin number at the time of the dispense!

2. This app don't function with recent android versions!! 3. This device is rented not owned so you need to return it if it don't fit your needs!

Or you pay $299 for contract cancellation and add $1,500 if you don't return the device to them and representative don't tell you about this statement when you "Buy" this dispenser when you call the sales department and it took more than a month to receive it! I don't recommend it.

Dennis C.
Oviedo, FL
12
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