Vitals Vault vs Superpower – 2026 Health Testing Showdown

Vitals Vault is a new breed of direct-to-consumer health testing platform that aims to bring concierge-clinic level lab panels to everyday consumers. It was created by clinical researchers and tech executives who believed advanced diagnostics shouldn’t cost thousands. The result is a no-subscription, no-hassle service: you simply pick one of their ultra-comprehensive blood panels (ranging from ~100 to 160 biomarkers), get tested at a local Quest Diagnostics lab, and receive an in-depth report with interpretations and an action plan. Vitals Vault’s philosophy is “more data, more clarity” – they cover more biomarkers in one test than most annual physicals cover in a lifetime. The panels were designed with functional medicine principles, meaning they look at how markers inter-relate across body systems, not just individual numbers. Despite offering arguably more than many membership programs, Vitals Vault stays strictly pay-as-you-go: no recurring fees, no required coaching packages, and no forced supplement sales. This makes it especially attractive to self-driven optimizers who want deep insights without being locked into a program.

Superpower, on the other hand, pitches itself as a “health super-app” for preventive wellness. Backed by Silicon Valley investors and celebrities (it raised $30M in 2025), Superpower offers an all-in-one membership that combines lab testing with AI analysis, telemedicine, and a wellness marketplace. For a flat annual fee (currently $199 for the base plan), members get an at-home or lab-based blood test covering 100+ biomarkers, a sleek mobile app to view results, a “Superpower Score” and biological age metric to gamify progress, and the ability to text message a concierge physician team anytime. Superpower’s promise is to simplify the process of advanced health tracking: rather than ordering individual tests or interpreting raw lab PDFs, you hand your data to their platform and receive back clear “insights” and recommendations. They centralize your data (you can even integrate wearables like Oura or WHOOP) and even offer to connect past medical records. In short, Superpower is testing + coaching + e-commerce rolled into one. However, it’s a subscription model, so you’ll be paying every year to stay in the program (and as we’ll discuss, likely buying add-ons). Superpower markets itself to a broad audience – anyone who wants more health insight than their doctor provides – but especially those who like the idea of having a virtual coach/doctor guiding them between annual checkups.

In summary, Vitals Vault is a no-frills, high-volume data service: comprehensive lab panels with deep analysis, for one transparent price. Superpower is a bundled service/app: lab testing as the entry point to an ongoing guided wellness program. Now, let’s break down how these differences play out in specific aspects of the user experience.

• Vitals Vault offers more biomarkers per draw than virtually any consumer service out there. Even the mid-tier Advanced Panel has 150+ biomarkers, and the flagship Max Panel covers 160+ markers in one go. These panels include everything you’d expect in a top-notch preventive exam – and then some. For example, even the Essential ($99) panel (100+ markers) includes a full CBC, comprehensive metabolic panel, lipid panel with ratios, thyroid function, inflammation markers (hs-CRP, ESR, immune cell ratios), nutrient levels (Vitamin D, iron/ferritin), liver and kidney function, and even a complete urinalysis. The Advanced and Max panels pile on hormones (e.g. testosterone, estradiol, DHEA-S, cortisol), advanced cardiovascular markers like ApoB and Lipoprotein(a), insulin and calculated insulin resistance scores (HOMA2-IR, QUICKI), homocysteine, GGT, advanced thyroid ratios, IGF-1, even prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in the Max panel for males. In short, Vitals Vault truly maxes out the biomarker count – up to ~160 biomarkers in one blood draw. It’s essentially equivalent to what you’d get if you combined tests from multiple specialized labs. Importantly, these markers are not just thrown in randomly: they were chosen to complement each other and reveal meaningful patterns (the company notes they use 8–10 vials of blood to cover all systems efficiently). Vitals Vault proudly states it has “more biomarkers than Function Health, InsideTracker, Mito, Superpower, Life Extension…” for the price, emphasizing their value-per-marker advantage.

• Superpower’s single panel includes 100+ biomarkers, which is nothing to sneeze at – it’s far more comprehensive than a typical annual physical (which might check fewer than 20 things). In those ~100 markers, you get broad coverage: standard cholesterol panel, detailed metabolic markers (glucose, A1c, insulin levels – users report insulin is included), inflammation (hs-CRP, etc.), thyroid hormones (likely TSH, T4, maybe free T3), liver and kidney function, vitamins like B12 and D, iron/ferritin, sex hormones (testosterone, estradiol, SHBG, DHEA-S) – plus some less common ones like LDL particle count or ApoB (the platform has mentioned ApoB) and possibly an ANA or other autoimmunity screen (since they claim to cover “autoimmunity”). In practice, Superpower’s biomarker menu is similar to Vitals Vault’s Essential + part of Advanced panel. However, certain advanced tests are notably missing from the base $199 package. For example, Superpower does not include Lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) by default – a critical hereditary heart risk marker that Vitals Vault includes in Advanced/Max. Lp(a) is offered as an add-on for an extra fee with Superpower. Other exclusions: some users noted APOE genotype and vitamin levels like RBC magnesium are not in the standard panel. Essentially, Superpower hits the high-yield basics for longevity and general health, but trims out some of the esoteric or cutting-edge markers, likely to keep costs sustainable. They focus on ~21 categories of health rather than absolute number of markers. For many users, 100 biomarkers is plenty; but for the truly data-hungry optimizer, Vitals Vault’s additional 50–60 markers (especially around insulin resistance modeling, advanced lipids, and extra hormones) could provide that next level of insight.

It’s worth noting how this plays into value-per-dollar. At $199/year, Superpower gives you 100+ markers once (maybe ~$2 per biomarker). Vitals Vault’s panels range from $99 to $399 one-time, working out to <$1 per biomarker in the higher panels – and you can retest or choose panels flexibly. As one user on Reddit pointed out, “at current pricing, someone could run multiple full Vitals Vault panels over a year for roughly the cost of a single annual [competitor] plan”. If you’re chasing sheer volume of data, Vitals Vault clearly offers more tests per dollar. But quantity isn’t everything – how those biomarkers are presented and used also matters, which leads us to the user experience and dashboards.


Vitals Vault’s web dashboard provides a snapshot of your health data at a glance. In this example, you can see the user’s upcoming lab appointment confirmation, a summary of biomarkers out of optimal range (e.g. how many are flagged low or high), and their Biological Age result prominently displayed (e.g. “39, which is 1.8 years younger than your actual age”). The interface lets you download your full lab report (raw data) and the functional health report (interpretation) with one click. It’s a clean, information-rich dashboard tailored for desktop (or mobile browser) rather than a gamified app. You won’t see flashy speedometer graphics or avatars here; instead, you get straightforward panels and menus (left sidebar) to delve into Functional Health Reports, Data trends, Action Plans, etc. Vitals Vault’s design philosophy is to educate and empower. Every marker is accessible, and the platform groups them into logical categories. For instance, you can view “All Biomarkers” categorized by systems (Heart Health, Kidney Health, Hormonal Health, etc.) – helpful for scanning where you’re green vs. yellow/red. Overall, the UX feels like a hybrid of a medical portal and a well-designed analytics tool. There’s no dedicated mobile app, but the website is mobile-responsive. This might appeal to users who prefer detailed reports and using a computer to deeply review results, rather than swiping through an app on a phone.

Superpower takes a more mobile-first, consumer-tech approach. Upon logging into the Superpower app, you’re greeted with a slick dashboard showing your Superpower Score and Biological Age front and center. The design is modern and friendly: think colorful rings or bars indicating your status in each health category, with green/yellow/red signals. According to one detailed review, the app organizes your 100+ biomarkers into 17 health categories (like “Heart”, “Metabolism”, “Hormones”, “Inflammation”, etc.), each with a color-coded indicator of whether you’re optimal, borderline, or need attention. You can tap a category to see individual markers and their values. The UI is clean and intuitive, very much like a high-end fitness or wellness app. The strength of Superpower’s UX is that it makes complex lab data feel accessible – you don’t need to be an expert to interpret a red highlight on “Cholesterol” or a high biological age number. They also integrate data from wearables into the app, meaning your sleep, activity, and HRV metrics might display alongside your lab results for a more continuous picture. Users have praised the app’s look and feel, saying it’s easy to navigate and “clear with results”.

However, this simplicity can be a double-edged sword for power users. By relying on AI summaries and hiding some of the raw complexity, Superpower’s dashboard may leave you wanting more detail. For instance, you might see a generic explanation like “Your LDL is high, which could increase heart risk” and a suggestion to reduce saturated fat – helpful, but maybe not as in-depth as you’d like. One user commented that everything in the interface “is designed around AI-generated insights rather than human coaching”, which means less personalization in the presentation. In contrast, Vitals Vault’s interface may not be as “pretty,” but it offers deeper data drilling. You can inspect every single ratio or index, and the Functional Report is like a research paper on your health (more on that next).

In summary, if you prefer a gamified, at-a-glance mobile experience, Superpower shines – it’s engaging and easy to check your status daily or weekly. If you prefer a comprehensive dashboard with full data and reports you can pour over, Vitals Vault caters to that, albeit in a slightly more old-school way (web dashboard + lengthy PDFs). Crucially, both platforms let you download your results: Vitals Vault provides PDFs (and since they run through Quest Diagnostics, your raw lab data is even available in Quest’s MyQuest portal too), and Superpower allows downloading the lab report (users have exported their data to analyze elsewhere). So neither keeps your data “locked up” – but Vitals Vault makes it a point of pride that you own your data and can delete it or take it wherever you want.

Vitals Vault generates a Functional Health Report that reads almost like a personalized medical journal article. It doesn’t stop at telling you which markers are high or low; it digs into why those markers matter and how they interconnect. The report is structured around body systems and health functions. For example, instead of just listing “Glucose: 110 (High)”, the Vitals Vault report might put this finding under a section like “Blood Sugar Regulation” and indicate how it correlates with your triglyceride and insulin levels to assess insulin resistance risk. In fact, Vitals Vault computes advanced indices like HOMA2-IR and QUICKI for insulin resistance on Advanced/Max panels, and uses those in the interpretation (e.g. “Your HOMA2-IR score shows early insulin resistance even though your glucose looks normal”). The report gives each major system (cardiovascular, metabolic, hormonal, immune, etc.) a sort of “dysfunction probability” score based on all relevant markers. It will say, for instance, you have a 79% probability of some Cardiovascular function impairment if multiple markers (LDL, ApoB, inflammation, etc.) are out of optimal. It flags these systems for you to pay attention to.


Vitals Vault’s Functional Health Report highlights system-based insights. Here we see a snippet focusing on various body systems and accessory functions, each with a bar indicating potential dysfunction risk (e.g. blood sugar regulation ~80%, cardiovascular ~79%, kidney ~50%, etc.). This approach helps connect the dots: rather than obsessing over one high marker, you learn which systems in your body might need support. The report then provides explanations and rationales. For instance, it might state: “Cardiovascular Support Needed – Your Triglyceride:HDL ratio, LDL particle markers, and hs-CRP are elevated, indicating a pattern of insulin resistance and inflammation that can accelerate arterial aging.” It literally lists which markers drove that conclusion (e.g. “Triglycerides ↑, LDL-C ↑, Cholesterol:HDL ratio ↑, hs-CRP ↑”) and explains the physiology in accessible terms. This is a very clinician-style way of reporting – akin to what a savvy functional medicine doctor might write in a letter to a patient after reviewing labs. Many users love this depth, saying it gave them clarity on how seemingly unrelated markers form a picture (e.g. linking ferritin and A1c to explain fatigue).

Superpower’s reporting, in contrast, feels more like a personal wellness report card with action tips. After your blood draw, Superpower’s AI will compile an Analysis and Personalized Action Plan (usually delivered within a week or so of your results). The analysis is organized by individual biomarkers and categories: you can click on any marker in the app to see your value, the normal range, and an explanation of what that marker means. These explanations are helpful but can feel templated: e.g. “Vitamin D is essential for immune and bone health. Your level is low, which may contribute to fatigue or low mood. Aim for 15 minutes of sun or consider supplements.” It’s good education, especially if you’re new to biomarkers, but experienced biohackers might not learn much new. The action plan section is where Superpower really focuses. The AI generates a list of recommended actions – often supplements, lifestyle changes, and possibly lab follow-ups. For example, it might recommend omega-3 fish oil and a higher fiber diet if your cholesterol is high, or suggest a specific magnesium supplement if your magnesium or sleep score is suboptimal. Users report that these plans can be quite extensive – sometimes too extensive. The AI doesn’t shy away from recommending a dozen supplements at once, which led some to feel it was overkill (and indeed expensive).

Superpower’s philosophy is longevity coaching: using your data to nudge you toward healthier habits. They do incorporate some cutting-edge metrics into their interpretation – for example, an elevated LDL particle count might trigger a discussion about cardiovascular risk beyond standard LDL, and they’ll tie multiple factors together (one reviewer noted the app analyzed his LDL-P alongside inflammatory markers and family history to give a more complete risk assessment – a nice touch). They also provide that overall “Superpower Score” which condenses everything into a single number (out of 100). This score is influenced by all your biomarkers and possibly your wearable data, giving you a quick sense of “how healthy am I?” Many find this motivating, as it gamifies improvement – e.g. you might aim to go from a score of 82 to 90 by next year.

To sum up this section: Vitals Vault’s report is systems-based, explanatory, and geared toward uncovering root causes and patterns. It’s the choice for someone who wants a deep understanding and perhaps plans to take that report to their doctor or do further research. Superpower’s report is action-based, streamlined, and geared toward immediate lifestyle optimization. It’s for someone who wants to cut to the chase: “tell me what to do or take to improve my numbers,” with less interest in the biochemistry behind it. Neither approach is “better” universally – it depends on your preferences. Some users actually use both: they get comprehensive labs from Vitals Vault for maximal data, then use AI tools or self-research for insights (essentially DIY’ing what Superpower’s AI does). Others love that Superpower spoon-feeds them an action plan so they don’t have to figure out a supplement regimen from scratch. Consider whether you want analysis-heavy vs. advice-heavy support.

• Biological Age: This has become a popular metric as a proxy for overall health/longevity. Vitals Vault includes a Biological Age calculation with every panel (even the $99 Essential). They use your biomarker data to estimate your body’s age relative to your actual age. While the exact algorithm isn’t disclosed, it likely considers key markers of metabolic and inflammatory health (similar to “Phenotypic Age” or other published formulas). The result is presented in your report along with context. For example, if your biological age comes out younger, the report might note which areas are contributing positively; if older, it might point to factors like high inflammation or blood sugar speeding aging. Superpower also provides a Biological Age metric, very prominently. In the app you’ll see something like “Biological Age: 34 (3 years younger)” or “Biological Age: 58 (younger than 80% of people your age)” – they use it as a core success indicator. One reviewer got a biological age of 34.2 while being 37, which made them feel they were on the right track. Both platforms treat biological age as a key outcome: improve your lifestyle, watch that number drop over time. So on this front, they are quite similar – you’ll get a bio age from both.

A small difference: Superpower’s bio age is integrated with their scoring system and updated only annually (unless you pay for more tests), whereas Vitals Vault would update your bio age whenever you choose to re-test (you could do it multiple times a year if you wanted, since it’s not subscription-based). Also, Vitals Vault has a free Biological Age Calculator tool on their site for anyone to use, which speaks to their approach of offering value upfront.

• Insulin Resistance & Metabolic Metrics: Vitals Vault really shines here, especially at the Advanced and Max level. They don’t just measure fasting glucose and HbA1c; they measure fasting insulin and then calculate HOMA2-IR, HOMA2-%B (beta-cell function), HOMA2-%S (sensitivity), and QUICKI indices. These are sophisticated measures that endocrinologists use to detect early insulin resistance or pancreatic stress years before glucose is out of range. Vitals Vault actually calls these out in the report if they’re abnormal, highlighting insulin resistance even if your glucose is “normal”. They also include novel metrics like the TyG index (triglyceride-glucose index) and TyG-BMI, which correlate with insulin resistance. All of this means if you’re concerned about metabolic health, Vitals Vault gives you a very granular look. Superpower, to its credit, does measure insulin (according to user reports and their own marketing), and so they could calculate a HOMA-IR as well. However, in the materials we’ve seen, Superpower doesn’t explicitly highlight HOMA or QUICKI values to users. They may be working in the background, but the app tends to simplify messaging, e.g. “Your markers suggest some insulin resistance” without giving you the actual HOMA-IR score. If you’re a numbers geek, you might prefer seeing the actual index values with Vitals Vault.

• Advanced Cardiovascular Markers: Both platforms go beyond just total cholesterol. ApoB (apolipoprotein B) – a crucial particle-based risk marker – is included in Vitals Vault’s Advanced and Max panels by default, and it’s included in Superpower’s standard panel as well. So both will give you ApoB, which is great (since ApoB is considered more predictive of cardiac risk than LDL-C alone). Lipoprotein(a) – as mentioned – is included in Vitals Vault Advanced/Max, but Superpower leaves Lp(a) out of the base panel. If you have a family history of heart disease or are curious about that genetic risk, Vitals Vault has the edge here (Lp(a) can be a big deal for ~20% of people who have it elevated). Both measure hs-CRP (inflammation) as a cardiac risk factor. Superpower also claims to cover “21 categories” including longevity and “immune regulation”, which likely means they look at inflammation and some oxidative stress markers. In Vitals Vault Max, you get a battery of inflammatory ratios and indices (NLR, SII, SIRI, etc.) used in research – things most consumers have never heard of, but that are cutting-edge in assessing chronic inflammation and immune activation. Superpower’s approach to advanced metrics is to maybe include a couple and otherwise interpret broadly; Vitals Vault’s approach is to include as many cutting-edge metrics as possible and weave them into the analysis.

• Hormones and Longevity Markers: If you’re interested in hormones or anti-aging markers: Vitals Vault’s Advanced panel includes free & total testosterone (with MS accuracy), estradiol, SHBG, DHEA-S, and cortisol. The Max panel even adds Progesterone, IGF-1, and cortisol via LC/MS (ultra-precise). Superpower’s standard panel does cover basics like testosterone, maybe estradiol (for men at least) and DHEA; they highlight that the membership gives prescription access to hormone optimization if needed, so clearly they test enough to justify that (e.g. if your testosterone is low, their docs might prescribe TRT, or thyroid meds if TSH is high). Both likely measure Vitamin D, B12, ferritin, and other nutrients. Vitals Vault goes further by adding things like RBC magnesium, serum folate, Homocysteine, GGT, and even markers like IGF-1 in Max. Those seeking a longevity clinic-style workup (where IGF-1 and hormones are tracked for anti-aging purposes) might lean Vitals Vault Max. Superpower’s panel is more like a very good general wellness screen that hits all the common trouble areas but doesn’t dive into every possible marker (to keep it user-friendly).

In essence, Vitals Vault leaves no stone unturned when it comes to advanced metrics – if there’s a known important biomarker in longevity or functional medicine circles, odds are it’s in the Advanced/Max panel. They pride themselves on this breadth. Superpower covers the bases quite well for most people’s needs and focuses on making the data actionable rather than providing extra numbers that might overwhelm a mainstream user. If you consider yourself on the bleeding edge of biomarker tracking, you’ll appreciate Vitals Vault’s thoroughness (and you might find Superpower’s panel missing a few things you care about). If you’re more of a “I want to know enough to be healthy, but not drown in data” person, Superpower’s curated 100 markers will be plenty.

Data Ownership & Privacy: Vitals Vault is very clear that you own your data. All testing is HIPAA-compliant, meaning your results are private and protected. Since they partner with Quest Diagnostics for the lab work, your results actually become available in Quest’s system as well. In fact, an official Vitals Vault comment states: “All results are available in the patient’s MyQuest account automatically, just like any standard Quest-ordered lab.”. That means you can log into Quest’s portal and download your lab PDFs directly in addition to the Vitals Vault reports. Vitals Vault allows you to download or delete your data if you wish – so you have full control to keep your information or remove it. They come across as a data provider, not a data harvester. There’s no indication they monetize your data (beyond using it to generate your reports). Also, since there’s no ongoing membership, there’s no sense of them holding your data hostage; you get your results and can walk away until you want another test.

Superpower also maintains HIPAA compliance and data security (as expected for any health startup). In the Superpower app, you can view all your results, and users have been able to download their biomarker list (for instance, to share or analyze with other tools). However, because it’s a closed app ecosystem, Superpower likely expects you to keep your data within their platform for analysis. They use your data to feed their AI and personalize your recommendations. Some prospective users on forums have raised questions about whether Superpower might use aggregated user data to train models or for research. The company’s focus is providing personalized care, and there’s no direct evidence of nefarious data use, but as with any app, you’re trusting them with a lot of personal health info. If you ever cancel your membership, you’d want to ensure you export your data first. It’s not explicitly stated how easy deletion is, but presumably you could request it. Bottom line: both seem to treat personal data with care, but Vitals Vault’s model inherently gives you more direct custody (you get the raw labs yourself).

Membership Fees vs. One-Time Costs: This is straightforward: Vitals Vault has no membership fee. You pay for whichever panel you want, when you want it. There’s no upsell to a subscription (they explicitly say “No subscriptions, no upsells”). If you buy an Essential panel for $99, that’s it – you get your test and results; the relationship doesn’t continue unless you choose to order another test later. This is great for budget-conscious folks or those who hate subscriptions. It also means you’re not paying for features you don’t use – if you don’t want continuous physician access or monthly content, you’re not subsidizing those services.

Superpower has an annual membership fee of $199 that is required. You can’t just buy a one-off test from them (at least not initially; they frame it as joining their program for a year). That $199 includes the one big test and the year-long access to the app, doctors, etc. If you don’t renew in year two, presumably you lose access to the app and concierge (and you’d have to find another way to test next year). In addition to the base fee, be prepared for optional expenses as mentioned: if you want a second blood test mid-year, it’s roughly $179; if you opt for at-home blood draw, +$99; specialty tests (cancer screening, microbiome) cost extra; supplements of course cost extra (though you’re free to buy those anywhere, not just through their marketplace). Superpower’s model is akin to a subscription + e-commerce ecosystem – they hope you stick around and make use of the various offerings (somewhat like how a $10/month razor subscription might hope to sell you shaving cream and aftershave too).

From a cost perspective, consider a 2-year span: Vitals Vault, you might do Advanced panel twice a year ($1992 = $398) or an Advanced + a couple Essentials ($199 + $99X). You could still come out under $500 for two rounds of very comprehensive testing (and possibly more markers checked overall). Superpower for 2 years is $199 * 2 = $398 just membership, for two tests (one each year). If you wanted biannual testing on Superpower with add-ons, year one $199 + $179 = $378 for two tests, year two similar. Not wildly different in that scenario. However, if you don’t want to test every year, Vitals Vault doesn’t charge you in between; whereas Superpower you’re paying yearly regardless of whether you actually need another test or not. Some users who only wanted a one-time check have balked at the idea of a membership. In fact, one Reddit user said after seeing Superpower’s product and price, “I was good lol. I just had my functional doctor write a bunch of tests... included in insurance” – implying they didn’t want to pay a subscription for something they could do once via other means.

Retesting and Flexibility: If you plan to test multiple times or monitor progress, how do the platforms fare? Vitals Vault’s stance is “retest what you need, when you need.” They even mention that not everyone should rerun everything every time – maybe you retest the specific markers that were out of range or of concern. Currently, Vitals Vault sells fixed panels rather than custom sets, so you might end up redoing a whole panel to check a few things. But since their price point is low, it’s not a big deal. You could do an Essential panel every quarter ($99 each) focusing on core metrics, or an Advanced panel twice a year. There’s no extra charge for “using the platform” repeatedly aside from lab costs. They’ve also floated an “Unlimited Re-test Promise” for certain early members – one FAQ mentions it – likely a promotional offer where if your initial test had very few actionable findings, they’d allow a free re-test at some interval. They clearly are confident that re-testing should be driven by your data, not a predetermined schedule.

Superpower originally launched touting annual testing, which some users felt wasn’t enough (“only annual testing creates gaps in optimization” as one reviewer noted). They later added an option for a mid-year test (the $179 add-on). They have also reportedly considered or offered a higher-tier membership around $499/year for two tests and possibly more perks. But as of 2026, assume one included test and the option to pay for more. So you can retest more frequently with Superpower, but it will cost extra each time. And you can’t really choose a smaller subset of tests – it would likely be the same full panel again (which might be overkill if you only wanted to recheck, say, your cholesterol and Vitamin D). On the plus side, Superpower’s membership means you have ongoing support: you can chat with docs in between tests and they’ll advise if maybe you should do an extra test or adjust something.

Hidden fees or extra charges: Vitals Vault has virtually none. The only thing to be aware of is Quest Diagnostics sometimes charges a small blood draw fee (like $10–15) at certain locations – Vitals Vault mentions this in FAQ. But there are no surprise “processing” or “service” fees from Vitals Vault. They even offer a 60-day money-back guarantee if you’re not satisfied (which is pretty generous – essentially if you felt you got nothing from the test, you could get a refund). Superpower’s extras we’ve covered – not “hidden” per se (they’re disclosed), but definitely numerous.

In summary, if you hate subscriptions or want maximum flexibility, Vitals Vault wins. If you don’t mind an ongoing fee because you value continuous service and you know you’ll use it, Superpower’s model may be fine for you. Just go in with eyes open that Superpower is somewhat like joining a program, whereas Vitals Vault is making a purchase.

Vitals Vault’s forte is systems-based insight. The entire analysis is built around identifying which body systems or processes might not be functioning optimally, and then informing you of those patterns. It’s very much like having a functional medicine practitioner analyze your labs. For example, Vitals Vault might identify a pattern called “Adrenal Stress” or “Oxidative Stress” based on clusters of markers, or highlight that “Thyroid function appears suboptimal despite normal TSH” due to certain ratios. The platform essentially coaches you on how to think about your health in an integrated way. It’s not going to hand you a specific meal plan or tell you which brand of supplement to buy. Instead, it might say: “Your inflammatory markers show a chronic immune activation affecting recovery and stress tolerance.” That’s an insight about your system (inflammation/immune), which you or your healthcare provider can then decide how to address (diet, lifestyle, anti-inflammatory strategies, etc.). Vitals Vault does provide an Action Plan document with personalized recommendations – but these tend to be framed as options and education, not a rigid “do this or else” list. For instance, an action plan might suggest optimizing Vitamin D levels through more sun or supplements, improving sleep hygiene to reduce inflammation, or seeking further testing on a specific marker if something was really off. One thing to highlight: because Vitals Vault is not selling you supplements or recurring coaching, their recommendations come off as unbiased and purely for your benefit. There’s no financial incentive for them if you, say, start taking magnesium – except that you’ll be a happy user with improved labs. This can increase trust for some users who are wary of being sold to.

Superpower leans more into lifestyle coaching, albeit delivered via AI and text. The platform essentially tries to act as a virtual health coach, giving you concrete to-dos: e.g. “Take 2000 IU of Vitamin D3 daily”, “Start an omega-3 supplement (we recommend X brand, available in-app with 20% off)”, “Incorporate 20 minutes of HIIT cardio twice a week to improve insulin sensitivity”, “Meditate 10 minutes daily to help lower cortisol”. These are the kinds of recommendations that might appear in your action plan or from the concierge team. The philosophy is that data is only as good as the actions you take – so Superpower very much wants to push you to do things with the data. In fact, one of their selling points is that the platform doesn’t leave you with just a PDF; it gives you ongoing guidance and even an integrated marketplace to fill those needs (for better or worse). Some users appreciate this hand-holding and direction. If you’re someone who likes having a clear list of what supplements to take and habits to adopt, Superpower provides that in spades. The concierge physician angle also adds a layer of accountability – you know you can ask a doc if something doesn’t make sense, or they might follow up with you on certain high-risk findings, which is comforting to some.

However, there are caveats. The AI-driven coaching can sometimes feel generic. As one 8-month user of Superpower noted, “AI insights sometimes lack nuance and context… AI recommended $400+ of supplements per month without considering my budget or actual needs”. In other words, the coaching can be overly aggressive or not fully personalized to you (beyond your lab values). A human health coach might prioritize 2–3 key changes for you, whereas the AI might dump 10 suggestions because it’s covering every flagged marker. Another user who canceled Superpower put it bluntly: “I thought it was gonna be more like a concierge doctor, but you’re literally talking to AI chatbot… not worth it for me”. They felt the interaction was more chatbot-like than truly individualized coaching. Additionally, since Superpower’s doctors are text-only, if you’re someone who needs a conversation or deeper explanation, that format might frustrate you (some reported 24-hour wait times and no voice calls as a downside).

Vitals Vault doesn’t provide live coaching or doctors, but they do encourage that you take their report to your own physician or practitioner if you need help implementing changes or investigating further. This is a key difference: with Vitals Vault, you (or your doctor) are in the driver’s seat for deciding interventions, using the rich information as a map. With Superpower, the platform itself tries to drive a lot of the intervention through its recommendations and marketplace.

For high-agency optimizers (the target audience here), this boils down to how much autonomy vs guidance you want. Vitals Vault is for the self-directed: if you have the motivation to act on information, or you perhaps already have a nutrition/fitness plan and just want data to refine it, Vitals Vault gives you the clarity to do so without nudging you into anything you didn’t ask for. Superpower is for those who want a coach in their pocket, telling them exactly what to do, and who value the convenience of that – even if it may sometimes err on the side of over-prescribing supplements. It’s not that Superpower users aren’t high-agency; many are busy professionals who like outsourcing the analysis and plan creation to an expert system so they can just execute.

One more point: community and content. Superpower’s model includes some community features (they have online groups, etc.) and educational content via their app. Vitals Vault, interestingly, has fostered a community on Reddit (r/vitalsvault) where users and the team discuss results, trends, and optimizations openly. An example post from a user: “After weeks of researching nearly every option… I ultimately chose Vitals Vault… they focus heavily on pattern analysis and plain-language explanations. It’s more analysis-heavy than most consumer tools.”. The Vitals Vault team actively engages in these forums, taking feedback. In a way, the “coaching” Vitals Vault offers is more community-driven and open-ended, versus Superpower’s closed, top-down coaching. Depending on your style, you might prefer learning from a community of biohackers (Vitals Vault fits well with that crowd) or getting your plan from an AI and confirming it with a doctor (Superpower’s approach).

• Vitals Vault User Feedback: Since Vitals Vault is newer and operates on a purchase basis, formal reviews are fewer, but the ones that exist are telling. On the Peter Attia subreddit (where many longevity enthusiasts hang out), a user posted a thorough review of Vitals Vault’s panel. They marveled that “the Vitals Vault report is 81 pages long, and it’s a doozy.” They expected maybe a short summary but instead got an extremely detailed analysis. For some, this level of detail is a double-edged sword. That user pointed out it was a lot to digest and wished for a more concise summary at the top. In response, Vitals Vault’s team publicly thanked them and acknowledged the feedback, saying it “goes deep into the strengths and gaps around clarity, prioritization, and actionability” – and that they were already working on refining the report structure based on it. This transparency and willingness to adapt earned them respect in the community. Another user summed up Vitals Vault’s position in the market nicely: “If someone’s looking for a deeper, functional-medicine-style breakdown without paying clinic prices, Vitals Vault is one option worth comparing… They focus heavily on pattern analysis and plain-language explanations. Not saying it’s for everyone, but it’s more analysis-heavy than most consumer tools.”. This aligns perfectly with what we’ve observed. Overall, those who chose Vitals Vault often did so after researching alternatives like Function Health, InsideTracker, etc., and were attracted to its affordability and depth. People appreciate that “from a practical standpoint… multiple Vitals Vault panels [in a year cost] roughly the same as a single annual plan” elsewhere. Any negatives? Aside from the overwhelming length of reports for some, a few users noted that since it’s a newer service, they had minor hiccups like waiting on support replies or a need to clarify results – but the team was responsive when prodded. Also, because Vitals Vault doesn’t include a doctor consult by default, if a user had a truly alarming result, they’d need to seek outside medical advice (Vitals Vault does flag critical values and even has had cases where they urgently recommended seeing a doctor, but ultimately it’s on the user to follow up).

• Superpower User Feedback: Being a high-profile startup with lots of initial users, Superpower has attracted quite a few reviews and discussions. The consensus from detailed reviews (like the one on Crown Counseling by an 8-month user, and various Reddit threads) is that Superpower delivers on its core promises, but with notable caveats. Many users praise the initial value: “Exceptional value at $199/year for 100+ biomarkers, AI-driven analysis, and 24/7 physician access,” as one review put it. They like having a one-stop platform. People also mention feeling empowered by the data – especially if they were previously in the dark about their health. One user on Reddit exclaimed it was “basically the future of medicine” compared to the paltry tests a regular doctor would do. The combination of wearables integration, a friendly app, and being able to text a doctor is unique and appreciated. However, almost every experienced user brings up the supplement upselling issue. The Crown Counseling reviewer calculated that following all of Superpower’s supplement recommendations would cost him over $4,000 a year – turning a $199 program into a much bigger investment. Another Reddit user humorously said, “The upsells were crazy, they literally wanted me to take like 50 supplements a day” (probably an exaggeration, but you get the point). Some felt that the AI was overzealous in recommending products – likely because it tries to address each suboptimal metric individually.

The AI vs human element is also a recurring theme. While Superpower’s AI analysis is generally seen as clear, a couple of tech-savvy users tested something interesting: they ran their lab results through AI chatbot (the same model type that likely underpins Superpower’s AI) and found the advice comparable. “If you do the exact same blood work and just upload it to an AI chatbot, it gives you similar results… The only thing you don’t get is the 1 million supplements they try to sell,” one user quipped, adding “I doubt these guys will be around long. Lots of hype. Disappointed.”. That’s a harsh take, but it underscores that some felt the value of Superpower’s interpretation wasn’t as proprietary or special as they expected – essentially, they paid for convenience and got AI recommendations that they suspect they could have gotten for free with a bit of effort. Of course, not everyone will want to DIY their analysis with AI chatbot (which itself isn’t a medical device and can make errors). So, there are plenty of happy Superpower users who found the guidance great and have made positive lifestyle changes as a result. The service has a high reported satisfaction score initially, but we see some churn after the first year, possibly when people realize the ongoing costs or want more frequent data than annual.

• Direct Comparisons: On forums like r/HubermanLab and r/Biohackers, people frequently ask whether to go with Function Health, Superpower, Vitals Vault, or others. In those discussions, a trend emerged: Function Health (another membership service at $375/year) and Superpower are often compared head-to-head as similar offerings (labs + app + some doctor access). Vitals Vault tends to be mentioned as an alternative for those who don’t want a membership or who want more flexibility. One user researching all options wrote that many new services offer essentially the same set of biomarkers, so it comes down to price and approach, noting some alternatives offered “the same set… for a better price”. He personally leaned toward Empirical Health ($190/year) or staying with Function, indicating cost was a factor. Importantly, he pointed out Superpower’s panel includes ApoB but not Lp(a) without add-on – a concrete example of the slight differences. Another commenter on that thread mentioned they canceled Superpower because after looking at it, they’d rather just order labs via their functional doctor or services like PrivateMD (which can be cheaper if you know what you need).

In aggregate, Vitals Vault is praised for value and depth, with feedback that the analysis is extremely thorough (if at times overwhelming). Superpower is praised for convenience and breadth, with criticisms around upselling and the feeling that it’s a bit “over-automated” or generic for very advanced users. Both services have passionate advocates. For example, a user might say, “I love that Superpower gives me one number to focus on (my score) and a clear plan – it fits my busy life,” whereas another might say, “I love that Vitals Vault didn’t try to sell me anything and just gave me all the data and a really educational report – I learned a ton.”

One more anecdote: Superpower had a waiting list of over 150,000 people at one point before launch, showing how much buzz it built. Those who got in early felt like they were part of an exclusive beta. By now (2026) it’s open, but that initial hype means you’ll encounter both very enthusiastic reviews (some may be from less technically savvy folks who are simply wowed by finally seeing their labs) and very critical ones (often from biohackers who had higher expectations or comparisons).

To wrap up the user perspective: Vitals Vault users often sound like thoughtful tinkerers who wanted control and insight, and they got what they asked for (plus homework to do, given the long report!). Superpower users often sound like busy self-improvers who wanted an all-inclusive solution; many got great benefit, but some felt the solution had too many “salesy” strings attached or wasn’t as personalized as they hoped.

Who Vitals Vault Is Perfect For:

• Data-Driven Biohackers and Self Optimizers: If you’re the kind of person who loves pouring over your own lab results, researching markers, and tailoring your own health protocols, Vitals Vault was made for you. It gives you maximal data and interpretation without trying to hold your hand too much. You likely have a high health literacy or are eager to learn. The idea of an 80-page report excites rather than scares you. You might even have your own network of experts (doctors, nutritionists, online communities) you consult – and you just need the comprehensive lab data to fuel your next N=1 experiment or lifestyle tweak.
• Those Who Hate Subscriptions or Contracts: If you prefer to buy a product, not subscribe to a service, Vitals Vault offers that freedom. Maybe you only want to do a big panel once to get a baseline, or you want to test on an irregular schedule (e.g., do a panel before and after a 3-month diet experiment). With Vitals Vault, you pay only when you order a test. There’s zero commitment. This is great for budget-conscious folks or anyone who doesn’t like recurring charges.
• People Seeking a Second Opinion or “What did my doctor miss?”: Perhaps you go to your doctor, get told “everything is normal” but you don’t feel normal. Vitals Vault is for the proactive patient who says “I want to see a deeper level of labs to catch early patterns.” It’s essentially a way to get a preventive screening that most traditional doctors won’t order without cause. If you have mysterious fatigue, mood issues, weight gain, etc., and regular labs haven’t given answers, a Vitals Vault panel could unveil clues – and it will present them in a context that validates your experience (e.g. showing “functional” suboptimal ranges or patterns that signal something brewing). You should be the kind of person willing to take that report to a healthcare provider or make lifestyle changes on your own based on it.
• Longevity Enthusiasts & High Performers: Are you trying to live to 120? Or at least make sure you maximize healthspan? Vitals Vault’s Max panel is basically a longevity clinic workup without the $4k price tag. It’s ideal for executives or athletes who want the fullest picture of their internal health – without immediately involving a clinic or signing up for concierge medicine. You get the info first, and you maintain control over what to do with it. If you’re an athlete or gym enthusiast, you’ll appreciate the hormone and nutrient data; if you’re a longevity geek, you’ll love the inflammatory indexes and advanced metrics. And you’ll definitely enjoy impressing (or bewildering) your friends by mentioning your Glycation Gap or Free T3:T4 ratio at the next biohacking meetup.
• DIYers Who Value Unbiased Recommendations: If you prefer an analytical partner rather than a coach, Vitals Vault is that partner. It won’t push products on you. The recommendations it gives (sleep more, consider omega-3s, check thyroid, etc.) are purely because your data suggests you’d benefit, not because they profit from it. Some people are naturally skeptical of advice tied to sales. If that’s you, you’ll feel more comfortable that Vitals Vault’s suggestions come with no strings attached. You’re the type to say “Just give me the facts and I’ll decide the course of action.”
• People Who Already Have a Doctor or Coach: Maybe you’re working with a functional medicine doctor, nutritionist, or fitness coach who can help interpret labs. Vitals Vault is fantastic in this scenario: you can order the comprehensive labs directly (often cheaper than through a clinic), then share the results with your practitioner to get targeted guidance. You essentially outsource the lab part to Vitals Vault and the ongoing care to your provider. Vitals Vault even explicitly states that specialists will accept these lab results because they’re standard labs – so you won’t have an issue bringing them to your doctor. If you have that support system, you don’t need Superpower’s doctors, and Vitals Vault’s deeper panel might arm your provider with even more actionable info.

Who Superpower Is Perfect For:

• Busy Individuals Who Want a Done-For-You Solution: If you’re a professional or parent with little time to analyze health data, and you’d rather have an expert system tell you what to do, Superpower is ideal. It essentially outsources the heavy lifting of interpretation and planning. You get a quick health score, a clear list of recommendations, and you can even purchase recommended supplements in a couple taps. For someone who has the budget and just wants to execute a plan rather than design one, Superpower is very appealing.
• Those Who Crave Ongoing Support and Accountability: Not everyone is comfortable flying solo with their health data. If knowing that you can text a doctor any time gives you peace of mind, Superpower stands out. For instance, if six months down the line you feel off, you can message “Hey, I’ve been extra tired, could it be related to my results?” and get guidance – possibly even a prescription for, say, thyroid medication or peptide therapy if warranted. That concierge aspect is valuable if you want a safety net. Also, the Superpower Score provides a gamified target that can motivate you to stick to the program, almost like having a coach watching over you (albeit a digital one).
• People New to Biomarker Tracking (Who Need Simplicity): If you’ve never done advanced labs before and worry you’ll be overwhelmed by too much data, Superpower’s approach might be friendlier. They essentially boil your health down into color zones and a score, and tell you in plain terms what needs attention. It’s a gentle onboarding to the world of blood tests. Think of it as “labs for beginners” (though even experienced folks can benefit). In contrast, Vitals Vault might feel like “drinking from a firehose” for newbies. So if you prefer a simpler report that highlights only key issues and doesn’t bombard you with dozens of ratios, Superpower is more aligned with that.
• Supplement and Tech Enthusiasts Who Don’t Mind Paying for Optimization: Are you the type who loves trying the latest supplement stack or biohacking gadget? Superpower can be your playground. The platform will give you plenty of suggestions to fine-tune things, and because they partner with supplement providers (with that 20% member discount in their marketplace), it’s convenient to implement. Yes, it costs money – but some people are already spending $$$ on supplements and would welcome an AI telling them which ones might actually be worth it. Also, Superpower’s integration with wearables means if you’re an Oura Ring or WHOOP user, you’ll enjoy seeing that data combined with your lab trends in one app.
• Those Who Want a One-Stop “Health Executive” Service: If you like the idea of a concierge service akin to having a personal trainer or nutritionist, but for your internal health, Superpower fits. It’s like hiring a coaching team: you get testing, an AI advisor, and doctor access, all in one package, for a flat fee. For someone who might otherwise pay a functional medicine doctor a few hundred for a consult or a dietician to create a plan, $199/year might seem like a steal for that composite service. You do have to be comfortable with the communication being mostly via app/text and the advice being somewhat standardized. But for a self-motivated person who just wants direction, it’s a very cost-effective form of guided self-improvement.
• People Who Want to Use HSA/FSA Dollars: Both Vitals Vault and Superpower accept HSA/FSA, but Superpower specifically markets this (they even have a slogan “$0 out of pocket with HSA/FSA” on some ads). If you have a health spending account with funds you need to use, a $199 Superpower membership can be a great way to invest that in your wellness, essentially pre-tax. It feels like getting a year of health optimization “for free” (since the HSA was set aside anyway). Vitals Vault panels should also qualify in most cases, but because it’s one-off, people might not think of it. With Superpower, you know you’re getting a whole program that you can justify as preventive health spending.

To put it succinctly: Vitals Vault is for the independent optimizer who wants maximum data and control, ideal for those comfortable being at the helm of their health decisions. Superpower is for the guided optimizer who wants a convenient program and is willing to invest in a membership for ongoing advice and a bit of hand-holding (or a lot of hand-holding).

Of course, you might find value in both – for example, doing a Vitals Vault Max panel to get a baseline, then using Superpower’s coaching to improve, is something a few individuals have tried (though it involves redundant testing, so not everyone will do that). But generally, you’ll get the most synergy sticking to one platform’s ecosystem.

So, which one should you choose? It ultimately depends on your personality and goals:

• If you’re a self-reliant investigator who wants the most comprehensive data at the lowest cost, and you’re excited to learn what all those biomarkers mean (or have an expert you trust to help you), Vitals Vault will feel like a vault of treasures – highly recommended.

• If you’re a busy go-getter who wants solid data but even better guidance, who’d appreciate having a virtual health coach and don’t mind paying a membership for a premium service, Superpower can truly become your health “super app.” Just go in knowing that the $199 is a starting point, not the all-in cost if you embrace all their suggestions.

Next, we’ll conclude with some actionable steps and a quick-reference FAQ to address any remaining questions you might have.

Ready to Take Charge? If you’re leaning toward the data-rich approach, Vitals Vault offers three panel options to match your needs. The Essential Panel ($99) covers 100+ core biomarkers, the Advanced Panel ($199) dives into 150+ markers including hormones and advanced metrics, and the Max Panel ($399) delivers the full 160+ biomarker suite. With no subscriptions or hidden fees, you can choose one and get started on your own terms. (And if you decide to go the Superpower route, you’ll know exactly what you’re signing up for – and how it stacks up against the competition.)

Vitals Vault charges $99 for Essential, $199 for Advanced, and $399 for Max – one-time payments for each panel. There are no ongoing fees and no surprise charges (lab processing is included; at most Quest may charge a small draw fee around $10). They also have a 60-day satisfaction guarantee. Superpower is an annual membership of $199 which includes one 100+ biomarker test and access to the app and physician texting. If you utilize extras, your costs can rise: an at-home blood draw is ~$99, an extra mid-year test ~$179, and any supplements or specialty tests are additional. Many members end up spending a few hundred to a few thousand more per year if they follow all recommendations. However, if you stick to just the included services, $199 could be your only expense (and you can use HSA/FSA funds for it).

Both services make testing convenient: - With Vitals Vault, after you purchase a panel online, you’ll get a lab requisition. You then visit any Quest Diagnostics lab at your convenience (they have 2,000+ locations nationwide). You can schedule an appointment or walk in. A phlebotomist draws your blood (and urine, since VV panels include urinalysis). The lab handles the samples and results are usually ready in 5-10 days. You do not need to involve your doctor; Vitals Vault’s physician network orders the tests behind the scenes, enabling direct access. If you prefer at-home draws, Vitals Vault doesn’t directly arrange that yet, but you could hire a mobile phlebotomy service and bring the Quest kit (that’s an extra cost on you). - With Superpower, during sign-up you choose either lab draw or at-home. For lab, Superpower partners with Labcorp and Quest, so you’ll book a draw similar to above (they’ll guide you in-app to schedule). For at-home, they’ll dispatch a phlebotomist to you (the $99 fee applies). The blood draw itself takes ~15 minutes. Results come back in about 7-10 days as well, accessible through the app. No regular doctor is needed in this process – Superpower’s medical team handles the ordering. In both cases, fasting for 8-12 hours before the blood draw is recommended for best results (both platforms will remind you of that – e.g., Vitals Vault says 10 hours fasting is ideal).

Typically about a week. Vitals Vault often returns the lab results in 4-5 business days (since Quest is efficient), and then they finalize your full Functional Health Report within about 7-10 days total from your draw. Users have reported getting their PDF report roughly a week after testing. Superpower similarly takes ~7-10 days. One reviewer outlined: Day 7: got an email results are in; Day 9: AI analysis became available; Day 10: personalized action plan delivered. So there’s a staggered rollout – you might see raw numbers first in the app, then the insights follow shortly after. Both services notify you when results are ready. Patience is worthwhile here, because these aren’t just automated results – especially Vitals Vault, which is writing a lengthy analysis by a combination of AI and human validation.

Yes, absolutely. Both use CLIA-certified labs (Quest/Labcorp), so the lab test results are the same quality you’d get via a physician order. Vitals Vault results come with the Quest logo and standard reference ranges on the lab PDF; your doctor will accept them as valid. In fact, many users do bring their Vitals Vault report to their doctor to discuss next steps. Vitals Vault even makes your Quest data accessible in the official Quest portal, so it’s fully legit. Superpower results can also be downloaded as a lab report and shown to a doctor. Since Superpower’s medical team includes licensed physicians, the tests are ordered under a doctor’s authorization too. There’s no difference in accuracy. One thing to note: if you’re in NY, NJ, or RI, certain direct lab testing services (Vitals Vault included) cannot operate due to state laws. Superpower likewise had to exclude a few states initially. So check state availability. But otherwise, yes – you can share results with any healthcare provider. They may not understand the “Superpower Score” or Vitals Vault’s optimal ranges if they’re conventional, but the raw numbers are standard.

With Vitals Vault, if a result is dangerously out-of-range (say a critical value), their team will reach out with an urgent note advising you to seek medical care. They provide an “Assessment” and “Action Plan” that explains any concerning findings and what to do. For non-urgent questions, you can contact Vitals Vault’s support (they have phone support 9am-9pm EST and email). They’re helpful with interpreting report sections or technical issues, but keep in mind they don’t “treat” or prescribe. If you have a relationship with a doctor, you’d follow up with them for treatment of anything diagnosed. Vitals Vault’s reports sometimes explicitly say, for example, “These thyroid results suggest hypothyroidism – you should consult a physician about confirmation and treatment.” Essentially, they inform you and guide you on what next steps to consider, but it’s up to you to pursue them. They do have a support line with humans, which is nice – you can talk to a representative if you’re confused or need reassurance.

With Superpower, you have more built-in support. Any abnormal findings will be highlighted in the app, and the concierge physician team keeps an eye on your results. It’s not uncommon for them to proactively message you if something is notably off, or at least fast-track your questions. You can text them at any time – for instance, “My cholesterol came back high, should I be worried?” – and you’ll get a response (typically within 24 hours) from a medical professional. They can answer questions, order further tests, or prescribe meds if appropriate. So if something is abnormal, Superpower can transition you into a treatment pathway within their scope (for example, prescribing a statin or thyroid medication, or referring you to a specialist if it’s beyond their range). This is a huge plus for those who want a single solution. Remember though, it’s text-based – if you prefer a face-to-face doctor visit for bad news, you’d still have to go outside the platform. But many have found the text-doctor handy for quick answers or even getting prescriptions like testosterone or metformin for longevity purposes.

Insurance generally does not directly cover these services because they are consumer-initiated (and very comprehensive). Don’t expect to submit it to insurance and get reimbursed – it’s out-of-pocket. However, HSA/FSA does usually apply because these are legitimate health expenses (lab tests). Both Vitals Vault and Superpower state that they accept HSA/FSA cards. In Superpower’s checkout, you can enter your HSA card info like a credit card. For Vitals Vault, similarly, you can pay with an HSA card or submit the receipt to your HSA/FSA administrator for reimbursement. Always check your plan, but in most cases “laboratory diagnostic test” and “health screening” are qualified expenses. The benefit is you use pre-tax dollars, effectively saving ~20-30%. So if you have a pile of HSA funds, this is a great way to utilize them for preventive care.

Vitals Vault has a 60-day money-back guarantee. If for any reason you’re not happy – maybe you didn’t understand the results, or you felt it wasn’t useful – you can contact them within 60 days for a full refund. They also mention a “Results or Free” promise – which implies if your test shows almost nothing to improve (which is rare), they may offer a free re-test. Essentially, they want you to get value (find at least a few areas to optimize) or they’ll make it right. If you order but then decide not to go to the lab, they can also refund you (preferably cancel before the lab work is done). Superpower’s refund policy isn’t blatantly advertised, which usually means they don’t routinely offer refunds once services have been rendered. If you cancel the membership early, you likely don’t get money back for unused months (since it’s annual). However, if you signed up and then immediately got cold feet, you could try contacting them – some users have mentioned being able to cancel during a trial period. But overall, consider the $199 like a subscription fee – you pay it, you get the year of service. If you truly hated it, you might just not renew the next year. Always read the terms of service; as of last check, Superpower doesn’t promise satisfaction guarantees in the way product retailers do.

Vitals Vault gives you raw data and a static report each time you test. They do have an online dashboard where multiple test results could be plotted if you do repeat panels (the “Data” section of the dashboard allows you to compare past results). You can also download each report and compare them yourself. Because there’s no automatic schedule, you decide when to retest. A popular strategy is to do an Advanced panel, then 3-6 months later do an Essential panel to check improvements in basics, or do Advanced again if you made big changes. Vitals Vault encourages targeted re-tests: e.g., if your vitamin D was low, maybe just recheck that via a cheaper route in a few months, or if a cluster was off, run the panel again in a year. There’s also mention of an “Unlimited Re-Test Promise” for certain early adopters (like a promotion where you can get free re-tests if you refer friends). But generally, re-testing is pay-as-you-go. The platform is set up to track trends – one user post even said they care more about trends than single values now, which the VV dashboard shows nicely.

Superpower, being a membership, is inherently built around tracking over time – but somewhat infrequently unless you pay more. The standard is annual testing; the app will compare your new results to last year’s and update your score and bio age trend. If you do the mid-year test, it’ll show 6-month comparisons. The app shows arrows or changes for each biomarker (so you can see if something went up or down). This trend tracking is integrated and user-friendly. However, because they currently limit to 1-2 tests a year, you can’t get continuous short-term feedback unless you pay each time. Some users circumvent this by doing their own labs in between and manually monitoring, but that’s outside the platform. Within Superpower, you’re on their schedule. The benefit is when you renew each year and test, you have a seamless record in one app of how you’ve improved or where you haven’t. And since they focus on lifestyle changes, a year is a reasonable timeframe to see meaningful changes in many metrics like cholesterol, A1c, etc. If something was drastically off, they might suggest an earlier retest (especially if they put you on a medication and want to monitor it), in which case the $179 extra test is available.

Vitals Vault panels are purely blood and urine biomarkers – no genetic testing is included. They focus on phenotypic data (current state of your body). They do not currently integrate DNA or saliva hormone tests, etc., though their knowledge base might mention genetic factors (but they don’t test them for you). Superpower also, in its base offering, is blood biomarkers only. However, Superpower’s app can integrate other data you provide – for example, they may ask about family history or previous DNA test results if you have them, to contextualize advice. They also have partnerships (they mentioned integrating 23andMe data is a possibility in future, and connecting past medical records). As of 2026, neither is doing cheek swabs or whole genome sequencing as part of the package. If you want genetic testing, you’d do that separately (services like 23andMe, Nebula, etc.) and then you could use that info independently. The value of these platforms is really in real-time physiological measures, which arguably are more actionable in the near term.

Both provide a bio age, but with slightly different flair. Vitals Vault gives you a bio age as part of the report and even offers a free Biological Age Calculator tool if you want a sneak peek. Their bio age calculation is comprehensive and based on many markers (similar to established algorithms in research). They don’t oversimplify it into a game – it’s one metric among many in the report. Superpower makes your bio age highly visible and something to improve, linking it to your habits. They might even notify you like “You shaved 2 years off your bio age!” if you improved by next test. Psychologically, Superpower leverages bio age to keep you motivated. If that kind of gamification works for you, you might like Superpower’s handling of it more. If you just want the number and a scientific explanation, Vitals Vault’s approach is solid. Accuracy-wise, both are likely using similar science (blood-marker-based aging algorithms). One isn’t necessarily more accurate than the other since both have limited validation; think of it as a relative indicator. If you want epigenetic (DNA methylation) biological age, that’s a different test (not offered by either by default). But for blood-chemistry bio age, you’ll get a useful number from both.

It’s possible but not usually necessary. Some people might do Vitals Vault to get an ultra comprehensive panel and then take those results to guide their Superpower plan – but that’s double paying for labs. If you started with Superpower and felt you wanted more markers, you could add on a Vitals Vault panel at some point (e.g., do Superpower for the coaching but once do a Max panel to see extra hormones or Lp(a)). The data wouldn’t integrate automatically – you’d be managing two sets of reports. If you’re thinking of switching: - From Superpower to Vitals Vault: You can cancel your Superpower after your year and then just do Vitals Vault panels when you want. You won’t have the app or doc team, but you’ll get more data and no strings. This switch might appeal if you felt you “graduated” from needing coaching or weren’t using the concierge much. - From Vitals Vault to Superpower: If you did a Vitals Vault and got overwhelmed or realized you want more guidance, you could join Superpower for that structure. You might find a lot of overlap in testing (since Superpower will re-test many of the same things). It wouldn’t hurt you – perhaps it could confirm trends. But you might choose a different competitor instead (like a functional medicine doctor or a tailored coaching program) if you already have the lab data.

In general, pick the one that suits your needs best from the start to maximize value. They have different strengths; rarely would one need to pay for both concurrently. However, nothing stops you from trying Superpower for a year and then switching to Vitals Vault panels later, or vice versa, as your confidence and needs evolve. Just keep an eye on not over-testing unnecessarily.