ED Medication Costs: Full Price Comparison Across Providers
Compare costs for all ED medications including Viagra, Cialis, Levitra, and generic versions. Find the cheapest options for sildenafil, tadalafil, and vardenafil.
Erectile dysfunction medications have become dramatically more affordable since generic versions entered the market. Hims says brand-name Viagra generally costs $50 to $70 per dose, compared with about $4 to $10 per dose for generic sildenafil, and Ro says its generic is up to 95% cheaper than branded. This guide compares costs across the major ED medications (sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil, avanafil), examines brand versus generic pricing, evaluates telehealth platforms versus traditional pharmacies, and explains insurance coverage nuances.
Average Costs Comparison
ED medication costs vary dramatically based on brand versus generic, medication type, and where you purchase. Here is a full comparison:
| Provider | Monthly Cost | Per Dose | Consultation | Shipping | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sildenafil (Generic Viagra) | From $4 per dose at Hims and Ro; brand Viagra $90 per dose at Ro and $135 to $139 per use at Hims | Free online assessment at Hims and Ro | Free at Hims and Ro | Lowest listed per-dose price among FDA-approved as-needed ED pills at Hims and Ro | |
| Tadalafil (Generic Cialis) | From $6 per use at Hims and $8 per daily 2.5 mg dose at Ro; brand Cialis from $20 per 5 mg dose at Ro | Free online assessment at Hims and Ro | Free at Hims and Ro | Hims says one dose can remain effective for up to 36 hours. Daily generic tadalafil is $40 per month at Hims and $240 per month (2.5 mg) at Ro | |
| Vardenafil (Generic Levitra) | Around $2 to $10 per tablet without insurance, according to Sesame, plus a visit fee | Sesame lists prescription visits from $35 | Local pharmacy pickup | A PDE5 inhibitor like sildenafil; Sesame providers can prescribe it online for pickup at your local pharmacy | |
| Avanafil (Stendra) | Price not verified; not listed by Hims or Ro on the pages we checked | Prescription required | Varies by pharmacy | Brand name Stendra. The Hims Stendra page showed no Stendra plan on September 11, 2026 |
Top Erectile Dysfunction Providers by Value
Start for Free - Daily Tadalafil & Custom ED Formulas
- FDA-approved generic Tadalafil and Sildenafil prescribed online by U.S.-licensed physicians
- Once-daily Tadalafil dosing available for always-ready spontaneity
- Strut Mojo: oral Enclomiphene + Tadalafil combo (compounded, not FDA-approved)
- Optional at-home test kit measures Testosterone, DHEA-S, Estradiol, Cortisol and SHBG
NEW Charge™ Liquid ED - Just $12.99/Dose or Less
- Charge™ liquid ED treatment from $12.99 per dose, a compounded four-drug formula the FDA has not approved or reviewed for safety, effectiveness, or quality
- Charge™ blends sildenafil, tadalafil and vardenafil with apomorphine, whose US approvals are all for Parkinson's disease rather than ED
- 100% online - prescribed and monitored by licensed clinicians, then shipped to you
- Part of a full men's health platform: TRT, peptides and hair regrowth
ED Treatment From $22/mo - Sildenafil or Tadalafil Chews From $30/mo
- Generic sildenafil and tadalafil plus prescription-strength flavored chews (compounded, not FDA-approved)
- Combo plans: Sex Rx + Hair Health from $35/mo, Sex Rx + Climax Control from $39/mo
- Daily options available so you're never caught off guard
- 100% online consultation, free and discreet shipping
Cost Breakdown by Medication Type
Sildenafil (Generic Viagra)
Generic sildenafil has the lowest listed per-dose price among FDA-approved as-needed ED pills at Hims and Ro. Ro says its generic is up to 95% cheaper than branded Viagra.
Tadalafil (Generic Cialis)
Hims says one dose of tadalafil can remain effective for up to 36 hours. It can be taken as needed or once daily at a lower dose. Its listed per-dose price is higher than sildenafil at both Hims and Ro.
Vardenafil (Generic Levitra)
Vardenafil is a PDE5 inhibitor like sildenafil. Sesame says it was previously sold as Levitra and is now most commonly prescribed as a generic, typically around $2 to $10 per tablet without insurance. Hims and Ro do not list it on the pages we checked.
Brand-Name Medications (Viagra, Cialis, Levitra)
FDA says generic medicines work in the same way and provide the same clinical benefit and risks as their brand-name counterparts, yet brand names cost far more. On September 11, 2026, Viagra was $90 per dose at Ro versus $4 for generic sildenafil, and Hims listed Viagra at $135 to $139 per use.
Insurance Coverage for ED Medications
Insurance coverage for ED medications is limited. Medicare Part D excludes drugs used for sexual or erectile dysfunction, per the CMS Part D benefit manual, and neither Hims nor Ro lists insurance billing for ED on the pages we checked. Check your own plan before assuming coverage.
Commercial Insurance
Coverage: Varies by plan
Coverage and copays depend on your plan and formulary, so check before you fill a prescription. Hims says no insurance is required for its ED treatment.
Medicare
Coverage: Part D excludes drugs used for ED
The CMS Part D manual excludes agents used for sexual or erectile dysfunction. They qualify only when prescribed for another FDA-approved use, such as pulmonary hypertension, and not for off-label use.
Medicaid
Coverage: Federal Medicaid funds exclude ED drugs used for ED
Section 1903(i)(21) of the Social Security Act bars federal Medicaid payment for drugs used to treat sexual or erectile dysfunction, unless they are used for another FDA-approved condition. Check with your state program.
HSA/FSA
Coverage: Prescribed medicines generally qualify
IRS Publication 502 counts prescribed medicines as medical care, and Publication 969 uses that definition for HSA spending. Hims and Ro do not mention HSA or FSA payment on the pages we checked, so confirm with your plan.
Generic vs Brand-Name ED Medications
Generic ED medications (sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil) are bioequivalent to their brand-name counterparts (Viagra, Cialis, Levitra), meaning they contain identical active ingredients in the same doses and, per FDA, work in the same way. The FDA requires generic medications to meet the same strict standards as brands. Ro says its generic sildenafil is up to 95% cheaper than branded Viagra.
| Medication | Compounded/Generic | Brand-Name | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sildenafil vs Viagra (50mg or 100mg) | Generic sildenafil at Ro: $6 (50 mg) or $10 (100 mg) per dose | Brand Viagra at Ro: $90 per dose | Ro says up to 95% cheaper than branded |
| Tadalafil vs Cialis (10mg or 20mg) | Generic tadalafil at Ro: $44 per dose (10 mg or 20 mg) | Brand Cialis at Ro: $80 per dose (10 mg or 20 mg) | Generic costs less per dose at Ro |
How to Save Money on ED Medications
- Choose generic ED medications (sildenafil, tadalafil) over brand names when your provider agrees. Ro lists generic sildenafil at $4 per dose versus $90 for brand Viagra.
- Use telehealth platforms such as Hims and Ro, which include a free online assessment and free shipping.
- Generic sildenafil has the lowest listed per-dose price among FDA-approved as-needed ED pills at Hims and Ro, from $4 per dose. Tadalafil costs more per dose but can last up to 36 hours, per Hims.
- Ask about longer plans. Ro says you can save over $100 a year by upgrading to a 6- or 12-month ED plan.
- Compare daily and as-needed pricing before you commit. Daily generic tadalafil was $40 per month at Hims but $240 per month at Ro (2.5 mg) on September 11, 2026.
- If you have an HSA or FSA, ask your plan whether it covers your prescription and visit fees.
- If you already have a prescription, compare cash prices at local pharmacies before you order online.
- Compare multiple telehealth providers before committing. Brand Viagra, for example, was $90 per dose at Ro and $135 to $139 per use at Hims.
Hidden Fees to Watch For
- In-person doctor visits carry their own fees if you go through traditional healthcare, while Hims and Ro include a free online assessment.
- Some telehealth platforms charge per visit. Sesame, for example, lists prescription visits from $35, and you buy the medication separately at a local pharmacy.
- Quarterly and longer plans can be billed upfront; Ro bills its quarterly Daily Rise Gummies plan (compounded, not FDA-approved) $207 every 3 months. Read cancellation policies before long-term commitments.
- Hims and Ro include provider messaging at no extra charge, so check whether any platform you consider charges for follow-up visits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest ED medication?
Among FDA-approved as-needed ED pills, generic sildenafil has the lowest listed per-dose price at Hims and Ro, from $4 per dose as of September 11, 2026. Brand Viagra costs $90 per dose at Ro and $135 to $139 per use at Hims. Hims also sells compounded 3-in-1 Hard Mints from $1.63 per use, which are not FDA-approved.
Is generic sildenafil as good as brand Viagra?
Yes. Generic sildenafil and brand Viagra contain identical active ingredients (sildenafil citrate) in the same doses and are bioequivalent by FDA standards. FDA says a generic must be the same as the brand in dosage, safety, effectiveness, strength, stability and quality, and bioequivalent to it. Ro says its generic sildenafil is up to 95% cheaper than branded Viagra.
How much do ED medications cost per month?
It depends on the medication and how often you use it. As of September 11, 2026, generic sildenafil started at $4 per dose at Hims and Ro, so your monthly cost depends on how many doses you order. Daily generic tadalafil was $40 per month at Hims and $240 per month at Ro. Brand Viagra at Ro was billed $360 per month on its 4-dose minimum plan.
Does insurance cover ED medications?
Coverage depends on your plan. Medicare Part D excludes drugs used for sexual or erectile dysfunction unless they are prescribed for another FDA-approved use, per the CMS Part D manual. Hims says no insurance is required for its ED treatment, and neither Hims nor Ro lists insurance billing for ED on the pages we checked. Check your own plan before assuming coverage.
Which ED medication lasts the longest?
Tadalafil (generic Cialis). Ro says Cialis lasts up to 36 hours when taken as needed. Tadalafil can also be taken once daily at a lower dose. As of September 11, 2026, as-needed tadalafil started at $6 per use at Hims, and daily tadalafil was $40 per month at Hims and $240 per month at Ro.
Can I use my HSA or FSA for ED medications?
Possibly. IRS Publication 502 counts prescribed medicines as medical care, and Publication 969 uses that definition for HSA spending. Neither Hims nor Ro mentions HSA or FSA payment on the pages we checked, so confirm with your plan administrator before you pay.
Is tadalafil or sildenafil cheaper?
Sildenafil costs less per as-needed dose. As of September 11, 2026, generic sildenafil started at $4 per dose at Hims and Ro, while as-needed tadalafil started at $6 per use at Hims and $11 per 5 mg dose at Ro (dosing minimums apply). Tadalafil can last up to 36 hours, per Hims, and daily tadalafil was $40 per month at Hims.
Where is the cheapest place to buy ED medication?
Telehealth platforms such as Hims and Ro list generic sildenafil from $4 per dose with a free online assessment and free shipping. If you already have a prescription, a local pharmacy may also be an option; Sesame, for example, sends prescriptions to your local pharmacy and lists prescription visits from $35. Compare the total, including any visit fee, before you choose.
Sources & References
Our comparisons are informed by official sources and regulatory guidelines. We encourage readers to verify information with authoritative sources.
- FDA Drug InformationOfficial FDA drug safety and approval information
- American Urological AssociationClinical guidelines for ED treatment
- NIH National Library of MedicineComprehensive ED health information
- Mayo ClinicSymptoms, causes, and treatments
Editorial Note: Researched and edited by our editorial team. AI tools assist with initial research and drafting; all content is fact-checked and edited by humans before publication. Learn more about our editorial standards
Start With a Top Erectile Dysfunction Provider
Start for Free - Daily Tadalafil & Custom ED Formulas
- FDA-approved generic Tadalafil and Sildenafil prescribed online by U.S.-licensed physicians
- Once-daily Tadalafil dosing available for always-ready spontaneity
- Strut Mojo: oral Enclomiphene + Tadalafil combo (compounded, not FDA-approved)
- Optional at-home test kit measures Testosterone, DHEA-S, Estradiol, Cortisol and SHBG
NEW Charge™ Liquid ED - Just $12.99/Dose or Less
- Charge™ liquid ED treatment from $12.99 per dose, a compounded four-drug formula the FDA has not approved or reviewed for safety, effectiveness, or quality
- Charge™ blends sildenafil, tadalafil and vardenafil with apomorphine, whose US approvals are all for Parkinson's disease rather than ED
- 100% online - prescribed and monitored by licensed clinicians, then shipped to you
- Part of a full men's health platform: TRT, peptides and hair regrowth
ED Treatment From $22/mo - Sildenafil or Tadalafil Chews From $30/mo
- Generic sildenafil and tadalafil plus prescription-strength flavored chews (compounded, not FDA-approved)
- Combo plans: Sex Rx + Hair Health from $35/mo, Sex Rx + Climax Control from $39/mo
- Daily options available so you're never caught off guard
- 100% online consultation, free and discreet shipping
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Disclaimer: Pricing information is based on publicly available data and may change without notice. Actual costs depend on your specific treatment plan, insurance coverage, and provider. Always verify current pricing with providers before purchasing. This article is for informational purposes only and is not financial or medical advice. We may receive compensation through affiliate links, which helps support our research.
Regulatory noticeRegulatory note (verified August 22, 2026): The FDA reviewed struthealth.com in December 2025 and, on February 20, 2026, issued Strut Health, LLC a warning letter, MARCS-CMS 721448. It raises two separate problems. Pictured product labels carry the "Strut" name, which the agency said represents Strut as the compounder of the semaglutide and tirzepatide products when it is not. Three site claims are also quoted, among them "Generic Zepbound, Mounjaro" and "Semaglutide is the active ingredient in the brand medications." Because compounded drugs hold no FDA approval, the FDA said wording of that kind implies one, and it cited misbranding under sections 502(a) and 502(bb) of the FD&C Act. FDA’s warning letter index shows no response letter and no close-out letter, so we treat the matter as open. Read the FDA letter
Regulatory noticeRegulatory note (verified August 22, 2026): On September 9, 2025 the FDA sent Hims & Hers Health, Inc. a warning letter covering the Hims brand, MARCS-CMS 716567, drawn from a review of hims.com the previous month. Two lines about compounded semaglutide are quoted in it: "Same active ingredient as Ozempic and Wegovy" and "Clinically proven ingredients." Compounded drug products are not FDA-approved, and the agency said phrasing of this sort suggests otherwise, which is what makes the products misbranded under FD&C Act sections 502(a) and 502(bb). A companion letter went to the same company that day for its Hers brand. No close-out letter appears in FDA’s index; treat this as open. Read the FDA letter
Regulatory noticeRegulatory note (verified August 22, 2026): On February 20, 2026 the FDA issued MEDVi, LLC a warning letter (MARCS-CMS 721455) citing misbranding under sections 502(a) and 502(bb) of the FD&C Act. Reviewing medvi.io in December 2025, the FDA said labels bearing "MEDVi" implied MEDVi compounds the drugs when it does not, and that "Same active ingredient as Wegovy and Ozempic" and "Same active ingredient as Mounjaro and Zepbound" implied an FDA approval compounded drugs do not have. We found no close-out letter, so the matter appears open. MEDVi states medvi.io is affiliate-operated rather than company-operated; we could not verify that, and the letter is addressed to MEDVi, LLC. Read the FDA letter
Regulatory noticeRegulatory note (verified August 22, 2026): A May 2026 review of maximustribe.com led the FDA to issue Maximus Health, Inc. warning letter MARCS-CMS 730095 on June 8, 2026. The language quoted here concerns effect and sourcing rather than ingredient comparison: "Clinically studied ingredients," "Clinically studied to help patients...," and "Proven to lose weight effectively," alongside a statement that the compounded products come from "FDA approved pharmacies." On that last point the agency was explicit that no FDA-approved or FDA-licensed designation exists for compounding pharmacies or outsourcing facilities, so describing one that way is misleading. Both findings were cited as misbranding under FD&C Act 502(a) and 502(bb). Nothing in FDA’s index records a close-out, so we log the matter as open. Read the FDA letter
Verification limitationVerification note (checked August 23, 2026): we could not identify the legal entity behind HealthRx through public records. Its website does not name an operating company, its domain registration is privacy-shielded, and we could not confirm a listing in any business registry or accreditation database we checked. This is not a finding of wrongdoing. It means our usual checks, including our search of FDA enforcement records, could only be run against the brand name and domain rather than a confirmed company.