Compare the real price per dose (not the 'starting at' price), check whether the product is an FDA-approved generic or compounded, read the billing cycle and cancel window, and make sure a licensed clinician reviews your health history. Those four checks catch almost every surprise.
1. Work out the real price per dose
“Starting at $22 a month” and “$2 per 20 mg” can’t be compared directly. Convert everything to price per dose:
plan price ÷ number of doses in the plan = price per dose
Ro publishes per-strength prices; Hims publishes monthly “starting at” prices; BlueChew shows its plan prices inside the quiz. Whichever you’re looking at, do the division on the checkout screen. Our price tracker keeps the published numbers in one place.
2. Check whether it’s FDA-approved or compounded
There are three kinds of product in this market:
- Brand name (Viagra, Cialis): FDA-approved, most expensive.
- FDA-approved generic (sildenafil, tadalafil): same active ingredient, far cheaper.
- Compounded (most chews, mints, gummies and combos): mixed by a pharmacy. The FDA does not approve or verify compounded drugs.
Compounded isn’t automatically bad, but you should know which one you’re buying. Every service in our reviews labels this, and so do we.
3. Read the billing cycle
Is it charged monthly, every three months, or once a year? Longer cycles often lower the monthly price but mean a bigger single charge and a longer commitment.
4. Find the cancel window and refund rule
This is the one people skip. For example, BlueChew’s FAQ says you must cancel at least 24 hours before renewal, and prescription treatments can’t be returned. Find the equivalent rule before you pay, not after.
5. Make sure a clinician actually reviews you
A legitimate service asks about your health history and current medications, and a licensed clinician decides whether a prescription is appropriate. That’s what screens for dangerous combinations such as nitrates. The FDA’s BeSafeRx program explains how to spot unsafe online pharmacies.
6. Check where they ship
Not every service covers every state. BlueChew, for instance, doesn’t serve North Dakota.
7. Don’t skip the check-up
ED is common, but it can be an early sign of heart disease, diabetes or hormone issues. An online service is a convenient way to get treatment; it isn’t a substitute for a full check-up if you haven’t had one in a while.
Putting it together
If you want price transparency, start with Ro. If you want the widest menu of formats, look at Hims. If chewing instead of swallowing is the priority, BlueChew is built for that. The comparisons put them side by side.
Services mentioned in this guide
Ro
Publishes a full price list by strength, including generic sildenafil from $2 and branded Viagra and Cialis.
- Sildenafil (generic Viagra) $2 (20 mg) – $10 (100 mg) FDA-approved generic
- Generic for Cialis (tadalafil, as needed) $11 (5 mg) – $44 (10/20 mg) FDA-approved generic
- Daily generic Cialis (tadalafil) $8 daily dose (2.5 or 5 mg) FDA-approved generic
Hims
The widest menu: generics, flavored chews and 2-in-1 combinations, sold as monthly plans with "starting at" prices.
- Generic for Viagra (sildenafil) from $22/mo FDA-approved generic
- Generic for Cialis (tadalafil) from $24/mo FDA-approved generic
- Sildenafil Chews from $30/mo Compounded
BlueChew
Chewable, compounded tablets only. The plan prices are shown inside the quiz rather than on a public price list.
- Sildenafil chewable Shown after the quiz Compounded
- Tadalafil chewable Shown after the quiz Compounded
- Vardenafil chewable Shown after the quiz Compounded
Frequently asked questions
Are online ED services legit?
The major US services (such as Hims, Ro and BlueChew) have a licensed clinician review your health information before prescribing, and medication is filled by a pharmacy. Be wary of any site that sells ED drugs without a prescription or a clinician review.
What's the difference between generic and compounded ED medication?
An FDA-approved generic has the same active ingredient as the brand and has gone through FDA approval. A compounded product is mixed by a pharmacy, often to create a chew or combine drugs, and the FDA does not approve or verify compounded drugs.
How do I avoid unwanted subscription charges?
Before paying, find the billing cycle and the cancellation deadline on the checkout screen or FAQ. For example, BlueChew requires cancellation at least 24 hours before renewal. Put a reminder in your calendar a few days ahead of each renewal.