Sildenafil vs tadalafil: which is better?
Reviewed by the glpzoom Editorial Team against primary clinical sources — FDA labeling, peer-reviewed trials, and specialty-society guidelines.
Content current as of June 2026; updated when guidance or availability changes.
Sildenafil and tadalafil are both PDE5 inhibitors with similar efficacy but different pharmacokinetics. Sildenafil onset is 30-60 minutes with a 4-6 hour duration — useful for planned activity. Tadalafil onset is similar but duration is much longer at up to 36 hours, which is why it's marketed as 'the weekend pill.' Tadalafil also has a daily low-dose formulation (2.5-5mg) that maintains continuous effect and is sometimes combined with BPH treatment. Side-effect profiles overlap (headache, facial flushing, indigestion) but tadalafil can cause more muscle aches and sildenafil more visual disturbance. Many patients try both to see which they prefer.
Where to start
Licensed US telehealth services that handle this. We may earn a commission when you sign up. See disclosure.
Hims
from $13/mo- Best for cash-pay
- Best for speed
Hims ED — generic sildenafil from $13/mo
Ro
from $2/mo- Best for clinical oversight
Ro — original online ED brand, sildenafil & tadalafil
Drugs referenced
Related questions
How much does online ED treatment cost?
Generic sildenafil (the active ingredient in Viagra) through telehealth typically runs $2-7 per dose depending on quantity ordered. Generic tadalafil (the active ingredient in Cialis) is similar, with daily low-dose options around $1-3/day. Branded Viagra and Cialis cost dramatically more — $50-90/pill at retail pharmacies. Most telehealth services include t