The Quick Answer
Generic tadalafil (Cialis) typically costs $2-10 per dose through telehealth platforms—compared to $15-80 per pill for brand-name Cialis. Daily tadalafil subscriptions start around $18-30/month.
Brand-name Cialis can cost $15-80 per pill at retail pharmacies. Generic tadalafil contains the exact same active ingredient but costs a fraction of the price. Here's how to find the cheapest legitimate options online.
Generic vs. Brand: What's the Difference?
The only meaningful difference between generic tadalafil and brand-name Cialis is the price. Tadalafil is tadalafil—the FDA requires generics to contain the same active ingredient in the same amount and work the same way in the body.
Cialis lost its patent protection in 2018, opening the door for generic manufacturers. Since then, prices have dropped dramatically. Where brand-name Cialis might cost $380-1,000 for a 30-day supply, generic tadalafil typically runs $20-100 for the same quantity.
Price Comparison: Major Telehealth Platforms
Telehealth platforms have become the most convenient way to get tadalafil—no in-person doctor visit required. Here's how the major players compare on price:
Tadalafil Price Comparison (December 2025)
| Platform | As-Needed (per dose) | Daily (per month) | Consultation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hims | $8-10/dose | $79/month (~$2.60/day) | Free |
| Roman | $8-12/dose | $74/month (~$2.50/day) | Free |
| Rex MD | $3/dose | $36/month (~$1.20/day) | Free |
| BlueChew | $3-6/dose (chewable) | $20-90/month | Free |
| GoodRx Care | $8-13/dose | $21+/month | Included |
Prices as of December 2025. Actual costs may vary based on dosage and subscription terms.
Daily vs. As-Needed: Which Is Cheaper?
The cost equation depends on how often you need tadalafil.
As-Needed Tadalafil (5-20mg)
You take it when you plan to have sex. Effects last 24-36 hours. If you only need it once or twice a week, this is typically the cheaper option. At $8-10 per dose, that's $32-80/month for 4-8 uses.
Daily Tadalafil (2.5-5mg)
You take a lower dose every day, building up a steady level in your system. You don't need to plan ahead—you're always "ready." If you're having sex more than 2-3 times per week, daily tadalafil often works out cheaper. At $2-3/day, that's $60-90/month regardless of frequency.
Monthly Cost by Frequency
If you're using tadalafil more than twice a week, daily dosing is often cheaper.
Where NOT to Buy Tadalafil
The internet is full of sketchy sites selling "generic Cialis" at impossibly low prices. Avoid these red flags:
Sites selling without requiring a prescription are breaking the law and likely selling counterfeit products. Prices that seem too good to be true ($0.50/pill from overseas pharmacies) usually are. Sites with no clear US pharmacy licensing or that ship from overseas. Any site that doesn't require you to answer health questions before dispensing.
Counterfeit ED medication is a real problem. Studies have found fake pills containing everything from printer ink to drywall—or worse, too much or too little active ingredient. Stick to legitimate US-based telehealth platforms.
Why You Need a Real Consultation
Tadalafil is generally safe, but it can be dangerous if you take nitrates (nitroglycerin) for heart conditions, have severe heart disease or recently had a heart attack/stroke, have very low blood pressure, or take certain alpha-blockers.
A legitimate platform will ask about these conditions. If a site will sell you tadalafil without asking health questions, that's a red flag—not a convenience.
Tips for Getting the Lowest Price
1. Always Go Generic
There's no medical reason to pay for brand-name Cialis. Generic tadalafil is FDA-approved, contains the identical active ingredient, and costs up to 90% less.
2. Buy in Larger Quantities
Most platforms offer discounts for 3-month supplies or higher quantities. The per-dose cost drops significantly when you commit to more pills upfront.
3. Consider Daily if You're a Frequent User
Run the math on your typical usage. If you're taking tadalafil more than 2-3 times per week, daily dosing is almost always the better value—plus you get the convenience of not needing to plan ahead.
4. Check for First-Time Discounts
Many telehealth platforms offer significant discounts on your first order or first month. Take advantage of these, but make sure to check the regular price before subscribing.
5. Use GoodRx Coupons at Local Pharmacies
If you already have a prescription from your doctor, GoodRx coupons can get generic tadalafil as low as $9 for 30 tablets at local pharmacies like CVS or Walmart. This can beat telehealth prices, especially with insurance.
Ready to Get Started?
These platforms offer competitive tadalafil pricing, free online consultations, and discreet shipping to your door.
Free consultation • Generic tadalafil from $2/dose • Discreet packaging
Does Insurance Cover Tadalafil?
Most private insurance plans and Medicare Part D do not cover tadalafil for ED—it's considered a "lifestyle medication." However, tadalafil for BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia) is sometimes covered since it has FDA approval for that indication.
The silver lining: generic tadalafil is so affordable now that even without insurance, you're likely paying less than you would have for brand-name Cialis with insurance a few years ago.
The Bottom Line
Generic tadalafil is one of the best deals in men's health. You can get the same medication as brand-name Cialis for 90% less—as low as $2-3 per dose through telehealth platforms like Rex MD, or around $2.50/day for daily dosing.
The key is sticking to legitimate US-based platforms that require a real medical consultation. Avoid overseas pharmacies and sites that sell without a prescription—the small savings aren't worth the risk of counterfeit medication.
For most men, telehealth platforms offer the best combination of price, convenience, and safety. Free consultations, competitive generic pricing, and discreet delivery to your door—it's never been easier or more affordable to get ED treatment.