We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Here’s our process.

Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.

Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:
  • Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
  • Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
  • Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?
We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.
Was this helpful?

Buying Cialis online is a relatively simple process. If you’re looking to purchase Cialis or generic Cialis (tadalafil) to treat ED, telemedicine services like Hims, Roman, and Lemonaid are great options.

According to a 2018 research review, erectile dysfunction (ED) affects about one-third of men and is more likely to occur with older age.

While common, ED can be a frustrating experience. A 2002 study found it can lead to anxiety about sexual intercourse, along with a disrupted sex life and a 2021 review of 2020 studies found that ED can lead to a reported lower quality of life and reduced work productivity.

However, medications can safely treat ED, like Cialis (the brand name for tadalafil), a vasodilator. You need a prescription to get Cialis, which you can acquire through your doctor or telehealth sources.

Online ordering can be a great alternative if you prefer the convenience and discretion of getting medication directly shipped to your home.

Read on to find out more about where you can buy Cialis and generic tadalafil online.

Cialis (tadalafil) is a prescription drug used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It belongs to a class of drugs called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. It works for ED by relaxing the smooth muscle in the blood vessels of the penis, therefore increasing blood flow.

Like Viagra, Cialis can help you get or maintain an erection when you’re aroused.

Generic Cialis, or Tadalafil, is available in several doses in tablet form: 2.5 milligrams (mg), 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg. Depending on the dose for ED, you can use it as needed before sexual activity, or you may take 2.5 mg or 5 mg once a day.

Since Cialis and tadalafil require a prescription, finding a reputable company that can get you in touch with the right healthcare professionals can be a challenge.

We compared several companies against a number of our top priorities to help us build our list of recommendations. Here were our priorities:

  • Meets our internal vetting standards: Healthline assesses brands and products for criteria based on medical and business standards. Read more about our process.
  • Company reputation: All the companies reviewed here have between an A- and A+ rating on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and a reputation for delivering quality telehealth services and Cialis.
  • Price: Affordability and accessibility are important. All the companies reviewed offer Cialis at an affordable monthly price.
  • Doctor’s consultation: To get Cialis in the United States, a licensed medical professional must prescribe it for you. All the platforms reviewed require an initial consultation and use the expertise of licensed medical professionals.
  • Brand-name and generic Cialis: The price for brand-name Cialis can be pretty high and might be outside of many people’s budgets. We included services that offer brand-name Cialis and generic Cialis so these ED medications are more accessible to those who need them.

Yes. Thanks to telehealth medicine, filling your prescriptions online is easier and faster than ever. You can buy ED medications, like Cialis and its generic version, through a variety of online platforms.

Buying Cialis online is a relatively simple process that allows users to forgo an in-person trip to the doctor. A telehealth professional will evaluate your health and provide an electronic prescription. Then, you’ll receive the medication in discreet packaging.

While online services differ slightly, all require a private health assessment and consultation with a virtual specialist or physician before the medication is shipped to you.

Cialis is not available over the counter in the United States. It must be prescribed by a licensed medical professional. All the telehealth services listed below include a virtual doctor’s consultation who can decide whether or not to prescribe Cialis for your ED symptoms.

To ensure safety, it’s important to purchase Cialis through a legitimate telehealth company, like the ones reviewed below. Otherwise, you risk purchasing Cialis illegally and with potentially counterfeit or dangerous ingredients.

Pros

  • Discreet shipping: All the platforms we reviewed emphasize their use of discreet packaging and shipping.
  • No health insurance required: Cialis can be purchased without health insurance and without going into a pharmacy.
  • Saves time and trips to the doctor: Getting a prescription usually requires going into a doctor’s office and waiting for a prescription to be filled. Purchasing Cialis online removes steps in the process and ships the medication to your door.
  • Resources and education available: Many online telehealth services provide an abundance of educational material so users can get all their questions answered.
  • Affordable: The initial online visit is less expensive than most copays.
Was this helpful?

Cons

  • Not available in all U.S. states: Some platforms are only available in the states where physicians on the platform are licensed.
  • Not covered by insurance: People with insurance aren’t able to benefit from their plans with these online telehealth platforms.
  • No ongoing doctor-patient relationship: While patients can communicate with their physicians through the online platform, most online services are generally no match for a doctor-patient relationship developed over time.
Was this helpful?
Pricing as of September 2023ED medications availableAdditional servicesTrustpilot rating as of September 2023Better Business Bureau rating as of September 2023
Hims• starts at $958 for 1-month supply of daily Cialis
• starts at $40 for 1-month supply of daily tadalafil
• branded and generic Viagra
• branded, generic, and daily generic Cialis
• Stendra
medical professional support3.8/5 starsA+
Roman• $20-$80 per dose of Cialis
• $8-$44 per dose of tadalafil
• branded and generic Viagra
• branded, generic, and daily generic Cialis
unlimited follow-up support4.0/5 starsB
Lemonaid$220 for 1-month supply of daily tadalafil• generic Viagra
• sildenafil
• tadalafil
physician or nurse practitioner support2.4/5 starsA+

Is it safe and legal to buy Cialis online? How do I know my ED medication is legit?

ED medications are among the most counterfeited drugs out there. According to some news reports, fake versions of these medications can have toxic ingredients in them.

Other such pills and supplements can contain dangerously high levels of sildenafil or tadalafil that are significantly outside of standard prescription doses. This is why it’s so important to get medications like Cialis and Viagra from proper online pharmacies and not over the counter.

Was this helpful?

One of the benefits of using Cialis and tadalafil (generic Cialis) is it can be taken daily or on demand, depending on the dose. This will depend on your prescription and your sexual needs. Here’s a breakdown of how Cialis and tadalafil work for daily and as-needed use.

Daily use

If you want to potentially always be ready for sex, you can take a small dose of either 2.5 mg or 5 mg Cialis or tadalafil (depending on your prescription) every day.

A small dose every day means that you may not need to plan ahead and take a pill in advance of sexual activity. You likely will not need to consider how long the pill is effective because if taken regularly, you may not experience any ED symptoms.

As-needed use

If you don’t anticipate regular sexual activity, have the ability to take a pill in advance of anticipated sexual activity, or are not interested in taking a daily pill, your doctor may prescribe you a higher as needed dose of Cialis or tadalafil.

These higher dose pills are available in 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg and should be taken 30–60 minutes before sex. For some people, these pills can last over 24 hours. So, it is strongly recommended to only take these medications once per day to avoid the risk of an overdose.

What is tadalafil? What’s the difference between Cialis and tadalafil?

Tadalafil and Cialis are the same medication, though Cialis is the name-brand version of tadalafil. The main difference is likely the shape and color of the tablets. Tadalafil is also generally less expensive than Cialis.

Is there an over-the-counter Cialis?

To be used legally in the United States, ED medications must be purchased with an in-state prescription.

Anyone selling Cialis online without a doctor’s assessment and approval is not legitimate and puts you at risk of using a toxic product.

Why do I need a blood pressure reading to get ED medication?

ED medication can be dangerous to take if your blood pressure is too high or too low. In addition, taking PDE5 inhibitors can affect your blood pressure, which can be extremely harmful or even fatal if taken alongside other medications to regulate blood pressure.

If you’re considering taking ED medication to treat your ED symptoms, it is worth talking openly with your doctor about your medical history and what medications you’re currently taking. If you haven’t had your blood pressure taken recently, you can find a free place to have it checked using Pursuant.

Cialis and other prescription ED medications cannot be purchased over the counter. Online services like Roman, Hims, and Lemonaid offer options for people looking to quickly and discreetly get access to medication without insurance and for an affordable price.


Lucia Whalen is a Chicago-based writer and multimedia journalist specializing in the intersection of health, science, and the environment. She is also a co-founder of Trashy Magazine. Her writing has been featured in Atlas Obscura, South Side Weekly, MindBodyGreen, and other publications. She is a graduate of Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism.