The Rise of Telehealth in Men's Health
The landscape of men's healthcare, particularly for conditions like erectile dysfunction, has been transformed by telehealth services. Companies like BlueChew and Hims allow users to have a virtual consultation with a healthcare provider and receive prescription medication discreetly shipped to their doors. This eliminates the need for potentially uncomfortable in-person doctor visits and offers a streamlined, private process. Both companies provide generic versions of popular ED drugs, which are significantly less expensive than their brand-name counterparts, but their pricing structures, product offerings, and overall value propositions differ.
Core Differences and Cost-Influencing Factors
Before diving into specific price points, it is essential to understand the fundamental differences and variables that influence the total cost of medication from each provider.
Product Formulation
- BlueChew: Specializes exclusively in compounded, chewable tablets. These are custom-made at compounding pharmacies and offer a discreet, non-pill-based consumption method.
- Hims: Offers a broader range of products. For ED, they provide traditional generic tablets, brand-name options (like Viagra and Cialis), and compounded chewables (often called 'Hard Mints'). The inclusion of standard tablets allows for a wider array of dosages than the fixed-dose chewables from either provider.
Medication and Dosage
- Both platforms offer the active ingredients sildenafil, tadalafil, and vardenafil.
- However, the available dosages and whether they are offered as-needed or for daily use vary. Hims, for example, offers lower starting doses for daily tadalafil in tablet form, which can be safer and more economical for some users.
Subscription Structure
- BlueChew: Primarily offers monthly subscription plans with a fixed number of chewables.
- Hims: Provides more flexible subscription intervals, including monthly, quarterly, and annual billing options. Longer commitments with Hims can lead to significant cost savings per dose.
Shipping and Processing
- BlueChew: Charges a standard shipping fee, typically around $5.
- Hims: Offers free shipping but imposes a 'processing fee' on orders, which essentially acts as a similar, albeit sometimes different, charge.
Other Services
- BlueChew: Focused solely on ED treatment.
- Hims: A wider telehealth platform offering a variety of services for men and women, which might be a factor for individuals seeking multiple types of medical support.
Cost Comparison by Medication
Sildenafil
For sildenafil, the active ingredient in Viagra, BlueChew is generally the more affordable option when comparing their chewable formulations. Their lowest price per dose for sildenafil chewables ($2.65 as of early 2025) is more competitive than Hims' lowest price for its standard sildenafil tablets ($3.38 with quarterly billing). While Hims does offer its own sildenafil chewables, they are also typically more expensive than BlueChew's. This makes BlueChew a strong contender for those primarily interested in the chewable form of sildenafil.
Tadalafil
For tadalafil, the active ingredient in Cialis, the pricing landscape shifts. Hims can offer substantially lower prices, especially for lower-dose daily tablets and with longer subscription plans. A 2.5mg daily dose from Hims can be as low as $1.63 per dose with quarterly billing, compared to BlueChew's lowest tadalafil chewable dose at $2.00 (with a multivitamin). For as-needed tadalafil, Hims also features a lower entry point for its chewables. However, Hims' tadalafil chewable dosages can be higher than ideal for some users, making BlueChew's lower 6mg chewable a potentially safer starting point, even at a slightly higher cost.
Vardenafil
When comparing vardenafil (Levitra), Hims has the edge for large monthly quantities (e.g., 30 pills per month), with a very low price per dose. However, this option requires a high volume purchase that may not be suitable for all users. For smaller, more flexible quantities, BlueChew's per-dose price can be more favorable.
Comparison Table: BlueChew vs. Hims Pricing and Features
| Feature | BlueChew | Hims |
|---|---|---|
| Sildenafil Cost (Lowest/dose) | ~$2.65 (chewable) | ~$3.38 (tablet) |
| Tadalafil Cost (Lowest/dose) | ~$2.00 (chewable, daily w/multi) | ~$1.07 (tablet, daily) |
| Vardenafil Cost (Lowest/dose) | ~$4.00 (as needed) | ~$1.30 (chewable, bulk) |
| Medication Format | Chewable only | Tablets, chewables, and brand-name |
| Dosage Variety | Limited to specific chewable strengths | Broader range, especially for tablets |
| Subscription Flexibility | Monthly plans primarily | Monthly, quarterly, and annual options |
| Shipping Costs | Typically $5 | Free shipping, but potential processing fee |
| Free Trial Offer | Yes (pay for shipping only) | Not consistently available |
How to Determine the Cheaper Option for You
To figure out the most cost-effective solution, consider these steps:
- Evaluate your needs: Do you prefer an as-needed or daily medication? How frequently will you use it? What formulation (chewable vs. tablet) do you prefer?
- Compare the specific products: Look at the cost per dose for the exact medication and dosage prescribed. As demonstrated, BlueChew may be cheaper for sildenafil, while Hims often holds an advantage for tadalafil, especially for daily use or bulk orders.
- Factor in subscription length: Hims rewards longer commitments with lower per-dose pricing. If you anticipate needing the medication for an extended period, an annual Hims subscription could offer significant savings over monthly BlueChew payments.
- Don't forget shipping and fees: While Hims offers 'free' shipping, always check for any associated processing fees that might affect the total cost. BlueChew's free trial is an excellent way to test the medication with minimal financial risk.
Conclusion: Navigating Cost vs. Value
The question of whether Is BlueChew cheaper than Hims? lacks a single definitive answer. For those seeking the most affordable sildenafil chewable, BlueChew is the likely winner. However, if your prescription is for daily tadalafil or you are willing to commit to a longer-term subscription for specific dosages, Hims often presents the more economical choice. Beyond price, factors like formulation, dosage availability, and overall service breadth contribute to the total value. Both platforms offer legitimate, cost-effective generic alternatives to brand-name ED medications. The best and most affordable option ultimately depends on your individual preferences, medical needs, and purchasing habits. The key is to carefully compare the specific plan options from each service based on the medication prescribed by your provider. For more in-depth comparisons, resources like Innerbody provide helpful analyses.
