Hims vs. BlueChew for ED 2024: How Do They Compare?

Since Viagra® arrived on the scene in the late ‘90s, treatments for erectile dysfunction (ED) have seen many changes. Medications like Cialis®, Stendra®, and vardenafil have emerged as alternatives to Viagra, and you can now take your medication in the form of mints and gummies if you have trouble swallowing standard pills.

Another big change pertains to how you get your medication. Telehealth services like Hims and BlueChew have made it more convenient to access prescription ED treatments after an online consultation with a healthcare provider. But which one should you choose: BlueChew or Hims?

While these two platforms offer eligible patients some of the same high-quality ED medications in chewable form, there are key differences regarding products, pricing, and subscription options between BlueChew vs. Hims.

In this article, we’ll examine these differences so you can decide whether Hims or BlueChew is the best fit for your needs.

To order medication through BlueChew or Hims, you have to establish your medical profile and communicate with a licensed medical professional. Both telehealth platforms allow you to complete these steps virtually.

Accessing the intake form is a little different on each platform. At BlueChew, you must select the medication and monthly plan you want before establishing your medical profile. If you’re unsure how the medications differ, you can read about them on the website before selecting.

At Hims, you can select the medication you’re interested in first or fill out our intake form to see which medications best suit your needs. The intake form asks you questions about your symptoms, medical history, and treatment preferences. You can then select a medication and subscription plan as a final step based on your answers.

BlueChew’s intake form is relatively short and takes around five minutes to complete. The Hims intake form is slightly longer, and you’ll have more opportunities to share detailed information about your health history and preferences. This allows your provider to customize your treatment plan to meet your needs.

Your medical profile also allows providers on the Hims platform to recommend other treatment options if you are dealing with health issues beyond ED. While BlueChew specializes in treatment for erectile dysfunction, Hims also offers access to products for other men’s health issues like hair loss, premature ejaculation, and more.

Establishing your medical profile upfront is also essential for safety reasons. Combining ED medications with medications for high blood pressure (like nitrates), for instance, can cause serious side effects. The intake form allows your provider to assess your current medicine regimen and existing health conditions to decide if you’re a good candidate for ED medication.

Once a healthcare provider affiliated with Hims or BlueChew receives your intake form, they’ll review your health information just as they would in an in-person doctor’s office and let you know if you’re eligible for treatment.

In most cases, the intake form and messaging with your provider are suitable for them to determine if you qualify for treatment. Some states require a phone call or virtual visit with a healthcare provider before you can be prescribed medication. You may be asked to do this if you live in one of these states:

• Alaska

• Arkansas

• Washington D.C. 

• Kansas

• Mississippi

• New Mexico

• North Dakota

• Oklahoma

• Rhode Island

• Vermont

• West Virginia

Hims is available in all 50 states, plus Washington, D.C. The Hims platform is also available in the U.K. 

BlueChew is located in all 50 states except North Dakota.

Are you wondering who’s writing your prescription? All medical providers at Hims and BlueChew must be licensed. At Hims, we require each provider to undergo a rigorous vetting process when onboarded. You can review their credentials and learn more about our medical experts here.

We could not find any information on the medical providers affiliated with BlueChew.

BlueChew and Hims both provide access to some of the most popular erectile dysfunction ingredients available in chewable tablets: sildenafil (the active ingredient in Viagra) and tadalafil (the active ingredient in Cialis) after a consultation with a healthcare provider.

Why are chewable tablets appealing? According to a 2021 study, around 32 percent of study subjects had difficulty swallowing pills. They also just taste better.

Belonging to a class of medications known as PDE5 inhibitors, these ED treatments widen blood vessels to increase blood flow to the penis, helping you get and maintain harder, longer-lasting erections.

Here’s more info about the medications available at BlueChew and Hims:

• Sildenafil. Sildenafil is the active ingredient in Viagra, the first FDA-approved medication for ED. As a generic medication, sildenafil is significantly more affordable than brand-name Viagra even though the medications have equivalent efficacy and safety. Sildenafil should be taken as needed before having sex. It takes about 30 minutes to an hour to start working and works for around four hours.

• Tadalafil. Tadalafil is the active ingredient in Cialis. It came out a little later than Viagra and has a unique advantage: it works for up to 36 hours. It can also be taken as needed, like Viagra, or daily. Some people prefer taking daily tadalafil because it allows them to be ready for sex whenever they feel like having it.

Though Hims and BlueChew help you save money by providing access to generic medications, there are several crucial differences regarding full product lines, dosage options, and more.

Generic vs. Brand Name ED Pills: BlueChew vs. Hims

While generic medications are significantly less expensive than their brand-name versions (despite having the same active ingredient), some customers may be more comfortable taking Viagra or Cialis over sildenafil or tadalafil, even if it means paying a higher price.

For this reason, Hims offers access to brand-name Viagra and Cialis, generic sildenafil and tadalafil, and compounded versions of the medications if a healthcare provider deems you eligible. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved but they use the same active ingredients as brand-name counterparts. 

BlueChew does not offer brand-name Viagra or Cialis.

Form Factors and Flavors: Hims vs. BlueChew

Have difficulty swallowing pills? No problem. Both Hims and BlueChew offer access to chewable ED medication in various flavors after a consultation with a provider.

In addition to standard, flavorless pills, Hims has chewable options, which include:

• Hard Mints. Hims Hard Mints are erectile dysfunction medications that contain ingredients like sildenafil, tadalafil, and vitamin B12. Our compounding process allows us to offer various options based on your unique needs: single-ingredient tadalafil or a combination of tadalafil + sildenafil + B12. Packaged in a discreet tin case you won’t mind carrying around, these hard mints are available in two flavors: wintergreen mint or wintergreen mint + lemon flavor.

• Sex Chews. Similar to Hard Mints, Sex Chews are personalized ED medications that contain varying dosages of tadalafil and sildenafil with vitamin B12. They’re also available as a single-ingredient tadalafil. These chews also come in a handy tin case and are available in three flavors: berry, lemon, and berry + lemon.

As the name suggests, all BlueChew medications are chewable. Most have a fruit punch flavor, except vardenafil, which has a minty flavor.

BlueChew also carries a tadalafil multivitamin, which contains tadalafil alongside seven essential vitamins.

Other Compounded Products from Hims vs. BlueChew

Hims and BlueChew both offer access to single-ingredient products like sildenafil and tadalafil and multiple-ingredient products.

At BlueChew, the only multiple-ingredient product blend for ED available is the tadalafil multivitamin, which contains 9 mg of tadalafil and seven essential vitamins, such as C, A, and B12.

At Hims, we provide access to various multiple-ingredient products in addition to the aforementioned Hard Mints and Sex Chews, which combine tadalafil, sildenafil, and vitamin B12.

Our other blended products combine ED medication with active ingredients that target different health conditions that commonly co-occur with ED: premature ejaculation (PE), hair loss, and high cholesterol.

With blended products, your healthcare provider can treat a variety of conditions simultaneously. This makes your regimen simpler and more efficient and saves you from having to fill various prescriptions if your provider deems you eligible for treatment.

In addition to Hard Mints and Sex Chews, other blended sexual health products at Hims include:

• ED + Heart Health. Research shows that erectile dysfunction can be an early sign of cardiovascular disease and is linked to conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, stroke, and heart attack. ED + Heart Health is a compounded medication that contains tadalafil for ED and atorvastatin (the active ingredient in Lipitor®). Atorvastatin is a statin used to lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart attacks in those with a previous history of heart disease.

• Sex Rx + Climax Control. Some research suggests that erectile dysfunction is one of the most significant risk factors for premature ejaculation, a sexual dysfunction characterized by reaching orgasm too early. Sex Rx + Climax Control targets both conditions at once with the active ingredients tadalafil and fluoxetine (generic for Prozac®). Fluoxetine is a common off-label treatment for PE. When taken daily, this medication can help you obtain and maintain better erections for more satisfying sex.

• Sex Rx + Hair Hero. Hair loss and ED commonly occur in the same people. With Sex Rx + Hair Hero, you can address both issues with tadalafil + minoxidil and/or finasteride, two of the most popular oral medications for hair loss.

Dosage Options: BlueChew vs. Hims

Both BlueChew and Hims offer various dosage strengths for their ED medications, but Hims provides a few more options. Hims also offers personalized dosages based on the customer's requirements. Providers can customize dosages to ensure patients get the most appropriate treatment plan to meet their needs.

Our chewable ED medication and blended products also contain personalized dosages to fit each customer’s preferences. If you qualify for treatment, you’ll work with your healthcare provider to determine an appropriate dosage and dosing schedule.

Health Products Beyond ED: Hims vs. BlueChew

While both BlueChew and Hims offer access to high-quality erectile dysfunction treatments, the full product line we offer at Hims is more extensive. In addition to Hims’ ED medication, you can also find products for premature ejaculation, hair loss, acne, weight loss, mental health issues, and more.

The Hims product line includes:

• Over-the-counter and prescription medication for premature ejaculation, including oral medication and benzocaine wipes

• Medication for anxiety and depression

• Weight loss medications, both oral and injectable

• Wellness vitamins and supplements

• Condoms (including condoms that help you last longer in bed)

• Sex toys, including cock rings and male vibrators that support harder, longer-lasting erections

• Personal, water-based lubricants

Both Hims and BlueChew specialize in men’s health issues, but Hims also has a partner brand called Hers, which has products aimed at women’s health.

Unlike platforms that only offer brand-name ED medication, both Hims and BlueChew help users save money by providing access to less expensive versions of these medications after a consultation with a healthcare provider.

Pricing varies between Hims and BlueChew depending on the product, dosage, dose quantity, and subscription you choose. However, Hims appears to be less expensive if you opt for longer subscription plans.

At BlueChew, plans start at $20 monthly for six doses of as-needed sildenafil or four doses of tadalafil or vardenafil.

At Hims, as-needed tablets for sildenafil start at $16 per month for four doses, and tadalafil starts at $24 per month for four doses. Tadalafil and sildenafil chews start at $6 per use.

BlueChew’s daily product, the tadalafil multivitamin, costs $60 per tin if you order a three-month supply or $90 per tin monthly.

At Hims, daily tadalafil costs less than $2 per day for daily use or $32 per month with a 12-month subscription. Your annual cost works out to $384. There are also options for monthly ($79/month), every three months ($49/month), and every six months ($39/month).

Dose quantity options are also significantly different on both platforms.

BlueChew offers the following options:

• Sildenafil. Packs of 6, 10, 17, or 34

• Tadalafil (as needed). Packs of 4, 7, 14, or 28

• Vardenafil. Packs of 4, 8, 15, or 30

Hims offers the following dose quantities:

• Sildenafil and tadalafil. 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, or 16 doses per month

Each platform also has some special incentives. At BlueChew, customers get $20 off their first order. Their online consultation is free, but shipping starts at $5. 

In addition to more dosage options, we offer free shipping and unlimited messaging with your provider to drive costs down even more.

Extra Savings on Compounded Medications

Your provider can also help you save time and money by prescribing a 2-in-1 or 3-in-1 compounded medication if you’re addressing multiple conditions at once. This is ideal if you have other health concerns beyond ED.

With personalized dosage strengths and dosing options per month, we offer more flexibility over your treatment plan to make it work best for you.

Keep in mind that neither BlueChew nor Hims takes insurance, so all costs are out of pocket. However, your medication expenses may qualify for reimbursement if you have an FSA or HSA plan. 

Both BlueChew and Hims are subscription-based services that allow you to order your pills on a monthly cadence. However, we offer more subscription options.

At BlueChew, you can order as-needed medication only on a monthly basis. For daily pills, you can order monthly or quarterly.

At Hims, our subscription options include monthly, three-month, six-month, or annual. The longer the subscription, the lower the cost per pill.

If you don’t want your mail carrier to know your business, you don’t have to worry when you order from Hims or BlueChew. Both deliver straight to your home in discreet packaging.

Medications come in either small individual packets you can slip into your pocket or in tin cases you won’t mind taking out in public.

There are also a few differences regarding shipping:

• Shipping costs. Hims offers free shipping, while BlueChew shipping starts at $5.

• Availability. Hims ships to all 50 states. The Hims platform is also available in the U.K. BlueChew does not ship to North Dakota or the U.K.

BlueChew and Hims offer 24/7 customer support, live chat, and online consultations.

BlueChew also offers an email and chat option on its website.

At Hims, we provide the following additional features:

• A Hims app/online portal to order medication, adjust your treatment plan, and message your provider

• Unlimited, free follow-up messaging between patients and providers

Using a telehealth platform like BlueChew or Hims takes the hassle out of getting a prescription for ED. By offering access to different versions of high-quality ED medications after a consultation with a healthcare provider to determine eligibility, you can revamp your sex life and access quality care without leaving home.

While both telehealth companies offer eligible patients access to some of the same types of medications, there are some key differences to consider when deciding which one to use:

• Product Range. Both BlueChew and Hims offer access to the same ingredients in Viagra and Cialis in chewable tablets after a consultation with a provider. Hims also provides access to brand-name and generic Viagra and Cialis and various other treatments for hair loss, premature ejaculation, weight loss, and more.

• Formulations. While both platforms offer access to chewable tablets, Hims also has standard pills without added flavors. We also have blended products that treat multiple issues at once, like ED + hair loss or ED + premature ejaculation if you’re deemed eligible by a healthcare provider. BlueChew only specializes in ED treatment but has one blended product: the tadalafil multivitamin.

• Dosage Options. Both Hims and BlueChew offer various dosage strengths and dosing options, allowing your provider to design a personalized treatment plan. However, Hims has more dosage options and customized dosages in our compounded medications.

• Availability. You can order from the Hims platform in all 50 states, plus Washington, D.C. BlueChew is available in all U.S. states except North Dakota.

• Subscription Flexibility. Hims provides a wider range of subscription options (monthly, every three months, every six months, or annually). BlueChew refills monthly for their as-needed medications. For daily medications, you can choose between a monthly or quarterly subscription.

• Customer Support. Both companies have online access to providers and 24/7 customer support. Hims also offers unlimited messaging with providers through the Hims app.

• Cost. BlueChew treatments start at $20 per month. Hims treatments start at $16 per month. Hims offers more subscription options with more savings the longer you subscribe. Blended medications at Hims can also help you save time and money by treating multiple symptoms beyond ED.

Want to learn more about Hims’ offerings for ED and other sexual health issues? Connect with a healthcare professional and get a recommendation today.

Quick note: This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice or endorsement of one brand over another.