ED Medication Comparison Tool
Recommended ED Medication
Why It's a Good Fit
Cenforce Soft
- Active Ingredient: Sildenafil
- Onset Time: 15-30 minutes
- Duration: 4-6 hours
- Price: £0.80-£1.20 per tablet
Viagra
- Active Ingredient: Sildenafil
- Onset Time: 30-60 minutes
- Duration: 4-5 hours
- Price: £1.00-£1.50 per tablet
Cialis
- Active Ingredient: Tadalafil
- Onset Time: 30-120 minutes
- Duration: Up to 36 hours
- Price: £1.30-£1.80 per tablet
Levitra
- Active Ingredient: Vardenafil
- Onset Time: 20-60 minutes
- Duration: 4-5 hours
- Price: £0.90-£1.40 per tablet
Stendra
- Active Ingredient: Avanafil
- Onset Time: 15-30 minutes
- Duration: 4-6 hours
- Price: £1.20-£1.70 per tablet
Generic Sildenafil
- Active Ingredient: Sildenafil
- Onset Time: 30-45 minutes
- Duration: 4-5 hours
- Price: £0.50-£0.80 per tablet
When it comes to tackling erectile dysfunction, many men wonder which pill fits their lifestyle and budget. Cenforce Soft is a popular soft‑gel form of Sildenafil a PDE5 inhibitor that improves blood flow to the penis, but how does it stack up against the big names like Viagra the original branded sildenafil tablet, Cialis tadalafil‑based pill known for a longer window of activity, or newer options such as Stendra avanafil with a rapid onset? This guide breaks down the facts you need to decide which ED medication works best for you.
Key Takeaways
- Cenforce Soft delivers the same active ingredient as Viagra but in a fast‑dissolving soft‑gel, offering quicker onset for many users.
- Cialis (tadalafil) provides the longest duration (up to 36hours) but may take longer to kick in.
- Stendra (avanafil) and Levitra (vardenafil) sit between sildenafil and tadalafil in both speed and duration.
- Price, prescription requirements, and personal health factors (e.g., heart conditions) often tip the balance more than pure performance.
- Consult a healthcare professional before starting any PDE5 inhibitor, especially if you take nitrates or have cardiovascular concerns.
How Cenforce Soft Works
Cenforce Soft’s soft‑gel capsule contains Sildenafil at 50mg, 100mg, or 150mg strengths. Once ingested, the gelatin shell dissolves in the stomach, releasing the drug faster than a standard tablet. This can shave 5‑10minutes off the typical 30‑minute onset time reported for regular sildenafil.
The medication belongs to the PDE5 inhibitor a class that blocks the enzyme phosphodiesterase‑5, allowing cyclic GMP to accumulate and relax smooth muscle in the penis. The result is improved blood flow, enabling an erection when sexual stimulation occurs.

Decision Criteria: What to Compare
Choosing the right pill boils down to a handful of practical factors:
- Active ingredient - Sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil, or avanafil.
- Typical dose - Standard starting doses differ (e.g., 50‑100mg for sildenafil, 10mg for tadalafil).
- Onset time - How quickly the effect is felt after swallowing.
- Duration of action - Window during which an erection is achievable.
- Price (UK market) - Retail cost per tablet or per pack.
- Prescription status - Some brands are prescription‑only, while others are available through online pharmacies with a doctor’s approval.
- Side‑effect profile - Headache, flushing, visual changes, and rare cardiovascular risks.
Side‑by‑Side Comparison Table
Brand | Active ingredient | Typical dose | Onset | Duration | Approx. price per tablet (GBP) | Prescription? |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cenforce Soft | Sildenafil | 50‑150mg | 15‑30min (soft‑gel) | 4‑6hours | £0.80‑£1.20 | Yes (online or GP) |
Viagra | Sildenafil | 25‑100mg | 30‑60min | 4‑5hours | £1.00‑£1.50 | Yes |
Cialis | Tadalafil | 2.5‑20mg | 30‑120min | Up to 36hours | £1.30‑£1.80 | Yes |
Levitra | Vardenafil | 5‑20mg | 20‑60min | 4‑5hours | £0.90‑£1.40 | Yes |
Stendra | Avanafil | 50‑200mg | 15‑30min | 4‑6hours | £1.20‑£1.70 | Yes |
Generic Sildenafil | Sildenafil | 50‑100mg | 30‑45min | 4‑5hours | £0.50‑£0.80 | Yes |

Pros and Cons of Each Option
Below is a quick rundown of strengths and drawbacks based on real‑world usage data (2024-2025 UK surveys).
- Cenforce Soft:
- + Faster onset thanks to soft‑gel.
- + Slightly lower price than branded Viagra.
- - Still requires a prescription; not over‑the‑counter.
- Viagra:
- + Well‑known brand, widely trusted.
- + Extensive clinical data.
- - Tablet form dissolves slower for some users.
- Cialis:
- + Long window (up to 36hours) great for spontaneity.
- + Daily low‑dose option for chronic use.
- - Slower onset; may be less ideal for immediate plans.
- Levitra:
- + Slightly quicker onset than regular sildenafil.
- + Good for men who experience side‑effects with Viagra.
- - Price a bit higher than generic options.
- Stendra:
- + Fastest onsets reported (as low as 10minutes).
- + Lower incidence of visual disturbances.
- - Still the most expensive option.
- Generic Sildenafil:
- + Cheapest way to get the same active ingredient.
- + Widely available through licensed pharmacies.
- - Tablet form may be slower for some.
Choosing the Right ED Pill for You
Here’s a simple decision tree you can follow:
- If you need speed and want a soft‑gel, start with Cenforce Soft or Stendra.
- If you value flexibility over a whole day, Cialis is the clear winner.
- For a balance of cost and effectiveness, generic Sildenafil or Levitra work well.
- If you’ve experienced headaches or visual changes with sildenafil, consider switching to Avanafil (Stendra) or Vardenafil (Levitra).
- Always discuss with a doctor if you take nitrates, have uncontrolled hypertension, or have had a recent heart attack.
Remember, the best drug is the one you can take safely and that fits your lifestyle. A short trial period (under doctor supervision) often reveals the perfect match.
Common Questions About ED Medications
Can I buy Cenforce Soft without a prescription?
Can I buy Cenforce Soft without a prescription?
In the UK, Cenforce Soft is classified as prescription‑only. You’ll need a GP or a licensed online tele‑health service to provide a prescription before a pharmacy can dispense it.
How fast does Cenforce Soft start working?
Most men report an erection within 15‑30minutes after swallowing the soft‑gel, assuming they’ve eaten a light meal and are sexually aroused.
Is it safe to take Cenforce Soft with alcohol?
Moderate alcohol (one‑two drinks) usually doesn’t interfere, but heavy drinking can reduce blood flow and blunt the drug’s effect. It also increases the chance of side‑effects like dizziness.
What are the main side‑effects of sildenafil‑based pills?
Common complaints include headache, facial flushing, upset stomach, and mild visual tinting. Rarely, men experience priapism (prolonged erection) which requires urgent medical attention.
Can I take Cialis and Sildenafil together?
No. Both drugs belong to the PDE5‑inhibitor class, and combining them can cause dangerous drops in blood pressure. Choose one medication per sexual episode.
Armed with this side‑by‑side info, you can talk to your doctor with confidence and pick the ED pill that aligns with your timing, budget, and health profile.