Tylenol, Advil and Aleve are the most common over-the-counter pain and fever relievers. The key split: Tylenol (acetaminophen) is not an anti-inflammatory, while Advil (ibuprofen) and Aleve (naproxen) are NSAIDs that also calm swelling. Among the NSAIDs, the practical difference is how long each dose lasts.
There's no single winner — it depends on the job and your health risks. For plain fever or a headache, all three work. Choose Tylenol (acetaminophen) to avoid the stomach, kidney and heart cautions that come with NSAIDs (and it's generally preferred in pregnancy); choose an NSAID — Advil (ibuprofen) for short, flexible dosing or Aleve (naproxen) for longer-lasting relief — when inflammation or swelling is part of the problem.
| Tylenol acetaminophen | Advil ibuprofen | Aleve naproxen | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Acetaminophen | Ibuprofen | Naproxen Sodium |
| Our rating | Not yet rated | 72/100(5) | Not yet rated |
| Typical price | $0.03 /mL | $0.04 /mL | $0.06 /mL |
| Drug type | Acetaminophen (not an NSAID) | NSAID | NSAID |
| Reduces inflammation? | No | Yes | Yes |
| How long a dose lasts | 4–6 hours | 4–6 hours | 8–12 hours |
| Main risk | Liver harm if you exceed the daily limit | Stomach, kidney and heart cautions | Stomach, kidney and heart cautions |
| Good to know | Easiest on the stomach and usually the first choice in pregnancy; relieves pain and fever but not swelling. | Fast and flexible for short-term aches with inflammation; take with food to ease the stomach. | Longer-lasting, so fewer doses a day; same NSAID cautions as ibuprofen. |
Ratings are our independent FDA recall-safety score. General information, not medical advice.
Tylenol (acetaminophen)
Easiest on the stomach and usually the first choice in pregnancy; relieves pain and fever but not swelling.
Advil (ibuprofen)
Fast and flexible for short-term aches with inflammation; take with food to ease the stomach.
Aleve (naproxen)
Longer-lasting, so fewer doses a day; same NSAID cautions as ibuprofen.
Match the medicine to the situation. Pain with swelling (sprains, arthritis) responds better to an NSAID; per MedlinePlus, NSAIDs “reduce swelling,” whereas acetaminophen “does not relieve inflammation.” Pick Tylenol if you need to steer clear of NSAID stomach/kidney/heart risks, or are pregnant or breastfeeding (the NHS calls paracetamol the usual first choice then). Among NSAIDs, Advil acts fast and is easy to dose around the day; Aleve lasts longer so you take it less often. Respect daily limits — too much acetaminophen can harm the liver, and NSAIDs shouldn't be taken longer than directed. Ask a pharmacist if you have a stomach ulcer, kidney/heart/liver condition, take blood thinners, or are pregnant. General information, not medical advice.