Aleve vs Ibuprofen: Which Pain Reliever Works Better for You?

When you’re dealing with a headache, sore muscles, or joint pain, you probably reach for one of two things: Aleve, a brand name for naproxen, a long-acting nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Also known as naproxen, it’s designed to last longer than most over-the-counter painkillers. Or ibuprofen, a fast-acting NSAID sold under brands like Advil and Motrin. Also known as Advil, it’s the go-to for quick relief. Both are NSAIDs, so they work the same way—by blocking chemicals in your body that cause pain and swelling. But that’s where the similarities end.

Here’s the real difference: Aleve lasts longer. One pill can give you up to 12 hours of pain relief, which means you take it just twice a day. Ibuprofen wears off faster—usually in 4 to 6 hours—so you need to take it three or four times a day to keep the pain down. If you’re someone who hates popping pills every few hours, Aleve might feel like a win. But if you need fast action—say, for a sudden toothache or sports injury—ibuprofen kicks in quicker, often within 30 minutes. Aleve takes a little longer to start working, sometimes up to an hour.

Side effects? Both can upset your stomach, raise blood pressure, or hurt your kidneys if you use them too long or too often. But because Aleve sticks around longer in your system, it might carry a slightly higher risk if you’re not careful. People with heart issues or a history of ulcers should talk to a doctor before choosing either. Ibuprofen is often seen as the safer pick for short-term use in younger, healthier adults. Aleve? It’s the better pick for chronic pain like arthritis, where you need steady, all-day coverage without constant dosing.

Cost matters too. Generic naproxen (Aleve’s active ingredient) is usually cheaper than generic ibuprofen when you buy it in bulk. But if you only need pain relief once in a while, the price difference won’t be noticeable. What counts is what works for your body, your schedule, and your pain type.

You’ll find real-world comparisons in the posts below—from people who switched from ibuprofen to Aleve for back pain, to others who had to drop Aleve because it gave them stomach issues. We’ve got guides on how these drugs interact with other meds, what happens if you mix them with alcohol, and which one’s better for menstrual cramps or post-workout soreness. No fluff. Just clear, practical info based on real use cases.