7 Best SARMs Ranked from Best to Worst

Summary:

• The best SARM for beginners with the fewest side effects is Ostarine.
• The best SARM for building lean muscle is RAD 140.
• The best SARM for cutting and burning fat is Ostarine. However, Cardarine is a notably superior fat-burning compound, but it is technically a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor delta (PPARD) agonist and not a SARM.

Selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs) have become very popular in the bodybuilding world since their recent formulation in the 1990s.

SARMs may prove to be revolutionary in the medicinal world if they can mimic the majority of anabolic steroids’ benefits but with less pronounced side effects.

Currently, there is not enough clinical research to draw such a conclusion. Anecdotally, however, we have seen SARMs produce excellent results. And more importantly, many users do not experience the same deteriorations in health as with various anabolic steroids.

In this guide, we will rank the top seven SARMs from best to worst, determined by how their benefits compare to their side effects.

There are several drugs that are not officially SARMs but are commonly referred to as such in the fitness community. We will also include these compounds in the list below, alongside real SARMs.

The best SARM is likely to vary for each individual depending on their objectives and how they respond to each SARM. Therefore, the following list is a general and subjective overview.

The 7 Best SARMs to Take

1. RAD 140

RAD 140, or Testolone, is the most widely recognized SARM due to it significantly increasing muscle mass and fat-burning. We find users typically gain up to 15 pounds of lean muscle from a RAD 140 cycle and lose approximately 3% of body fat.

Due to RAD 140’s simultaneous muscle-building and fat-burning properties, weight gain may not be remarkable, especially as RAD 140 does not cause notable amounts of water retention due to low levels of aromatization.

RAD 140’s ability to enhance strength is exceptional, rivaling various potent anabolic steroids. We have observed that users increase their one-repetition maximum by 20-30% on all compound lifts. In our experience, a user’s bench press personal record is likely to improve by approximately 20%, deadlift by 25%, and squat by 30%.

RAD 140 is essentially the SARM equivalent of trenbolone. Trenbolone is the most potent anabolic steroid for transforming a user’s physique promptly, with simultaneous muscle hypertrophy and fat loss. Powerlifters also use trenbolone for its exceptional strength-enhancing properties.

In our experience, RAD 140 provides approximately 70% of the benefits of trenbolone, which is remarkable considering the latter is notorious for deleterious side effects. RAD 140 only possesses a fraction of the toxicity in comparison.

• This Reddit user administered 10 mg/day of RAD 140 for 7 weeks.
• He lost 2.8% of body fat while increasing his fat-free mass by 6.2 kg, or 13.7 lb.

The user reported few side effects, with increased sweating being the main complaint. He did not experience any hair loss, fluctuations in libido, or insomnia. Furthermore, the user added approximately 20% of weight to his main exercises.

Adverse Effects

RAD 140 has a stimulant-like effect on the central nervous system, sometimes resulting in sweating or insomnia for users. We have found that administering doses earlier in the day may help prevent insomnia and increase sleep quality.

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If users are genetically predisposed to hair loss, RAD 140 may accelerate androgenetic alopecia due to its effect on 5-alpha-reductase. Therefore, RAD 140 may increase users’ natural conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

RAD 140 can also cause joint pain in some users due to it inhibiting the aromatase enzyme. Therefore, decreases in water retention can harden the articular cartilage surrounding the joint, resulting in the erosion of synovial fluid.

RAD 140 will elevate low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), causing a modest rise in blood pressure. Taking 4 g/day of fish oil and performing regular cardiovascular exercise often helps stabilize our patients’ blood pressure.

RAD 140 will cause elevations in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) enzymes, signifying hepatic inflammation. Our patients’ liver function tests demonstrate improved liver function when they supplement with 500 mg/day of tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) during their cycle.

RAD 140 will suppress endogenous testosterone levels, requiring post-cycle therapy to aid in the recovery of the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis (HPTA).

Testosterone levels can be expected to normalize several weeks following cycle cessation.

Note: It is common for mild side effects to cease after week 2 on RAD 140, indicative of the body adjusting to the SARM.

2. LDG-4033

LGD-4033, or Ligandrol, is a potent SARM that produces similar results to RAD 140 in terms of muscle hypertrophy and strength.

LGD-4033 exhibits similar effects to the anabolic steroid Dianabol.

LGD-4033 produces larger amounts of weight gain compared to RAD 140, due to higher levels of natural aromatization. We typically observe users gaining 15–20 pounds from LGD-4033. However, approximately 25–30% of this weight will be temporary water retention.

LGD-4033 produces similar improvements in strength as RAD 140, being 20–30% increases on main compound lifts.

The above user stated on Reddit that he cycled LGD-4033 for 12 weeks, with a dose of 10 mg/day.

LGD-4033 transformations generally are not overly impressive. This is because it is considered one of the harsher SARMs for side effects. Consequently, an individual who takes LGD-4033 typically does not take it as their first SARM cycle. Therefore, in the event of prior experience with SARMs, the likelihood of achieving further results diminishes.

Despite this instance of reduced potential, LGD-4033 can still produce notable results.

Adverse Effects

LGD-4033 raises natural aromatization; therefore, a greater quantity of a user’s testosterone will convert to estrogen. This slightly increases the risk of gynecomastia forming. However, the likelihood of users experiencing gynecomastia remains low in our experience of overseeing LGD-4033 users. We have found more risks associated with anabolic steroids, such as Dianabol, in regard to gynecomastia. Users can administer Nolvadex during their cycle if there are concerns regarding breast tissue accumulation.

Our sphygmomanometer readings indicate that LGD-4033 consistently raises blood pressure in users. This occurs due to fluctuations in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and LDL cholesterol, consequently increasing blood viscosity.

LGD-4033 is suppressive to endogenous testosterone, and thus post-cycle therapy (PCT) is required to accelerate HPTA recovery.

ALT and AST liver enzymes will also experience an upturn during LGD-4033 cycles. In this instance, TUDCA can be taken at 500 mg/day to prevent hepatic stress. Any hepatotoxic substances, including medications or alcohol, should be abstained from.

The occurrence of hair loss is not typically associated with LGD-4033, which renders it a preferred choice for individuals susceptible to male pattern baldness.

3. Cardarine

Cardarine, or GW-501516, is commonly mistaken for a SARM but instead is a PPARD (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor delta) agonist.

Cardarine is primarily utilized during cutting cycles due to its potent fat-burning effects.

Cardarine significantly increases lipolysis by inducing fatty acid oxidation. Thus, Cardarine shifts the body’s primary energy source from glucose to fat stores. The result is a rapid decrease in subcutaneous and visceral fat mass. Our patients lose up to 40 lb from a Cardarine cycle when combined with a calorie-deficit diet over a duration of 12 weeks.

Our experience and research also suggest Cardarine possesses mild anabolic properties, aiding in muscle tissue retention during cutting phases. In research, Cardarine increased lean muscle mass by 1.3 kg, or 2.9 lb, in users following 12 weeks of administration. This occurred after administering a dose of 10 mg/day of Cardarine (1).

Cardarine can also provide several health benefits, including positive effects on blood glucose and insulin (2). Therefore, Cardarine may become an efficacious treatment for type 2 diabetes in medicine.

Cardarine also demonstrates positive effects on cholesterol. In clinical studies, Cardarine increased HDL cholesterol by 17% while reducing LDL by 7% (3) following a 10 mg/day dose.

We have found Cardarine’s effects on muscular endurance to be quite extraordinary.

Medical research also demonstrates this, with users experiencing endurance improvements of 68% from 3 weeks of supplementation (4). This occurs due to Cardarine converting fast-twitch fibers to slow-twitch ones (5). This consequently increases mitochondria and delays fatigue.

Cardarine is not a SARM; therefore, it does not negatively impact the HPTA. In consequence, endogenous testosterone levels remain stable, proving PCT unnecessary.

• The above user published his transformation on Reddit. He cycled Cardarine for 12 weeks, consuming 10 mg/day for the first week and then 20 mg/day for the subsequent 11 weeks.
• His total weight decreased from 205 pounds to 165 pounds. His body fat percentage also reduced by approximately 10%.

Adverse Effects

Some members of the fitness community are wary of Cardarine after subjects from preclinical safety trials developed cancerous tumors (6). Nonetheless, this particular study lacks sufficient reliability to assert that Cardarine is a highly carcinogenic agent. Firstly, the lowest dosage administered to the rodents was 3–6 times higher than the typical dosage taken by weightlifters.

Furthermore, the rodents were continuously supplementing with Cardarine for 2 years, which translates to one-third of their lifespan. In contrast, the average person today only cycles Cardarine for 8–12 weeks.

In conclusion, there is evidence that Cardarine may be a carcinogenic substance when taken in high doses for excessive periods of time. However, there is a lack of evidence regarding the likelihood of Cardarine causing cellular proliferation when taken in lower dosages in the short term.

Cardarine may also cause hepatotoxicity. Dr. Thomas O’Connor, one of our medical physicians, routinely observes ALT and AST fluctuations from Cardarine users. He described its hepatotoxic effects as the equivalent of consuming 50 mg/day of Anavar. This is an excessive dose of Anavar, which is already known to cause hepatic inflammation. Thus, Cardarine users should be cautious to monitor liver values on-cycle.

4. Ostarine

Based on our testing, Ostarine, or MK-2866, is the optimal SARM for novices. This is primarily because its advantages significantly outweigh its drawbacks.

Ostarine enhances anabolism by stimulating androgen receptors and inducing satellite cell cycle activation. This consequently increases myonuclei in muscle tissue.

Ostarine also causes synergistic visceral and subcutaneous fat loss due to optimized insulin sensitivity.

We typically observe users gain up to 10 pounds of lean muscle on Ostarine, while notably reducing their body fat percentage and enhancing muscle tone.

Strength will also increase, although not to the same extent as with more potent bulking SARMs, such as RAD 140 or LGD-4033.

Ostarine does not appear to increase the body’s natural rate of aromatization. As a result, it does not induce water retention, meaning Ostarine can be utilized effectively during lean bulking or cutting cycles.

This user administered 20 mg/day of Ostarine for 45 days, resulting in 7 pounds of weight loss. As demonstrated above, improvements in muscle definition are common when users combine Ostarine with a calorie-deficit diet.

This Reddit user has also gained a notable amount of muscle hypertrophy, particularly in his deltoids, pectorals, biceps, and triceps.

Ostarine has comparable effects on both men and women. Nevertheless, females exhibit more substantial outcomes in terms of muscle mass. It is common for women to add 20 pounds of fat-free mass on Ostarine without any virilization effects.

Adverse Effects

Ostarine stands out as one of the most successful SARMs to come to market. This is due to its low toxicity and mild nature.

However, Ostarine does suppress testosterone levels to various degrees. Despite our sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) tests indicating reductions in total testosterone, it is common for users not to experience any hypogonadal symptoms. Therefore, libido, well-being, and energy levels may remain constant.

There is a general consensus that Ostarine is only mildly suppressive. However, we have recorded 60–70% reductions in endogenous testosterone.

In such cases, PCT medications may be utilized, such as Nolvadex, to accelerate healing of the HPTA. However, users who fail to recognize any indication of low testosterone might not employ PCT protocols.

Ostarine will negatively affect HDL and LDL cholesterol levels, increasing the risk of atherosclerosis. Ostarine’s adverse effects on cardiac health are less severe than those of other SARMs. Nevertheless, users with preexisting hypertension should refrain from using Ostarine and other SARMs.

Ostarine may also cause the following side effects:

1. Headaches
2. Aching muscles
3. Fatigue

Some Ostarine users report modest amounts of hair loss from cycles. Interestingly, Ostarine does not directly affect the 5-alpha reductase enzyme. However, Ostarine does compete with natural testosterone in the process of binding to androgen receptors. In this instance, Ostarine overrides testosterone, leaving in higher amounts of free testosterone to convert to DHT.

Although indirect hair loss may occur with Ostarine, it is most likely to impact those genetically predisposed to male pattern baldness.

5. YK-11

YK-11 is not a SARM but rather a myostatin inhibitor. Myostatin is a myokine that suppresses myogenesis and inhibits muscle growth. Thus, by decreasing myostatin levels, users can effectively increase anabolism.

In 1998, BALCO Laboratories evaluated 62 males who experienced extraordinary muscular hypertrophy from resistance training. Researchers discovered a myostatin deficiency in nine of these men. Flex Wheeler, a bodybuilding legend, had the rarest mutation of the group, specifically affecting the exon 2 gene. Such myostatin deficiencies can result in double the muscle growth of a normal male. Reduced body fat and increased muscular strength are other byproducts of less myostatin.

• The above Reddit user gained 15 lb from a 6-week cycle of YK-11, consuming 10 mg/day for the first 3 weeks and 15 mg/day for the remaining 3 weeks.
• His body fat percentage has also decreased notably, indicating over 15 lb of lean muscle gained from his cycle.

Adverse Effects

The severe adverse effects of YK-11 are a primary reason for its lack of widespread popularity.

We can describe the effects of YK-11 as similar to trenbolone in regard to increased aggression, anger, paranoia, and anxiety in some users.

YK-11 also has diuretic properties, similar to trenbolone. Therefore, arthralgia can become an issue for sensitive users with subpar joint health. The severity of this side effect may also be determined by the amount of weight lifted and the quantity of repetitions. Thus, a weightlifter who engages in lifting exceedingly heavy weights with few repetitions may be prone to joint pain from YK-11.

Generally, YK-11 will replicate the general side effects associated with SARMs, but with amplified intensity. The most deleterious side effects we observe with YK-11 are:

1. Hypogonadism
2. Androgenic alopecia
3. Acne vulgaris

PCT is thus essential to recovering endogenous testosterone. A preferable methodology is to combine Nolvadex with an additional luteinizing hormone-stimulating medication, such as Clomid.

YK-11 will almost certainly cause negative alterations in liver values and cholesterol. However, some users do not experience significant amounts of hepatotoxicity or cardiotoxicity based on blood work analysis.

6. S23

S23 is one of the strongest SARMs for increasing muscle hypertrophy and strength. Nevertheless, S23 has a propensity to induce severe adverse effects. S23’s effects could be likened to Winstrol, otherwise known as stanozolol. Therefore, users cycle S23 to increase lean muscle mass while decreasing adipose tissue.

S23’s high toxicity is a common reason why novices will often refrain from taking this SARM until they have taken several milder SARMs, such as Ostarine or RAD 140. S23 may be administered to overcome muscle hypertrophy or strength plateaus after this point.

S23 may be regarded as either the most beneficial or detrimental SARM, contingent upon an individual’s genetic makeup and response to the drug. Certain users can experience exceptional results while experiencing manageable side effects. Conversely, some individuals may endure severe adverse effects, which may necessitate them to terminate their cycle prematurely.

In our experience, it is improbable that an individual who has previously cycled multiple SARMs will achieve phenomenal results on S23. However, an intermediate or experienced SARMs user may still gain 10 lb of muscle from their first S23 cycle.

• This Reddit user cycled S23 at 32 mg/day for a duration of 10 weeks. He divided the medication into two equal halves taken in the morning and evening to achieve optimal elevations of S23.
• He gained approximately 20 lb of muscle while decreasing his body fat percentage.

This individual attributed approximately half of the 20 lb weight gain to muscle memory rather than the S23 itself.

Adverse Effects

We had a patient say that 10 mg/day of S23 was more toxic for him than 25 mg/day of Anadrol. Our tests indicate Anadrol to be one of the most damaging anabolic steroids for health due to it being significantly hepatotoxic and cardiotoxic. Therefore, it is a misconception that at least some SARMs do not pose the same level of side effects as anabolic steroids.

Side effects from S23 are often dose-dependent but sometimes genetically determined. Some users report feeling irritable, aggressive, and frustrated on S23. People can also feel lethargic or depressed from this compound, which may be indicative of its high toxicity level.

We have found S23 to be extremely suppressive. Therefore, a potent PCT is necessary to restore hypogonadal-range testosterone levels and preserve muscle tissue.

Users have an increased likelihood of experiencing a myocardial infarction from S23, considering its devastating effects on blood lipids. S23 is also hepatotoxic, causing significant elevations in ALT and AST enzymes.

S23 does not cause water retention or gynecomastia due to its diuretic effects. However, androgenic side effects, such as acne vulgaris and exacerbated male pattern baldness, are possible.

7. Andarine

Andarine, or S4, is a particularly mild SARM, similar to Ostarine. Therefore, it will not reproduce the anabolic results of YK-11, S23, RAD 140, or LGD-4033.

However, we have seen Anadarine add 5–10 pounds of lean muscle to beginners while dramatically increasing strength and decreasing fat mass. Andarine may be an ideal SARM for individuals who prioritize their health and are not seeking substantial muscle tissue growth.

Andarine also significantly enhances vascularity, rendering it a desirable aesthetic compound for certain users who aspire to achieve this appearance.

One reason why Andarine is significantly less popular than Ostarine in research may be attributed to its negative impacts on ocular health in certain users. Such temporary deterioration in vision, in regard to bright lights, is a phenomenon that does not occur with other SARMs.

Adverse Effects

One unique side effect of Andarine is that users may experience a yellow or green tint to their vision. This can be particularly sensitive when around bright lights.

Furthermore, when transitioning from a light environment to a gloomy one, it may take the pupils time to adapt. Fortunately, this ocular side effect is temporary, as users commonly report their eyesight normalizing post-cycle.

Andarine will cause notable endogenous testosterone suppression, requiring PCT for individuals suffering from inhibited sexual desire or fatigue.

Additionally, cholesterol and liver toxicity may be adversely affected by Andarine. However, the extent of these two side effects is believed to be mild.

Ibutamoren and Stenabolic

Ibutamoren, a growth hormone secretagogue, is absent from this list due to its ability to cause visceral fat gain. Although Ibutamoren users may gain approximately 6–8 pounds of lean muscle tissue from a cycle, their abdomen will also hypertrophy, causing a distended appearance.

Stenabolic is also absent from this list due to it being a SARM with low biological availability and thus lacking overall effectiveness.

Conclusion

The best SARM will be contingent upon the preferences and objectives of the individual.

The best SARM for beginners is likely to be Ostarine, as it is a mild compound that still produces significant changes to body composition.

The best SARM for overall weight gain may be LGD-4033, with it notably increasing muscle mass, coupled with intracellular and extracellular water weight.

The best SARM for lean muscle mass may be RAD 140, exhibiting high anabolism without inducing aromatization (7).

Cardarine may be considered the best compound for fat loss (8).

SARMs are strictly research chemicals and are not to be ingested by humans. They have not been approved by the FDA, and their complete effects are not yet fully understood.

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