7 Best SARMs For Bodybuilding [Cutting, Bulking & Strength Stacks]

If you're looking for the best SARMs (Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators) for bodybuilding, this guide is for you.

When it comes to bodybuilding, you can find a lot of different types of supplements. Some are best for cutting, others best for bulking, and some best for strength stacks.

One type of supplement that is best in all three cases? SARMs!

Selective androgen receptor modulators have been shown to benefit muscle growth and fat loss while increasing strength levels.

We dive deep into SARMs for cutting, bulking, and recomp and reveal the most effective stacks as well as the best SARM supplement and how to cycle it for your individual goals.

As with many compounds that have gained popularity among lifters and bodybuilders, few people know what SARMs are and how they work.

Most focus on the insane results they provide.

If you want to get the physique of your dreams, you must understand what the best SARMs are, what is post cycle therapy and how they work in our body.

This review will talk about using SARMs for bulking and cutting fat and everything in between.

By the end, you'll understand what they are, how effective they are, and how they can help people like you reach your fitness and bodybuilding goals.

If you are wondering whether SARMs are illegal and how you can use them safely with cycle, we'll have answers for you as well.

The 7 Best SARMs for Body Building

No two SARMs are created equal.

Which ones you take will depend on many factors, including your body's sensitivity towards anabolic steroids, the dosage, the length of your cycle, and the results you want to see.

top sarms for bodybuilding

So, to know what the most effective ones for burning fat, bulking, or power is and how to best stack SARMs, you need to understand the differences between the various compounds and their effects on your body.

Knowing the differences will help you choose the suitable SARMs for you.

1. Ostarine (MK-2866)

Ostarine MK-2866 aka Ostarine sarm

Ostarine MK-2866 is one of the most widely researched SARMs.

There's more information about the safety, efficacy, and dosage of Ostarine than many of the other compounds you'll see on the market.

GTx Inc., a Memphis-based company, has developed Ostarine MK 2866.

Researchers are studying the MK-2866 as a possible way to prevent muscle tissue loss and muscle wasting in patients with muscular dystrophy or various cancers.

Ostarine's benefits have been shown to burn fat, increase muscle growth and boost power.

It even has mild fat-burning effects during clinical reviews.

It also can lower HDL cholesterol and blood glucose levels for some people.

It is often used in the triple stack, which is extremely effective at fat burning, bulking, and everything in between.

Whether you're using Ostarine MK 2866 on its own or as part of a cutting stack, it's the best place to start as a beginner.

Ostarine is one of the more well-studied compounds, with several clinical trials showing its efficacy and safety in relatively low doses.

It can be used for cutting, bulking, and building lean muscle mass and stacked with a similar molecule, like SR9009 or Cardarine.

Ostarine is often considered a cutting SARM supplement for weight loss or fat loss, which means it's perfect for a cutting cycle.

Many users looking for weight loss tend to use Ostarine since it works hand in hand with the caloric deficit for fat loss.

It helps a person stay healthy and lose body fat even when they're running on fewer calories.

The process of taking Ostarine MK 2866 helps maintain lean body mass during a cut, which is why it's considered one of the leading SARMs for bulking, weight loss, and cutting.

Researchers who use this for clinical reviews recommend a dosage between 3 mg to 5 mg per day.

Bodybuilders tend to take anything from 10 to 30 mg per day, depending on their needs to build muscle mass and lose body fat.

Remember that the hormone suppression effect will be more substantial the more you take, even with a compound as mild as MK-2866.

Like all other similar supplements, it does have a hormone-suppression effect, so Post Cycle Therapy (PCT) is crucial.

So, it's a good idea to keep your cycles to a maximum of 12 weeks, especially when using it stacked for building muscle instead of just during a cut. It is the best way to enjoy MK-2866's benefits.

2. Andarine (S-4)

S-4 Andarine sarm

Andarine S4 is another compound developed by pharmaceutical company GTx Inc.

As with Ostarine, its primary function is to lose fat, maintain bone density for people suffering from diseases like muscle wasting.

It can be used during a cut to retain a lot of muscle mass, but it shines if you want to bulk and in a stack.

Andarine S-4 is also a part of a stack for muscle gain and, at the same time, considered one of the most powerful SARMs for cutting body fat.

Despite being labeled as "mild" by some, S4 can produce extremely useful results, even at a relatively low dosage of 25 mg per day.

Most people will eventually build up to 50 mg dosage per day. However, high doses for weeks aren't recommended due to the effect of Andarine on body hormone levels like testosterone and estrogen.

It's also a good idea to avoid using S-4 for more than eight weeks at a time and to make sure to do a cycle afterward.

Although it is mild, it has some drawbacks, including taking it numerous times a day due to its short half-life, hence the cycle.

Some people report getting a yellow tinge to their vision, which isn't permanent and stops a few days after.

If these drawbacks don't put you off and you want to be building muscle, Andarine is an excellent option that promises the best results.

Otherwise, you can always do a cycle after using S-4 for eight weeks then cycle it if you wish to continue.

3. Testolone (RAD140)


Testolone was developed by Radius Health, a pharmaceutical company located in Massachusetts.

It was developed as a drug to help deal with muscle-wasting disease, as is the case with most of these compounds.

It's generally considered one of the "strongest" SARMs available for building muscle and increasing energy due to its extremely high binding affinity to androgen receptors.

Research conducted on RAD140 tends to maintain a dose of around 10 mg per day.

Most users will go no higher than 20 mg per day due to its potent effects on testosterone production.

It's mainly used to build muscles and bulking up, though some users have successfully used it to reduce body fat.

Unfortunately, due to its high binding affinity for androgen receptors, Testolone must be monitored carefully during use.

It should not be used for a cycle lasting longer than eight weeks.

Although it is one of the most potent SARMs, users have had experienced changes in their testosterone hormone levels.

We recommend that you take a PCT supplement after your Testolone cycle.

4. Ligandrol (LGD-4033)

lgd-4033 ligandrol capsules

Ligandrol is one of the most popular products currently available due to its lean muscle mass-building properties and relatively few side effects.

It's considered the mid-point between milder SARM supplement like Ostarine MK-2866 and harsher SARMs for sale like Testolone RAD-140.

In general, one of its benefits is fewer side effects.

Ligandrol is typically used for body recomp.

It is also considered one of the most excellent SARMs for cutting as it produces results.

There is some water retention, but this quickly subsides during your cycle as you start seeing strength gains and improved lean mass as its benefits.

It's effective at a very low dose (as low as 5 mg per day).

While it does take a couple of weeks to kick in, users report their strength shooting up even during a recomp.

It is also advised to use it for not more than eight weeks and cycle it to enjoy its benefits fully.

Due to its mild nature, LGD-4033 Ligandrol is typically used as part of some selective androgen receptor modulator stack options, especially when combined with non SARM compounds like MK-2866 and GW-501516 Cardarine fat burning effects and preserving lean muscle mass.

5. Ibutamoren (MK-677)

mk677 ibutamoren mesylate

MK-677 isn't a selective androgen receptor modulator, even though it's commonly marketed as one.

It goes by the common name of Ibutamoren or Nutrobal, or by its compound designation of MK-677.

Ibutamoren stimulates growth hormone production and IGF-1 during the cycle without affecting the testosterone levels and other hormones in the body.

We recommend using it for its muscle-building properties, making it suitable for bulking.

However, as it can also stop muscle tissue from wasting away, it can be used during a cut and as part of a stack.

6. Cardarine (GW-501516)

gw501516 cardarine

Cardarine GW 501516 was first developed as an anti-tumor compound that prevented the formation and growth of numerous cancer tumors such as breast cancer.

However, it caught the attention of the body-building community, and they decided to use it as one of the safer steroid alternatives.

Despite commonly being marketed as a selective androgen receptor modulator, Cardarine isn't one.

Instead, it's a PPAR agonist that modulates the activity of specific receptors.

It has been shown in studies to increase cardiovascular performance as well as stimulating weight loss.

This feature is why it's commonly found in a lot of stack formulations.

7. YK-11

yk11 sarms capsules

YK-11 is a relatively new compound.

Due to the lack of scientific evidence, it's nowhere near as popular as many of the others.

It's starting to gain a lot of traction with people who want to quickly put on a lot of mass without resorting to a stack.

This is why it's one of the best SARMs for bulking. Like the other SARMs, it is recommended to be used in a cycle of not more than eight weeks.

If you want to learn more about this potent compound, read our YK11 SARM review.

When Do You Stack SARMs?

If you want to get the most out of a cycle, you should take more than one SARM at once. Below is a list of the most popular stacks depending on your goals.

Best SARMs Stack to Bulk Up

When you're bulking, you want to search for the stack with the highest anabolic ratio, which indicates how well it binds to androgen receptors.

In general, you want to search the following ones, which are widely considered the most effective stack for muscle mass growth.

  • Ligandrol LGD-4033
  • Andarine S-4
  • Testolone RAD-140

Best SARMs Stack for Cutting (Weight Loss)

When you're cutting, you're not interested in a stack that helps put on new muscle. Instead, you want the stack to preserve the muscle you have while going on a heavy caloric deficit to lose fat. So, during this phase, you want a SARM with a high anabolic ratio with proven muscle-sparing properties.

A SARMs stack for cutting can include:

  • Ostarine
  • Ligandrol

Best SARMs Stack for Building Strength

If you want to gain strength using SARMs stacks instead, you should look at both Ligandrol LGD 4033 and RAD140. You'll get substantial strength from both products due to their ability to increase bone density and pack on mass without the need for a stack that many people rely on.

Stick to a short cycle with this stack and check your mass and bone strength at the end of eight weeks to see if you're happy with the way your muscle has been building. We consider this the top combination for strength and muscle gain.

SARMs Triple Stack

If you're one of the bodybuilders looking to take your game to the next level, you should consider the triple stack and enjoy its benefits.

Many SARMs stack out there, but the triple stack is considered the best combination for EVERYTHING.

The combination consists of 20 mg per day of Ostarine, 50 mg per day of Andarine, and 20 mg per day of Cardarine for eight weeks. During this time, you'll be able to increase muscle mass, reduce fat, and even improve cardiovascular health, thanks to the synergistic effects of stacking these three.

Stacking SARMs for Recomp

During a recomposition, you'll want to cut fat and add lean muscle, which is hard to achieve. Luckily, there are at least two SARMs that are particularly helpful for recomp.

We recommend that you stack GW-501516 for cutting and S4 to increase your strength. You may also consider adding LGD-4033 to the stack to improve the other two's strength gaining and cutting properties. Remember to follow the cycle protocols to achieve your body goals fully.

SARMs Stack for Fast Healing

A little-known fact is that SARMs can also help to heal tissue damage and joint pain, which are common injuries in bodybuilding. The number one choice for healing is MK-2866. To increase its healing properties, you can stack it with MK-677 and SR-9009.

SARMs for Women

Since SARMs aren't as hormone suppressing to the body as traditional anabolic steroids, they're suitable to be used by women to gain muscle mass and strength.

The best SARMs for women include:

  • Ostarine
  • Andarine
  • Ligandrol

Post Cycle Therapy: PCT Supplements for SARMs

PCT is essential if you take any steroid that can affect testosterone levels and its production.

Most anabolic steroids will cause suppression of natural hormone production, and it's a good idea to give your body some recovery time and restore its natural balance.

sarms cycle

But since SARMs for bodybuilding are less harsh than anabolic steroids, is it necessary to do a SARMs PCT?

The answer will depend on what compound you're using as well as how long you're using it.

A stronger SARM, like Testolone RAD-140 or YK-11, can be hormone suppressive, especially when run for long periods or in a stack.

Any normal dose runs for longer than eight weeks should be finished with some PCT supplement, preferably using a compound like Clomid or Nolvadex.

The way to know if you need post-cycle therapy is to get your bloodwork done and see whether to use a PCT supplement.

The results will give you the hard numbers that you need to make a good decision.

If your hormones are on the low end of your typical spectrum, it's a good idea to do an eight weeks cycle to get back on track.

How Important Is PCT?

PCT will help you restore your natural testosterone levels and ensure that the SARMs for bodybuilding supplements have been eliminated from your system.

What Are SARMs?

SARM stands for Selective Androgen Receptor Modulator [R]. This class of drugs is used medically to lose fat, treat obesity or muscle wasting diseases. While there is still a lot of research being done around the efficacy and safety of the body, early results are promising. If you're wondering, are SARMs steroids? The answer is no. However, regular intake for several weeks has effects on a person's testosterone levels.

How Do SARMs Work?

Androgen receptors are pieces of protein that sit on the membrane of your cells and allow the cells to respond to a specific compound; in this case, androgens like testosterone [R].

Anabolic steroids make them more sensitive to high testosterone levels and other androgens by stimulating these receptors, accelerating muscle and bone growth.

the best sarms work

Since SARM targets lean muscle and bone tissue, you'll see a lot of growth in these areas without a huge impact on the rest of your body and your fitness.

They speed up the growth of your muscles, increase your strength, and help get rid of fat.

They can also be combined with other molecules in the best SARM stack to enhance results and take advantage of their synergies.

SARMs Side Effects

While there are a number of SARMs benefits, it is best to be aware of the potential side effects.

Some SARM can cause some people to experience gynecomastia. That is the reason why experts do not recommend combining with other SARMs that are prone to gyno.

Another common androgenic side effect from SARM use is hair loss in those predisposed. This doesn't affect everyone, but it does happen often enough for users to be warned against using a helmet when out in the sun--to help avoid any possible skin issues as well as protect your scalp from burning.

Are Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators Safe?

No compound in the world is 100% side-effect-free, and any marketing you see to the contrary should be taken with a pinch of salt.

If you're wondering whether SARMs are safe, in particular, the answer is maybe.

SARMs side effects

They are a relatively new class of compounds, and there have been very few long-term studies that have tested them for long-term safety.


They're currently not illegal [R] because they haven't been approved for human use by any agency, though they are up for approval at the FDA.

That said, they do have noticeably fewer adverse effects than steroids or other performance-enhancing drugs.

However, there is growing evidence that they may potentially increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

High dosages and large cycles can also lead to:

  • Testosterone suppression
  • Hair loss
  • Acne

Increased risk of cancer in high dosage (currently, this is only discovered in mice. But if you're freaking out about aspartame causing cancer, you may as well freak out about them causing prostate cancer as well.)

These effects can be compounded if you're working with the best SARMs stack, so keep an eye out for side effects, especially when finding the SARMs stack for your needs.

Another essential aspect to consider when looking to buy a SARM is that many unscrupulous vendors will sell products that don't even contain any active ingredients due to the unregulated nature of the supplement industry.

Ensure to read our guide before considering whether or not to start a cycle and use a trusted vendor such as Science Bio.

A recent article in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that only half of the products advertised contained active SARM compounds.

And what's worse, over 60% contained ingredients that differed significantly from what was printed on the label.

10% of products didn't even contain a trace of any active ingredient of any kind.

So, in the interests of safety, make sure to order from only a trusted vendor and make sure that the product is genuine and third-party lab-verified before you start using it.

SARMs vs. Prohormones

SARMs are not anabolic steroids, but they do act like them to some extent. They have a low androgenic side effect profile, so most athletes prefer to use this supplement class.

On the other hand, prohormones are carcinogenic in animal studies and could pose health risks for those who take them over long or high doses.

The best part about using SARMs is that you no longer need to worry about liver toxicity, cholesterol issues, or any hormonal imbalance. These compounds don't affect your hormone levels much (if at all) when taken orally, unlike traditional prohormone stacks that flood your system with hormones until it peaks out.

SARMs vs. Steroids

Steroids are potent androgens that stimulate hormone production, but they are also very harmful to the body. They can cause liver toxicity, a condition where one's liver cannot properly metabolize drugs and toxins in the body.

In addition, steroids will suppress natural testosterone levels while increasing estrogen levels. This creates an imbalance between male hormones and female ones. Women taking steroids might notice changes such as periods stopping altogether or becoming irregular along with mood swings, among others.

SARMs are best suited for cutting cycles because they do not have the same risks that steroids come with.

SARMS will not shut down natural testosterone production in the body and cause acne or other side effects. They can be stacked together to provide an effective bulking cycle without any unwanted consequences. This makes them a much safer option than using steroids which carry more risk factors.

Where to Buy SARMs Online

Finding the best place to buy SARMs supplement can be extremely difficult, considering how unregulated the market for them currently is and how many questionable vendors have SARMs for sale.

It's a good idea to stick to reputable vendors such as Science.bio, which has a reputation for selling high-quality products that contain what they say on the label.

Also, make sure to check real Science Bio reviews to get an idea of the quality of the product you're buying and how they affect your fitness and health.

At Science Bio, you get the highest quality SARMs supplement you can get your hands on.

How to Take SARMs?

Your cycle will depend mainly on the type of SARM supplement you're taking.

Some of the stronger ones, especially when taking it in high dosage, can lower testosterone levels or suppression.

So, it's smart to keep to relatively short cycles when using high doses or when you stack SARMs.

Also, consider combining them with something like SR9009 or Cardarine to develop a stack of your own and make it effective and stronger.

cycle sarms

Most SARMs cycles will last between eight to twelve weeks, with PCT performed as required.

Most daily doses of stacks are kept low, around 20 to 50 mg per day, as the higher dosage isn't necessary to achieve the best results.

The main thing you need to factor in is the half-life of the SARM or stack you're taking, as this will determine how many times per day you need to dose.

SARMs with shorter half-lives need to be ingested twice daily, while others only need a single dose daily.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Your questions answered.

Are SARMs Legal to Take?

The short answer is yes. SARMs aren't FDA-approved and can't be sold as supplements for human consumption. But it's completely legal to take a SARM. And they are also legally sold as "research chemicals" rather than "supplements."

Why Stack SARMs?

Stacking SARMs will help you in your cutting or bulking journey. It means you are taking a little dose of important compounds instead of taking a high dose of only one compound.

Some of the benefits of stacking are accelerated muscle growth, quick recovery, and high endurance.

When is the Best Time to Take SARMs?

The best time to take a SARM is a matter of preference and what you want the goal to be. It depends on how they will best fit into your schedule.

What are the Most Effective SARMs?

The best SARMs are always the ones that work best with your body. Some people might find they do best on S22, others on LGD4033, and others prefer Ostarine or Cardarine (GW1516). It's all about what works best for you.

Which SARMs are the Safest?

Well, read this review provides you the best and safest SARMs. They are Ostarine, Andarine, Testolone, Ligandrol, Ibutamoren, Cardarine, and YK-11.

When to Do a PCT?

PCT should ideally be done within two weeks of stopping with the use of a SARM.The best time to take it would be in the morning when you wake up or at night before bed as this helps give enough time for T levels to rise back up again, which could take about two weeks post usage of SARMs.

Where Can You Find SARMs for Sale?

The best SARMs can be bought from a range of different sources. The best place to buy SARMS is usually online, as it will often have the best deals and best quality control over what you're buying.


SARMs are the best alternative to steroids if you're looking to gain muscle fast.

These research chemicals are often less harmful to the body with almost zero side effects while offering many of the same benefits.

Since they are still in clinical trials, most aren't illegal and are instead considered grey-market drugs.

As with all other supplements, exercise caution when choosing to get SARMs and make sure to use a reputable vendor who you can trust to get the most profound effects possible.

Never be scared to ask a question, and be aware that many vendors want you to submit an order without caring about the effects the SARMs will have on your body.