Ostarine vs Ligandrol vs RAD-140: SARM Comparison & Which Is Best?
schedule8 min readcalendar_todayUpdated November 29, 2025
The three most popular SARMs compared. Ostarine is mildest, Ligandrol is the bulking choice, and RAD-140 is most potent. Here's how they stack up.
articleQuick Comparison Table
| Factor | Ostarine | Ligandrol | RAD-140 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Potency | Mild | Moderate | High |
| Muscle Gain | 3-6 lbs | 5-10 lbs | 8-15 lbs |
| Best For | Cutting, Recomp | Bulking | Bulking, Strength |
| Suppression | Mild | Moderate-High | High |
| Liver Risk | Low-Moderate | Moderate | Highest documented |
| Typical Dose | 10-25mg/day | 5-10mg/day | 10-20mg/day |
articleOstarine (MK-2866)
The beginner-friendly SARM:
- Mechanism: Selective AR agonist, most studied SARM
- Clinical status: Phase III trials (failed to meet endpoints)
- Muscle gain: 3-6 lbs in 8 weeks
- Suppression: Mild—many users skip PCT (not recommended)
- Best for: Cutting cycles, body recomposition, beginners
- Dosing: 10-25mg/day for 8-12 weeks
articleLigandrol (LGD-4033)
The bulking SARM:
- Clinical evidence: Phase I trial showed 2.67 kg lean mass gain at 1mg/day
- Muscle gain: 5-10 lbs in 8-12 weeks
- Suppression: Significant—PCT essential
- Bone density: Clinical data shows improvement
- Best for: Bulking, strength gains
- Dosing: 5-10mg/day for 8-12 weeks
articleRAD-140 (Testolone)
The most potent SARM:
- Potency: Higher anabolic:androgenic ratio than testosterone
- Muscle gain: 8-15 lbs in 8-12 weeks
- Suppression: Severe—comprehensive PCT required
- Liver risk: Most frequently implicated in DILI cases
- Gynecomastia: ~15% of users report symptoms
- Dosing: 10-20mg/day for 8-12 weeks
Warning: RAD-140 has the highest documented hepatotoxicity risk among SARMs.
help_outlineFrequently Asked Questions
Ostarine is generally considered safest for beginners due to milder suppression and lower liver risk. Start at 10-15mg/day for 8 weeks with a mild PCT.
RAD-140 produces the greatest muscle gains (8-15 lbs) but with the highest risk profile. Ligandrol offers a better risk/reward balance for most users seeking significant gains.
menu_bookReferences & Sources
- [1]LGD-4033 Clinical Trial(PMC/NIH, 2013)