Building muscle in fitness means planning, being careful, and working for lasting results. Thanks to recent developments, SARMs are a new kind of drug that falls between the benefits of steroids and natural results. All SARMs are different, while some possess comparatively more benefits. Both athletes and bodybuilders are looking for products to help them grow physically and keep their hormone levels stable. To help them, we have come up with a list of the best SARMs for Bulking in 2025. Furthermore, we have reviewed each one in-depth while describing their pros and cons. So, take a 15-minute round to quickly explore all of them and choose the right one for yourself.
Here Are the 4 Best Types of SARMs for Bulking
Testolone (RAD-140)
Testolone, usually referred to as RAD-140, is one of the most preferred SARMs for Bulking. It acts similarly to anabolic steroids without causing serious side effects. Additionally, it came into existence as a solution to muscle wasting and age-related muscle loss conditions. It has gained immense popularity among bodybuilders and athletes due to its rapid muscle and strength-gaining benefits over the years. Testolone, along with MK-677 and LGD-4033, makes up the Best SARM stack for bulking.
Mechanism of Action
Testolone selectively binds to androgen receptors in muscle and bones. It boosts protein synthesis and nitrogen retention without converting to estrogen or DHT. It minimizes the risk of hormone-related side effects and provides neuroprotection, plus cognitive benefits.
Benefits
- Promotes lean muscle gains and fat loss
- Increases lifting capacity and physical output
- Enhances a fuller, denser muscular look
- Safeguards brain cells and no estrogen conversion
Side Effects
- Mild testosterone suppression
- Mild liver toxicity at high doses or prolonged use
- Aggression of mood swings (Usually among beginners)
- Headache or nausea (rare cases)
MK-2866 (Ostarine)
MK-2866 is the research name of Ostarine. It is the most famous SARM for bulking in 2025. Its purpose was to treat the muscle-wasting condition and osteoporosis. In addition, it is the top choice in the fitness and research communities for its potential in muscle preservation and fat reduction.
Ostarine is versatile. Whether your goal is bulking, cutting, or seeking body composition, MK-2866 will make it happen. Moreover, it also has the safest SARMs cycle for bulking. While it is strictly a research chemical and not approved by the FDA yet, it is still popular among performance-enhancing experiments.
Mechanism of Action: Ostarine selectively interacts with androgen receptors in muscle and bone tissues without harming other organs, like the liver or prostate. It mimics the effect of anabolic steroids while causing fewer side effects. It boosts protein synthesis and improves nitrogen balance within muscles. MK-2866 decreases the chances of muscle breakdown and benefits tendons, plus ligaments.
Benefits
- Boosts lean muscle development with less water retention
- Supports fat oxidation and muscle preservation
- Increases strength, especially during cardio training
- Promotes joint repair and decreases inflammation
- Improve bone mineral density
Side Effects
- Mild testosterone suppression, especially at high doses or prolonged use
- Headaches or fatigue (Low risk)
- Hormonal imbalance that can be overcome by post-cycle therapy
- Reduction in good cholesterol levels
Note: the side effects vary depending on the individual. However, one can overcome them by sticking to short-term cycles and moderate dosages.
Cardarine (GW-501516)
Cardarine is categorized as one of the best types of SARMs for bulking. Yet, it is technically a PPAR receptor agonist, not a true SARM. It has been developed in the lab to boost endurance, speed up fat loss, and improve cardiovascular performance.
Mechanism of Action: Cardarine activates PPAR receptors in skeletal muscle and liver. This activity improves fatty acid oxidation and energy metabolism. It increases energy output without interacting with androgen receptors, thus no testosterone suppression.
Benefits
- Increases cardio and strengthening training stamina
- Accelerates fat loss and post-workout recovery
- Boosts glucose and fatty acid utilization
- Ideal for muscle cutting and preservation
Side Effects
- Potential liver toxicity
- Headache or nausea
Ibutamoren (MK-677)
Ibutamoren (MK-677) increases the amount of growth hormone in the body, but is not formally called a SARM. It works much like ghrelin to release GH and IGF-1, responsible for muscle development, breaking down fat, and the recovery process. What makes it distinctive is that it doesn’t suppress the system. So, it is one of the best types of SARMs for bulking for building up muscle for a long time.
Mechanism of Action
Ibutamoren interacts with its receptors, allowing the pituitary gland to release GH and IGF-1. It helps to increase anabolic hormones without changing cortisol or testosterone. It also increases your ability to hold onto nitrogen and build lean muscle.
Benefits
- Boosts your muscle growth
- Increases the release of fats
- Supports a lean body structure
- Promotes better sleep
- Better skin and hair
- Improves bone strength and repairs joint injury
- No impact on testosterone
- PCT is not necessary
Side Effects
- Make a person feel a bit bloated or puffy
- Increases appetite, ideal for successfully gaining muscle
- Mild insulin Resistance after taking it long-term
FAQs
What is the best SARM for bulking?
The experiments showed that RAD-140 (Testolone) and LGD-4033 (Ligandrol) strongly support huge muscle gains. Many take MK-2866 (Ostarine) to make their efforts safer and more responsible. It helps you gain weight in a clean, healthy, and lean way, with less risk of side effects. So, it’s suitable for beginners and long-term dieting.
Can you take a testosterone booster during the SARM cycle for bulking?
It is safe and sometimes advised to use a natural testosterone booster while you are on your cycle.
This will help balance hormones, mainly if RAD-140 or LGD-4033 are taken as part of the cycle.
Minimal suppression is found with MK-2866, but when it’s combined with a testosterone booster, you can maximize your results.
What SARMs to stack for bulking?
RAD-140, LGD-4033, MK-677, and MK-2866 (Ostarine) are the top SARMs for bulking in 2025.
To make your stack safe and effective, put MK-2866 and MK-677 together for muscle growth, quick recovery, and the release of hormones. Taking MK-2866 helps you build size without requiring severe suppression. It is why it is great for anyone trying to bulk up.
Final Verdict
Proper knowledge, commitment, and picking the right foods can help in gaining muscle mass.
With SARMs pushing ahead in the bulking field in 2025, everyone wants combinations that make their bodies noticeably stronger without harming their health. Unlike the rugged RAD-140 or LGD-4033, Ostarine (MK-2866) boasts safety, strong results, and can be used in more than one way.
They don’t only focus on size, but rather on improvement too. If you want to increase lean muscle mass, help your joints, and stay fit, MK-2866 will assist you more effectively than most.
Thoughtfully choose your stack and make your training schedule clear. Finally, purposeful building matters more than all these things.