COMPARISONUpdated 2026-08-10

RAD-140 vs LGD-4033: The SARM Showdown (2026 Guide)

RAD-140 (Testolone)

Option A

The High-Potency Selective Androgen

RAD-140 is a selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM) with one of the highest anabolic-to-androgenic ratios of any SARM (90:1 vs testosterone's 1:1). It selectively activates androgen receptors in muscle and bone while minimizing androgenic effects in the prostate and skin. It also has neuroprotective properties and may enhance cognitive function via androgen receptor activation in the brain.

Best For
Maximum muscle gain
Strength increases
Cutting (muscle preservation)
Neuroprotection
Dosing:10–20 mg/day for 8–12 weeks. Start at 10 mg. PCT recommended after cycle.
Half-life:~60 hours
Route:Oral

LGD-4033 (Ligandrol)

Option B

The Mass Builder SARM

LGD-4033 (Ligandrol) is one of the most studied SARMs with multiple Phase 1 and Phase 2 clinical trials. It has high affinity for androgen receptors in muscle and bone. It's known for producing significant lean mass gains (2–5 kg in 12 weeks in clinical trials) with relatively modest suppression compared to anabolic steroids. It's the most 'clinically validated' SARM available.

Best For
Lean mass gain
Strength
Bone density
Beginners to SARMs
Dosing:5–10 mg/day for 8–12 weeks. Start at 5 mg. PCT recommended.
Half-life:~24–36 hours
Route:Oral

Performance Scores

Healing
RAD-140 (Testolone): 20/100LGD-4033 (Ligandrol): 15/100
Fat Loss
RAD-140 (Testolone): 40/100LGD-4033 (Ligandrol): 30/100
Muscle
RAD-140 (Testolone): 92/100LGD-4033 (Ligandrol): 88/100
Cognitive
RAD-140 (Testolone): 55/100LGD-4033 (Ligandrol): 10/100
Anti-Aging
RAD-140 (Testolone): 25/100LGD-4033 (Ligandrol): 20/100

The Verdict

RAD-140 is more potent mg-for-mg and has the advantage of potential cognitive benefits. LGD-4033 has more clinical data and is considered slightly safer for beginners. For pure muscle gain: both are roughly equivalent at optimal doses. For cutting/recomposition: RAD-140 edges ahead. For beginners: LGD-4033 is the safer starting point. Both cause testosterone suppression and require PCT.

Don't Stack These ✗

Stacking two SARMs increases suppression significantly and is not recommended for beginners. Advanced users sometimes stack low doses (5 mg RAD-140 + 5 mg LGD-4033) but this requires careful monitoring and a robust PCT protocol.

Frequently Asked Questions

Research Citations

[1] Basaria S et al. (2013). The safety, pharmacokinetics, and effects of LGD-4033, a novel nonnonsteroidal oral, selective androgen receptor modulator, in healthy young men. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. PMID: 23177902

[2] Miller CP et al. (2011). Design, Synthesis, and Preclinical Characterization of the Selective Androgen Receptor Modulator (SARM) RAD140. ACS Med Chem Lett. PMID: 24900417

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Not medical advice. For educational and research purposes only. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any peptide or compound.