All the Best Steroid Cycles in 2025

“How to choose the best anabolic steroid for a bulking cycle? What would be the safest choice for beginners? How to put together a stack for cutting?” Every athlete asks these questions once they have fully reached their natural potential. 

There’s no universal best steroid cycle. Not only are cycles designed for different goals (cutting, bulking, pre-contest, etc), but there’s no guarantee that they’ll be a great fit.

For example, if you haven’t used PEDs before, there will be no “best” cycle until you learn how your body reacts to different compounds, be it Test or Anavar. On the other hand, if you have tried every stack on the market, you probably won’t be a fan of a Turinabol-solo cycle. It just won’t do much.

However, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t browse and see what’s out there. So, let’s look at the most popular steroid cycles in 2025.

Best steroid cycles for beginners

The best choice for beginners is a Testosterone solo cycle: simple, safe, without potent adverse effects. It’s preferable to start with a test blend so you can keep the hormone levels stable. 

If you can’t use Sustanon or other test blends for your first cycle, you can start with Testosterone Enanthate or Cypionate. Testosterone Propionate requires more frequent injections, so it’s not the best option for a complete beginner. 

We have a ready-to-use Testosterone Enanthate solo cycle (PCT and Arimidex included) with pre-calculated dosages in stock ― you can check it out here.

For those who have already gone through their first Testosterone cycle, there are beginner stack options:

Testosterone and Deca Cycle

Testosterone and Deca Durabolin is a fundamental, Golden Classic bulking cycle that can help you gain 20-25 lbs, enhance your strength and endurance, and provide additional support for your joints. 

Possible side effects, though, may include:

• HPTA suppression;
• Acne and oily skin;
• Hair thinning;
• Moderate water retention;
• Nausea and acid reflux;
• Increased cholesterol levels;
• Hypertension;
• Mood swings.

Neither compound is prone to aromatization: Testosterone has moderate estrogenic activity, and Deca has low estrogenic activity. This means fewer estrogenic side effects (such as water retention or gynecomastia), and you don’t need to take Arimidex to counter them.

Testosterone and Dianabol Cycle

Another simple and effective bulking cycle for beginners with manageable estrogen-related side effects. You’ll need to add an aromatase inhibitor and plan PCT thoroughly, but muscle mass and strength gains will be worth it:

Another option is to go for our Dianabol and Testosterone Enanthate cycle with free PCT. You’ll get everything you’ll need in one pack: Test, Dbol, Arimidex, Nolvadex, and 22G syringes with 20G needles.

To find out more about the best steroid cycles for beginners, check out this post.

Best steroid cycles for bulking

Bulking anabolic cycles are essential for bodybuilders who want to increase their muscle mass rapidly, enhance their strength and recovery, and make their physique fuller. Of course, you’ll need to watch your diet and train regularly for optimal results:

• There’s clean bulk, and then there’s dirty bulk. If you’re not monitoring your protein intake and simply eat in a caloric surplus, you’ll probably gain some fat as well, but it is still an acceptable option (aka, dirty “wet” bulk). If you eat clean, most of your gains will be pure, raw muscle mass;
• To provide enough energy for muscle growth, you’ll need to eat at least 5% over calorie maintenance;
• To make the most out of your bulking cycle, you’ll need to train regularly, at least 4-5 times per week.

The most popular bulking compounds include Testosterone esters, Dianabol, Deca Durabolin, Anadrol, and Trenbolone.

Dianabol, Deca, and Test Bulking Cycle

This cycle is great for explosive muscle and strength gains, but it comes with its drawbacks. Some users have reported the following side effects:

• Testosterone suppression;
• Water retention;
• Gynecomastia;
• Hair thinning and acne;
• Increased cholesterol levels;
• Increased blood pressure;
• Elevated liver enzymes;
• Aggression and anxiety.

If you’d like to switch things up, you can add Masteron instead of Dianabol ― 40-60 mg for oral form, 400-500 mg/week for an injectable. 

Testosterone and Masteron Bulking Cycle

If you’d like to learn more about different bulking cycles, you can read about them in our latest article ― here.

Best steroid cycles for cutting

Cutting cycles are effective for preserving lean muscle mass and strength on a low-calorie diet, reducing body fat content, and increasing muscle definition. Here are suitable compounds that do not cause excessive water retention:

• Winstrol;
• Anavar;
• Trenbolone, Masteron, EQ ― can be used for recomposition or lean bulking as well.

Here’s what an Anavar cutting cycle can look like:

You can use our pre-designed Winstrol or Anavar and Clen oral cycles. If you would like to learn more about other great options, you can read our full cutting cycles guide.

Anavar vs Winstrol for cutting

Anavar and Winstrol are highly effective for losing weight and maintaining muscle mass, and can be used by both men and women.

They are non-aromatizable and do not raise prolactin levels (something you’d want to avoid). But they can put a strain on your liver health, HPTA suppression, hypertension, increased cholesterol levels, headaches, and nausea.

Some users note that Winstrol is slightly better than Anavar in terms of cosmetic effects: muscle hardness and definition, increased vascularity. However, Winstrol can reduce your mobility, causing stiffness in joints. Anavar doesn’t have any negative impact on joint health.

Best steroid cycles for lean bulking

Lean bulking cycles are great for those who want to increase their muscle mass without gaining extra weight, whether it’s fat or water retention. Most popular stacks include Testosterone Enanthate (or Cypionate) and “dry” compounds.

Test, Tren, and EQ Cycle

Testosterone is an anabolic base used to support your HPTA system and aid in muscle growth. EQ, or Boldenone, and Trenbolone Acetate are versatile “dry” compounds. They don’t cause water retention, but they boost protein synthesis (just like Test), resulting in a toned, chiseled body.

Of course, recovery, strength, and endurance will be enhanced as well. This cycle can also be great in terms of cosmetic effects: pumps, vascularity, and muscle definition.

Test, Turinabol, and Masteron Cycle

One of the alternative options is to use Tbol, the “blast from the past” steroid, developed for German Olympic athletes during the Cold War:

If you aren’t fond of Turinabol, you can opt for our pre-designed Masteron and Test Propionate cycle.

The Safest Lean Muscle Mass Cycle: Test and Tbol

Turinabol is considered one of the mildest anabolic compounds, even though it comes in oral form. Its main benefits include:

• Lean muscle mass gains;
• Boost in strength;
• Increased energy levels;
• No water retention.

Trenbolone, EQ, and Halotestin can be harsh in terms of side effects on your cardiovascular system and mental health. If you want to go for a safer option, you can stack Testosterone with Turinabol (advanced users can add Masteron to this cycle).

Best steroid cycle for body recomposition

Want to lose fat and increase your muscle mass at the same time? Of course, everyone does. Body recomposition can be the best choice for your goals, as long as you’re:

• Staying in a calorie deficit on rest days while eating at calorie maintenance on training days;
• Maintaining a high-protein diet;
• Training at the very least 4-5 days per week.

If you would like to use SARMs, instead of AAS, you can try to go on an MK-2866 cycle (you can read more about MK-2866 here). 

Now, let’s look at a classic steroid cycle for body recomposition:

Note: this cycle is an option for advanced users only, as it’s complex and can cause potent side effects associated with cardiovascular, renal, and hepatic health.

Best steroid cycles for contest prep

Steroid cycles for contest preparation are complicated. They often include:

• Testosterone esters ― low or moderate doses;
• Trenbolone Acetate ― low dose;
• “Dry” injectable compounds ― Boldenone or Masteron;
• Oral compounds ― Anavar or Winstrol.

If you don’t want to plan for the cycle, you can use a pre-designed Bulk Mix by Apoxar. For best results, it’s recommended to add Anavar for the last four weeks of the cycle.

Clenbuterol is an extra-polishing addition and not mandatory for this cycle. Though, if you want to get the most out of the Clenbuterol, you might want to add Ketotifen to the stack. It will mitigate possible side effects and allow for a prolonged Clen use for an even more shredded look.

Best steroid cycles for strength

Those who prioritize strength over muscle gains can benefit from a combination of Testosterone, Anavar, and Trenbolone. If you want to increase your muscle mass as well, you can go for the Test, Tren, and Dbol stack.

Want to increase your strength stats but not sure about using anabolic steroids? You can always use SARMs instead. For example:

• LGD-4033: 10-15 mg/day, 10-12 weeks;
• RAD-140: 7.5-20 mg/day, 10-12 weeks;
• YK-11: 5-10 mg/day, 6-8 weeks.

Some PRO athletes recommend Anadrol or Superdrol for explosive strength, but those are one of the harshest compounds on the market and can mess with your health a lot. Always weigh pros and cons before starting the cycle, especially with potent steroids.

Testosterone, Anavar and Tren Cycle

Anavar is praised by many for its effects on strength, recovery, and endurance. It’s a highly underrated compound: while most of the reviews online highlight its safety, not that many mention the insane strength gains it provides. 

If you think Anavar is good only for cutting cycles and cosmetic effects ― you are wrong. And you’ll see it if you run this cycle:

Testosterone in this cycle acts as an anabolic base and enhances nitrogen retention and protein synthesis. Trenbolone is a versatile compound that’s well-known for its EXTREME effects on strength and endurance. 

Test, Tren, and Dianabol Cycle

If you would like to increase your muscle mass along with strength (with manageable water retention), you can go for Testosterone, Trenbolone, and Dbol stack instead. 

Even though it includes Test and Dianabol (two compounds that are suitable for beginners), it’s not an option for inexperienced users. Trenbolone should be used by advanced bodybuilders with at least a few years of on and off AAS cycling under their belt, only.

You can check out other strength-focused cycles in this guide.

Best steroid cycles for women

Female bodybuilders can’t use most anabolic steroids due to virilization effects (think deepening of the voice, clitoral enlargement, facial or body hair growth, hormonal imbalance, irregular menstruation, and a whole lot more unpleasant side effects). The safest steroids for women are Winstrol and Anavar, but they are suitable for recomposition or cutting cycles only. 

Winstrol and Clen Cycle for Women

Winstrol can help you preserve lean muscle mass and increase your PRs while shedding off extra pounds. Clen is a potent fat-burner that can aid you in reducing body fat percentage and increasing muscle definition. Here’s what the protocol looks like:

If you don’t experience any signs of virilization at 10 mg/day, you can increase the dosage up to 15 mg/day. However, if you notice the symptoms, you need to cut the cycle short to avoid irreversible effects.

Anavar Cycle for Women

Anavar is a popular oral compound useful in strength-focused, recomposition, and cutting cycles. 

Here’s what a female athlete's health-friendly Anavar cycle can look like:

You can add Clenbuterol if you’d like to improve your muscle-to-fat ratio. If you are interested in increasing lean muscle mass, you can also look into steroid cycles for women.

Conclusion

As you might’ve noticed, there’s A LOT of “best cycles”. Your ideal protocol WILL vary, depending on your goals, sex, experience, and even individual reaction to specific steroids. 

There’s one thing, though, that unites every “best” cycle there is: quality gear. And we’ve got that covered for you.