DECISION GUIDE · UPDATED 2026-06-07
Best TRT FormulationCypionate · Enanthate · Xyosted · Aveed · AndroGel · Testopel
TL;DR. For most users in 2026, compound testosterone cypionate or enanthate injected twice weekly subcutaneously is the best balance of cost, stable serum levels, and protocol flexibility. Xyosted is the right choice if you want a finished-drug auto-injector and accept the higher cash price. Aveed wins if injection frequency is the dominant constraint and you can access REMS-administered care.
Top Pick · Cost + Stability Balance
Compound Testosterone Cypionate (twice-weekly SC)
Same active ester as Depo-Testosterone at approximately 1/10th the cost. Twice-weekly SC dosing produces steadier serum levels than every-two-week IM injection. Concentration is commonly 200 mg/mL, so verify the pharmacy label when calculating draw volume.
Full compound cypionate reference →
Runners-up
Depo-Testosterone
FDA-Approved Classic
Cypionate brand, FDA-approved 1979. Most prescribed testosterone in the US. Insurance often covers it. Generic versions exist and are also widely available.
Full Depo-Testosterone reference →
Xyosted
SC Auto-Injector
First and only FDA-approved subcutaneous testosterone auto-injector. Weekly dosing, designed for steadier levels than every-two-week IM cypionate. Higher cash cost than generic vials.
Full Xyosted reference →
Aveed
Longest Interval
Undecanoate. Injected every 10 weeks after the loading dose. REMS program requires 30-minute in-office observation per injection. Right for users prioritizing infrequent dosing.
Full Aveed reference →
AndroGel
No Needles
Transdermal gel applied once daily to shoulders, upper arms, or abdomen. Absorption variability and transfer risk to women and children (black-box warning) are the practical considerations.
Full AndroGel reference →
Decision tree
- Cost is the dominant constraint: Compound cypionate or enanthate, twice-weekly SC.
- Insurance covers a specific brand: Use whatever is on formulary. Cypionate, enanthate, and Xyosted are most commonly covered.
- You hate needles: AndroGel daily, with awareness of transfer risk and absorption variability.
- You want set-and-forget dosing: Aveed every 10 weeks if you can access REMS-administered care, or Testopel pellets every 3 to 6 months.
- You want the steadiest serum testosterone: Twice-weekly or every-other-day SC injection of cypionate or enanthate at smaller per-dose volumes.
- You want to preserve fertility: Discuss enclomiphene (a restoration approach) before starting TRT, or add HCG 250-500 IU SC 2-3 times weekly to a standard TRT protocol.
Side-by-side at a glance
| Formulation | Active | Half-life | Cadence | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compound Cypionate | Cypionate | ~8 days | IM/SC every 7-14 days | ~$20-50/mo |
| Depo-Testosterone | Cypionate | ~8 days | IM every 7-14 days | ~$30-60/mo generic |
| Delatestryl | Enanthate | ~7 days | IM every 7-14 days | ~$30-60/mo generic |
| Xyosted | Enanthate (SC auto) | ~7 days | SC weekly | ~$300-500/mo |
| Aveed | Undecanoate | ~33 days | IM every 10 weeks (REMS) | ~$1,000+ per injection |
| AndroGel | Testosterone (gel) | Continuous | Daily topical | ~$300+/mo branded |
| Testopel | Testosterone (pellet) | 3-6mo release | In-office every 3-6 months | ~$500-1500/implant |
Open the dose calculator
Controlled substance. Testosterone esters are Schedule III in the United States. A valid prescription from a DEA-registered prescriber is required. This page is research informational reference only.
Frequently asked
Which testosterone is most commonly prescribed in the US?
Testosterone cypionate (Depo-Testosterone) is the most prescribed testosterone ester in the United States. Generic cypionate is widely available and affordable. Testosterone enanthate (Delatestryl) is functionally interchangeable.
Is compounded testosterone safe?
Compounded testosterone cypionate or enanthate produced by accredited 503A or 503B pharmacies under physician prescription is comparable in clinical effect to the FDA-approved finished products. Variability between pharmacies is the dominant practical risk. Verify the Certificate of Analysis at each refill.
How often should I inject testosterone?
Cypionate and enanthate are typically dosed every 7 to 14 days IM, though many modern protocols split the weekly dose into twice-weekly or every-other-day subcutaneous administration for steadier serum levels. Undecanoate (Aveed) is dosed every 10 weeks IM. Pellets last 3 to 6 months. AndroGel is daily.
What labs should I monitor on TRT?
Standard panel: trough total testosterone, sensitive estradiol, hematocrit, PSA in age-appropriate cohorts, and a comprehensive metabolic panel. Frequency: baseline, 3 months after initiation or any dose change, then every 6 to 12 months when stable.
Do I need HCG on TRT?
HCG is not required but is commonly added at 250 to 500 IU SC two or three times weekly when fertility preservation or testicular volume preservation is a priority. Whether it is included depends on the protocol and patient priorities.
When is an aromatase inhibitor needed?
Aromatase inhibitors such as anastrozole are reserved for documented symptomatic estradiol elevation during TRT (new gynecomastia, water retention, mood disturbance with confirmed high E2). Preventive routine use is not evidence-based and can suppress E2 below physiologic levels, which is harmful.
For research informational use only. Brand names are trademarks of their respective owners. Cost figures reflect US 2026 market.