Learn · Testosterone
Testosterone enanthate vs cypionate: what is different
Short answer
Testosterone enanthate and testosterone cypionate are two long-acting forms (esters) of the same hormone, testosterone. Both are injected and both labels give 50 to 400 mg every 2 to 4 weeks for men with low testosterone. The practical differences are the product: cypionate (Depo-Testosterone and generics) comes in 100 mg/ml and 200 mg/ml vials in cottonseed oil, while enanthate comes as a 200 mg/ml vial in sesame oil and as the Xyosted weekly autoinjector. The Endocrine Society lists the same typical starting doses for both.
Side by side
| Comparison point | Testosterone cypionate | Testosterone enanthate |
|---|---|---|
| Brands | Depo-Testosterone, generics | Generic vials; Xyosted autoinjector |
| Strengths | 100 mg/ml and 200 mg/ml vials | 200 mg/ml vial; Xyosted 50, 75, 100 mg |
| Oil | Cottonseed oil | Sesame oil (vial) |
| Where injected | Deep in the gluteal muscle | Vial: gluteal muscle. Xyosted: under the skin of the abdomen |
| Label dose | 50 to 400 mg every 2 to 4 weeks | Vial: 50 to 400 mg every 2 to 4 weeks. Xyosted: weekly, starting at 75 mg |
| Endocrine Society typical start | 75 to 100 mg weekly, or 150 to 200 mg every 2 weeks | Same |
| Storage | Room temperature, protect from light | Room temperature |
Which one to choose
The choice usually comes down to what your prescriber uses, which strengths and devices are available, the oil (for anyone with a sesame or cottonseed allergy), and price. Dose and schedule are set by your prescriber from blood tests.
What it costs online
This guide records what each program charges on its own page, with the date the figure was read. The 9 programs that publish a monthly figure charge from $28 to $250 a month on known charges, with a median of $149. The lowest verified all-in figure is $199 a month. Those records were read between October 23 and October 26, 2026, and each one carries its own check date. See how much does testosterone therapy cost. Then see Depo-Testosterone and Xyosted.
Surfbound Health · Operated by the publisher of this guide
Surfbound Health sells compounded sermorelin after a licensed provider review: injectable at $169 a month (low dose) or $249 a month (high dose) on a one-month plan, and oral (sublingual) from $149 a month, with no membership fee. Prepaid 3-month and 6-month bundles are also listed. Lab work is typically required. Compounded sermorelin is not FDA-approved. Surfbound Health does not sell testosterone therapy, is not a provider in this edition and takes no part in its ranking. Source: surfbound.co/sermorelin, read November 6, 2026.
Surfbound's sermorelin pricesOpen Water RX LLC publishes this guide, GLP1BuyerGuide.com and HRTBuyerGuide.com, and operates Surfbound Health, a consumer telehealth brand.
Frequently asked questions
Is testosterone enanthate stronger than cypionate?
No. Both are long-acting forms of testosterone, and their labels give the same dose range of 50 to 400 mg every 2 to 4 weeks.
What is the difference between testosterone cypionate and enanthate?
They are different esters of testosterone sold as different products. Cypionate comes in 100 and 200 mg/ml vials in cottonseed oil; enanthate comes as a 200 mg/ml vial in sesame oil and as the Xyosted autoinjector.
Can you switch from cypionate to enanthate?
Only your prescriber should switch products or change doses, based on your blood tests.
Which one is more common?
Cypionate is widely prescribed in the United States as Depo-Testosterone and its generics. Ask your prescriber which product your plan uses.
Sources
Controlled substance
Testosterone is a Schedule III controlled substance in the United States. Prescribing rules, in-person examination requirements and refill limits vary by state and provider, and federal telehealth rules for controlled substances apply alongside state law. Nothing here claims a program can prescribe to you; this publication compares published prices and billing terms only.
This page summarizes published prescribing information and medical references on the dates shown. It is not medical advice and does not recommend a treatment.