The Best Cheap Pre-Workouts of 2024, Expert-Tested and RD-Reviewed

If you’re trying to get the most out of each training session, it’s hard to beat a solid pre-workout. With so many options, though, it can be challenging to know what to look for. In addition to common ponderings like when to take pre-workout, whether or not stimulant-free blends are effective, and how long the best pre-workouts last, many people also seek out the most affordable pre-workouts.

That’s where we come in. We’ve personally tested dozens of options and carefully analyzed their ingredient quality and dosages, all to provide you with our definitive list of the best cheap pre-workouts that still pack a performance-enhancing punch.

The 6 Best Cheap Pre-Workouts of 2024

• Best Cheap Pre-Workout Overall: Nutricost Pre-X
• Best Tasting Cheap Pre-Workout: Jacked Factory Nitro Surge
• Best Cheap Pre-Workout for Weight Loss: Transparent Labs LEAN
• Best Cheap Pre-Workout for a Pump: Cellucor C4
• Best Vegan Cheap Pre-Workout: Naked Nutrition Naked Energy
• Best Cheap Pre-Workout With Creatine: Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Pre-Workout

Editor’s note: The content on BarBend is meant to be informative in nature, but it should not be taken as medical advice. The opinions and articles on this site are not intended for use as diagnosis, prevention, and/or treatment of health problems. It’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor before beginning a new fitness, nutritional, and/or supplement routine. Individual needs for vitamins and minerals will vary.

How We Tested and Chose the Best Cheap Pre-Workouts

The BarBend team is made up of competitive athletes, certified personal trainers, and lifelong fitness enthusiasts. To determine the best cheap pre-workouts, we’ve tested 74 different supplements from some of the industry’s most trusted brands using a multi-point methodology to rate each profile on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest). Below are some of the categories and components that played into our rankings.

For further information on how we trial and test the products chosen for this guide and more, be sure to read the BarBend Supplement Testing Methodology page.

• Price per serving: Since we’re focusing on cheap pre-workouts in this article, we obviously put a lot of emphasis on the price per serving, looking for supplements on the lower end of the price spectrum without sacrificing quality.
• Transparency: Here at BarBend, we like to know exactly what we’re putting into our bodies. While proprietary blends are still common in pre-workouts, we strongly prefer products that have the amounts of each ingredient clearly labeled on the package and are third-party tested.
• Taste: It’s just common sense that a great-tasting pre-workout is more enjoyable to drink, which means you’ll be more consistent in taking it. We look for products that don’t taste overly artificial, bitter, or sweet. 
• Solubility: A little bit of settling or residue isn’t a dealbreaker, but it’s nice to have a pre-workout that dissolves quickly and completely, saving you time on the way to your next workout.
• Formulation: Here, we look for high-quality ingredients present in clinically effective amounts for optimal performance benefits. And, when possible, we prefer pre-workout formulas without artificial ingredients or unnecessary additives and fillers. 

Best Cheap Pre-Workout Overall: Nutricost Pre-X

Pros

Only $0.75 per 1-scoop serving

Flavor much improved over previous Pre-X formulations

Helps boost focus and motivation during workouts

300mg of caffeine provide a boost of energy

Tastes great and dissolves well

Cons

May not contain an effective dose of L-citrulline

Non-sustained release beta-alanine may cause tingling

Doesn’t contain creatine, which some may prefer

We knew that we’d need a product with a great combination of affordability, efficacy, and taste when deciding on our pick for the best overall cheap pre-workout, and Nutricost Pre-X easily fits the bill. With its impressive blend of performance-boosting ingredients at only $0.75 a serving, Nutricost Pre-X is a solid pre-workout supplement.

Registered dietitian Chelsea Rae Bourgeois had many good things to say about the formula. “Nutricost Pre-X Workout Complex contains as much caffeine as around 3 cups of coffee as well as 200 milligrams of alpha-GPC. Research has linked alpha-GPC with improved motivation in healthy adults, so this formula really prioritizes the cognitive aspects of a solid workout,” she advised. (1)

Our expert tester, a USA Weightlifting Level-2 instructor, confirmed this in their own testing. “I commend the mental clarity and focus perks of this supplement — it was easy for me to lock in for a session and maintain a clear mind throughout my workouts,” they noted.

Bourgeois did note some weaknesses, however. “I like that Pre-X Workout Complex contains L-citrulline to support performance and recovery, but it may fall short of the ideal dose per serving… most studies point to a need for at least 6 to 8 g per serving.” (2) Overall, she rated the formulation a 3.75 out of 5.

Our expert tester liked the pump they got, but noted that they, “…did get a few tingles to go along with the improved blood flow.” Pre-workout side effects such as tingling and itching are most common with non-sustained release formulations containing more than 800 milligrams of beta-alanine, so this makes sense. (3) For reference, this product contains 2,000 milligrams.

This product also tastes great and dissolves pretty well. “I tried the Blue Raspberry flavor and really enjoyed it… I really feel this powder holds up in terms of taste,” raved our tester, rating the taste a 5 out of 5. It got a 4 out of 5 for solubility since there was a little residue in the shaker bottle, but swirling with an extra splash of water was enough to pick up the leftover powder.

Best Tasting Cheap Pre-Workout: Jacked Factory Nitro Surge

Pros

Available in 13 great-tasting flavors

Moderate caffeine content of 180mg

Great solubility makes it quick to prepare

Formulated with high-quality, research-backed ingredients

Cons

Low doses of beta-alanine and L-citrulline

Sweetened with acesulfame potassium, an artificial sweetener

Energy boost may be too subtle if caffeine-tolerant

No longer do you have to settle for sickeningly sweet pre-workouts with off-putting aftertastes. Jacked Factory Nitrosurge comes in 13 deliciously fruity flavors, so you’re sure to find a few to love. The benefits aren’t limited to taste, though — with the same amount of caffeine as two cups of coffee, it’s also an effective way to boost energy and put in more effort during your workouts.

Our product tester here was Kate Meier, BarBend editorial member and NASM-Certified Personal Trainer, who raved about the taste. “Honestly, the Strawberry Margarita flavor is so good that I almost want to keep it for my pool-lounging afternoons. It’s just the right mix of sweet and tart,” she said, rating it a 5 out of 5 for flavor. 

It also earned a 5 out of 5 for solubility. Meier appreciated how easy it was to drink, saying that it, “…dissolved easily in a shaker bottle and I didn’t have any clumps or residue to deal with during consumption. I really like this solubility as it allowed me to quickly mix a shake, down a serving, and get out the door for a workout.”

This pre-workout is packed with research-backed ingredients like beta-alanine, L-citrulline, and L-theanine to reduce muscle fatigue, boost cognitive function, and improve blood flow. (3)(4)(5) 

However, Bourgois points out that some of the dosages are a bit low. “I like that Nitro Surge contains beta-alanine, but it’s a fairly low dose, according to the latest research. Same with the citrulline, as it only provides 3g per scoop.” She gave the formulation a 3.75 out of 5 rating with points off for the low dosages.

Bourgeois and Meier both praised the moderate caffeine content, with Meier noting that she, “…was happy to find that one scoop still delivers ample amounts of caffeine without overloading me with other ingredients that can lead to itchiness, anxiety, and nausea. It may be too subtle for those more tolerant to pre-workouts, but for my needs, it hit every mark.”

Read our full Jacked Factory Nitro Surge Pre-Workout Review.

Best Cheap Pre-Workout for Weight Loss: Transparent Labs LEAN

Pros

Formulated to support fat loss and bodybuilding prep

Caffeine content effectively boosts energy levels

Clinically effective dose of citrulline malate

Stevia taste isn’t too overpowering

Cons

Beta-alanine at lower end of clinically effective dosages

Some people may be sensitive to stevia

More expensive than the other options listed here

Pre-workouts aren’t a magic bullet for losing weight — you’ll still need to eat in a calorie deficit and perform the best exercises for weight loss. However, the right pre-workout can support fat loss by helping you work out more efficiently. With clinically effective doses of citrulline malate, L-theanine, and caffeine from green coffee beans, Transparent Labs LEAN can help you crush your fat loss goals.

All things considered, Bourgeois rated the formulation a solid 4 out of 5. “Transparent Labs LEAN pre-workout is packed with research-backed ingredients that help you make the most of your workouts and optimize your muscle mass,” she said. “Not only has citrulline malate proved to be a nitric oxide enhancer, but 6 grams is a clinically proven dose. I’m also a fan of its vitamin and mineral profile. You’re getting a hefty dose of zinc, copper, selenium, and iodine with every scoop.”

That said, Bourgeois deducted a point for the beta-alanine dosage. “While I love that this pre-workout contains beta-alanine, it contains the lower end of what studies find to be the recommended dose in pre-workouts.”

Additionally, the chlorogenic acid present in some green coffee bean extracts may provide an extra edge when pursuing weight loss. (6) Keep in mind, though, that it isn’t clear whether Transparent Labs LEAN actually contains any of this compound.

Per our expert tester, a former Olympian, this pre-workout also tastes great. “I tested the Sour Grape option and found it to be more sour than grape. That said, it was still enjoyable before my training sessions. Plus, I liked how the stevia sweetening agent wasn’t too overpowering,” they said, rating the flavor a 4.5 out of 5.

“I did get some residue at the bottom of my bottle, though, so be prepared to throw a final splash of water in for a quick wash-out,” our tester advised. Other than this, it mixed up well and received a 4 out of 5 rating for solubility.

Lastly, our product tester appreciated the performance boost and lack of the dreaded post-training crash, rating their overall experience a 4 out of 5.

Read our full Transparent Labs LEAN Review.

Best Cheap Pre-Workout for a Pump: Cellucor C4

Pros

Evidence-based ingredients for improving athletic performance and pump

Sustained release form of beta-alanine reduces tingling

Good for caffeine-sensitive athletes

Excellent ratings on taste and solubility

Cons

Low doses of creatine, citrulline malate, and beta-alanine

Creatine nitrate isn’t well-researched

Contains a proprietary blend and two artificial sweeteners

A great pump and the best pump pre-workouts reflect improved blood flow to working muscles, potentially resulting in a better workout and faster recovery — not to mention the fact that they just make you feel more powerful. Packed with ingredients proven to boost blood flow, improve oxygen delivery, and reduce muscle fatigue, Cellucor C4 is an affordable option for athletes chasing a better pump.

Its formulation is full of research-backed ingredients but has a few limitations. “Cellucor C4 contains creatine, citrulline malate, and beta-alanine but only in small doses — less than what research says is ideal. It also contains one proprietary blend, which can be a turn-off for those who want to know exactly what and how much they’re taking,” said Bourgeois.

She gave the formulation a 3.75 out of 5, with, “…deductions for its low doses of evidence-based ingredients and artificial sweeteners,” as these sweeteners can cause digestive upset in some people.

Another limitation? It contains creatine nitrate, a form of creatine that hasn’t been proven to be as effective as creatine monohydrate, the current gold standard. (7) 

However, it does contain a sustained-release form of beta-alanine, which our expert tester, a certified personal trainer, felt was helpful in reducing tingling. They also raved about the energy boost and performance benefits, saying: “I felt very energized and focused with this supplement. The tingling was present, but subsided after just a few minutes. In total, I’d score the side effects and performance a 5 out of 5.”

And with only a bit more caffeine than you’d get in a cup of coffee, it’s great for people looking for a moderate-caffeine alternative to the strongest pre-workouts.

It also tastes great with no artificial aftertaste. Our tester loved the Icy Blue Razz flavor, rating it a 5 out of 5. “It’s very enjoyable and sweet, but not off-putting,” they said. 

The solubility was excellent as well, also earning a 5-star rating. Our tester noted that “the powder mixed easily in my shaker, although there were some instances where residue collected at the bottom of my cup,” which was easily fixed with an additional swirl of water.

Read our full Cellucor C4 Pre-Workout Review.

Best Vegan Cheap Pre-Workout: Naked Nutrition Naked Energy

Pros

Vegan formulation free from hidden animal products, articial sweeteners or ingredients

Sustained release form of beta-alanine reduces tingling

Great formulation for supporting endurance athletes

Third-party tested for heavy metals

Cons

Low creatine dose not appropriate for resistance training

Contains a low dose of L-arginine

Unflavored option has a bitter taste

All vegans know the struggle of finding an incredible product, only to see unnecessary animal products in the ingredients list. Thankfully, vegans can rest easy with Naked Nutrition Naked Energy, a vegan-friendly pre-workout boasting a streamlined formulation. 

Per Bourgeois, “I love that this pre-workout only contains 10 ingredients — all vegan-friendly and gluten-, GMO-, dairy-, and soy-free. It provides a hefty dose of vitamin C and a 200 mg dose of caffeine—not to mention a small dose of creatine to boost exercise performance all that much more.” And since it doesn’t contain any carbs or added sugars, she recommends it for people with strict macros.

Overall, she rated the formulation a 3.75 out of 5 due to the low dose of pre-workout L-arginine. It also has low doses of creatine and beta-alanine, which Bourgeois advised makes it more appropriate for endurance athletes than those focused on strength or power.

This doesn’t make the supplement ineffective, however. Our product tester, a certified personal trainer, still felt a boost. “I liked the nice little pick-me-up this pre-workout provided. For me, I’d equate it to drinking a large cup of coffee in the morning. Plus, there are no tingles, nausea, or anxiety that come with the increased energy,” they said, rating the benefits a 4 out of 5.

The unflavored option was bitter on its own, but this wasn’t a deal breaker. In fact, our tester still rated the flavor a 5 out of 5. “If you opt for this variety, I’d recommend mixing it with a sports drink or something similar to give your sips a bit of taste. That said, I do appreciate the flavor variety… and feel there’s a taste for every palate,” they said.

We also appreciated the excellent, 5 out of 5 solubility, with our tester noting that it becomes invisible when dissolved. “Typically, a pre-workout will change the pigment of your water, but not this powder,” they observed. 

Lastly, it was great to see that this pre-workout is tested by an independent lab for heavy metals, although Bourgeois would like to see testing on its potency as well.

Best Cheap Pre-Workout With Creatine: Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Pre-Workout

Pros

Contains 3.3g creatine for optimizing lean mass accrual

5 ingredients with research-backed performance benefits

Available in pleasantly sweet flavors and dissolves completely

Moderate caffeine content to boost energy without jitters

Cons

Contains two artificial sweeteners and one artificial color

Non-clinically effective doses of most ingredients

Subtle pump compared to other pre-workout products

For those who don’t want to have to choose between creatine versus pre-workout, Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Pre-Workout offers the benefits of both. Packaged together, this pre-workout is a convenient way for anyone to add creatine to their supplementation routine.

The formulation is good, but could use a few tweaks. I liked the inclusion of researched-backed ingredients like creatine monohydrate, beta-alanine, and L-citrulline, but the doses are a little low to me. The 3.3 grams of creatine can help most people maintain muscle creatine saturation, but larger athletes will likely need more.

Additionally, the doses of L-citrulline and beta-alanine are both lower than the current research suggests is effective. (2)(3) This may be picky, but I also felt that the use of three artificial ingredients was a bit much, leading me to rate the formulation a 3.75 out of 5.

We were particularly impressed with the flavors, which had the potential to be overly sweet. Kate Meier, our product tester again here, rated it a 5 out of 5, saying: “I’ve had colleagues who have been using this pre-workout for years and they always rave about the flavors. In my experience with the Watermelon offering, I found it sweet but not too sweet.” 

It also dissolved easily in water, earning a 5 out of 5 for solubility. “This completely dissolved in its recommended 8 ounces of water with no issues regarding clumps, foam, or residue,” said Meier.

She was also a big fan of the boost it gave her during her workouts. “I had a few tingles up and down my arms, but overall I loved the boosted focus and energy supplied by this Optimum Nutrition offering. The pump is somewhat underwhelming…, but I’d still think of this as a reliable pre-workout option,” she said, rating her experience a 4 out of 5.

Her takeaway? “I’d recommend this pre-workout for anyone that wants a tasty beverage pre-training yet doesn’t want to deal with super pumps or excessive caffeine stimulation.”

[Related: Best Pre-Workouts With Creatine]

Benefits of Cheap Pre-Workout

Pre-workout is no replacement for a high-quality training program, an optimized diet, or adequate sleep when it comes to seeing results in the gym. However, pre-workouts with research-backed ingredients can help give you an extra edge. Some of the benefits they can provide include: 

• Increased energy and performance: Caffeine fights mental fatigue and improves focus by blocking a compound called adenosine, which promotes sleepiness, from acting on the central nervous system. By boosting energy levels, pre-workouts with small to moderate amounts of caffeine can help improve muscular endurance, strength, sprint times, and aerobic endurance. (8) 
• Supports muscle gain: The best creatine helps generate more energy in the muscle during high-intensity anaerobic exercises like weight lifting. It shouldn’t take priority over finding a good protein powder, but pre-workouts with creatine can help you complete a few more reps and build muscle more efficiently over time, in addition to providing other impressive creatine benefits. 
• Improved blood flow: Many pre-workouts contain ingredients like L-citrulline and nitrates, which the body uses to produce nitric oxide. Nitric oxide dilates blood vessels, improving blood flow and boosting the delivery of nutrients and oxygen to the muscles during exercise.
• Less muscle fatigue: Pre-workouts with beta-alanine can help slow muscle fatigue, potentially extending the length of your workouts. (3) Beta-alanine does this aiding in the production of carnosine, an intracellular buffer preventing acid from building up as quickly in the muscle.
• Boosted hydration: While drinking a glass of water is the simplest way to boost hydration before a workout, pre-workout powders properly mixed with water can do the same thing. They can be helpful for people who dislike the flavor of plain water.
• Consistency: To get the most benefits from any type of supplement, it’s essential to take them consistently. Finding an affordable pre-workout from the get-go can help prevent gaps in supplementation when money is tight.

How Much Do Cheap Pre-Workouts Cost?

A good rule of thumb is that the most affordable pre-workouts will cost less than $1 per serving, with relatively affordable options closer to $1.50 per serving. The most expensive can cost upwards of $3 a serving or more, with prices varying based on the quality of ingredients, various certifications, branding, and the number of servings per container. Price can also vary based on the retailer, so it’s worth comparing prices on the brand’s website to other retailers like Amazon, GNC, or Walmart.

Best Cheap Pre-Workout Overall	Nutricost Pre-X	$0.75 per serving
Best Tasting Cheap Pre-Workout	Jacked Factory Nitro Surge	$0.84 per serving
Best Cheap Pre-Workout for Weight Loss	Transparent Labs LEAN	$1.66 per serving
Best Cheap Pre-Workout for a Pump	Cellucor C4	$1.17 per serving
Best Vegan Cheap Pre-Workout	Naked Nutrition Naked Energy	$0.90 per serving
Best Cheap Pre-Workout With Creatine	Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Pre-Workout	$0.92 per serving

What to Consider Before Buying Cheap Pre-Workout

If you’ve spent much time researching pre-workouts, you’ve undoubtedly noticed the long (and often confusing) ingredient lists. Before hitting “Add to Cart”, consider the following factors: 

Clinical Effectiveness

Just because a pre-workout contains high-quality ingredients, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it includes enough of them to actually provide benefits. For example, 4 to 6 grams of beta-alanine is recommended to reduce muscle fatigue, and many studies point to an ideal dose of 6 to 8 grams of L-citrulline for boosting blood flow. 

Similarly, 3 to 5 grams of creatine a day is ideal for maintaining high muscle creatine stores to optimize muscle growth. Pay attention to the dosage of each ingredient, as many pre-workouts contain low amounts. 

Caffeine Content

Caffeine is an effective pre-workout ingredient, but it’s important not to overdo it. The FDA recommends limiting your caffeine intake to no more than 400 milligrams a day, as higher amounts are linked to jitters, worsened anxiety, elevated heart rate, headaches, and poor sleep. (9) Many pre-workouts contain 200 milligrams of caffeine or more, so be sure to watch your intake of caffeine from other sources like coffee, tea, soda, and energy drinks. And if caffeine isn’t your jam, we have you covered with our list of the best non-stim pre-workouts, too.

Third-Party Testing

Because the FDA doesn’t strictly regulate or approve dietary supplements, it’s possible that they could contain unsafe levels of heavy metals or other contaminants. Some intentionally include banned substances like steroids or anabolic hormones in order to make their products more effective. (10) This is why we place so much importance on third-party testing, which ensures that products are safe to consume.

Sweeteners

Depending on your health and fitness goals, you may prefer certain sweeteners over others. Non-caloric natural sweeteners, like stevia or monk fruit, and sugar alcohols help keep calories and carbohydrates low and promote better blood sugar control than sugar. 

However, they may not be tolerated well by everyone. The same is true for artificial sweeteners, which are safe to consume in moderation, but which many people prefer to avoid. 

Proprietary Blends

Some pre-workouts are made with proprietary blends, which are specialized combinations of ingredients. Companies aren’t required to disclose the exact amounts of each ingredient present in a proprietary blend, meaning you can’t be sure how much of each ingredient you’re actually consuming. If this is important to you, check the nutrition facts label to see whether individual ingredient amounts are listed.

Cheap Pre-Workout FAQs

References

1. Tamura Y, Takata K, Matsubara K, Kataoka Y. Alpha-Glycerylphosphorylcholine Increases Motivation in Healthy Volunteers: A Single-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Human Study. Nutrients. 2021;13(6):2091. Published 2021 Jun 18. doi:10.3390/nu13062091. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8235064/ 
2. Suzuki T, Morita M, Kobayashi Y, Kamimura A. Oral L-citrulline supplementation enhances cycling time trial performance in healthy trained men: Double-blind randomized placebo-controlled 2-way crossover study. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2016;13:6. Published 2016 Feb 19. doi:10.1186/s12970-016-0117-z. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4759860/
3. Trexler ET, Smith-Ryan AE, Stout JR, et al. International society of sports nutrition position stand: Beta-Alanine. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2015;12:30. Published 2015 Jul 15. doi:10.1186/s12970-015-0090-y. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4501114/
4. Jagim AR, Harty PS, Tinsley GM, et al. International society of sports nutrition position stand: energy drinks and energy shots. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2023;20(1):2171314. doi:10.1080/15502783.2023.2171314. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9987737/
5. Gonzalez AM, Townsend JR, Pinzone AG, Hoffman JR. Supplementation with Nitric Oxide Precursors for Strength Performance: A Review of the Current Literature. Nutrients. 2023;15(3):660. Published 2023 Jan 28. doi:10.3390/nu15030660. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36771366/
6. Kanchanasurakit S, Saokaew S, Phisalprapa P, Duangjai A. Chlorogenic acid in green bean coffee on body weight: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Syst Rev. 2023;12(1):163. Published 2023 Sep 14. doi:10.1186/s13643-023-02311-4. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37710316/
7. Fazio C, Elder CL, Harris MM. Efficacy of Alternative Forms of Creatine Supplementation on Improving Performance and Body Composition in Healthy Subjects: A Systematic Review. J Strength Cond Res. 2022;36(9):2663-2670. doi:10.1519/JSC.0000000000003873. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36000773/ 
8. Guest NS, VanDusseldorp TA, Nelson MT, et al. International society of sports nutrition position stand: caffeine and exercise performance. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2021;18(1):1. Published 2021 Jan 2. doi:10.1186/s12970-020-00383-4. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33388079/
9. United States Food & Drug Administration. Spilling the beans: how much caffeine is too much? FDA website. Accessed 8/3/24. https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/spilling-beans-how-much-caffeine-too-much
10. Harty PS, Zabriskie HA, Erickson JL, Molling PE, Kerksick CM, Jagim AR. Multi-ingredient pre-workout supplements, safety implications, and performance outcomes: a brief review. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2018;15(1):41. Published 2018 Aug 8. doi:10.1186/s12970-018-0247-6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6083567/