The 13 Best Pre-Workouts of 2025, From an RD

Why We Like It

When looking for the top pre-workout supplement, we value research-backed ingredients in clearly disclosed dosages. Transparent Labs is a company that heavily prioritizes both of those elements in their BULK pre-workout. “Bulk gets a 4.25 out of 5 for its formulation,” according to Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, RDN. “It gets high scores for its ratio of ingredients and deductions for the proprietary blends and sodium content.” 

Transparent Labs BULK is our best-rated pre-workout with a 4.5 out of 5 overall score, thanks in a big part to its…transparency. There aren’t any blends, it’s gluten-free and contains no artificial sweeteners, colors, or flavors. If you read the label, you’ll know exactly what you’re getting and how much — which is crucial for any of the best supplement stacks. (Accidentally doubling up on dosages for specific ingredients is dangerous at worst and redundant at best.) If you consider nutritional labels must-reads and you get great joy out of diving deep into supplement formulations, you’ll love Transparent Labs BULK. 

BULK’s 200 milligrams of caffeine (per serving) helped our tester feel a productive surge of energy without a post-workout crash. BULK features big hits of citrulline and beta-alanine, too. “Beta-Alanine is well researched and generally regarded as safe when taken by most adults, as directed,” says Justine Hays, M.S., R.D., C.D.N, a registered dietitian and experienced health writer. “Beta-Alanine works by preventing muscle fatigue, allowing you to work out at a higher intensity for a longer period of time.”

The flavors are on point as well, especially Blue Raspberry — one of our testers, a certified nutrition coach, rates it a perfect 5 out of 5. “The Blue Raspberry is perfect — not too sweet and it actually tastes like Blue Raspberry,” they say. “It’s definitely sweet, but not so sweet that I have trouble drinking it.” However, if you prefer an unflavored pre-workout for supplement stacking, you may be disappointed — BULK doesn’t come in an unflavored option.

After shaking up this product in standard shaker bottles with a blender ball, its solubility earns a score of 5 out of 5, as well. “You can barely even tell there was powder in there,” says another tester, a certified personal trainer. “I also love the caffeine content — 200 milligrams helps me get locked in without feeling jittery or wired,” they add.

Unfortunately, BULK isn’t the most cost-friendly pre-workout supplement on the market. One 30-serving container costs $49.99. We gave this product a 3.5 out of 5 for cost per serving, as the $1.66 per serve price tag is a little costly and may not fall in everyone’s budget. It’s not necessarily for athletes who want to save every dollar possible in their supplement routine, but if that’s you, take a look at Nutricost Pre X Pre-Workout.

What Customers Are Saying

Out of more than 5,000 customer reviews on the Transparent Labs website, this product earned a 4.39 out of 5 rating, which is nearly perfect. Here’s what users had to say:

“Awesome pre-workout. I got the strawberry kiwi and the flavor is really good. Sometimes can be a little sour but other times it’s fine.. not sure how that works. Helped facilitate a really great workout, good energy and focus, with an amazing pump at the end. 10/10 would recommend.”

“This gives me the best performance and feeling when working out. It gives me light tingles but not overwhelming and I feel like it sustains during my whole workout.”

Why We Like It

Let’s be real, spending hundreds of dollars on supplements each month isn’t convenient. But this budget-friendly pre-workout may help keep your wallet happy. This supplement is only $1.09 per serving and only $0.91 per serving if you opt for the 60-serving container. Nutricost Pre X Pre-Workout definitely earned a 5 out of 5 for value.

This formula has many of the must-have pre-workout ingredients (like l-citrulline, beta-alanine, taurine, and betaine anhydrous), but as our expert reviewer Chelsea Rae Bourgois, RDN explains, it offers mental benefits, as well. “Nutricost Pre-X contains as much caffeine as around 3 cups of coffee as well as 200 mg of alpha-GPC,” she says. “Research has linked alpha-GPC with improved motivation in healthy adults, so this formula really prioritizes the cognitive aspects of a solid workout.” If you’re sensitive to caffeine, however, the equivalent of three cups of coffee may be a bit extreme. Instead, try Jacked Factory Surge, which is similarly priced but with less caffeine.

“It contains powerful ingredients, but the doses of some miss the mark just a bit,” says Bourgeois, rating its overall formula 3.75 out of 5. For example, “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,” she adds. “There’s no set standard amount of L-citrulline in a pre-workout, but most studies point to a need for at least 6-8 g per serving. It also contains sucralose, which may cause GI troubles for some people.”

“Honestly, given its ingredients and dosage levels, Pre-X is about as strong as you can get,” says one BarBend tester, a certified personal trainer. “A lot of pre-workouts with this robust of a formula cost double.”

You get five flavor options with this product, which is more than most other pre-workout supplements. “I really liked the Blue Raspberry flavor,” one of our testers says, rating its taste 5 out of 5. “It’s accurate to the name for sure. I’ve also tried the Watermelon and remember liking that one, too.” Thanks to few obstinate grains of powder, it loses a point for solubility, earning a score of 4 out of 5. “I don’t ever notice any clumping,” one tester says. “When I shake it in a regular water bottle, though, I do see a small amount of floaties at the bottom.”

We give this supplement a 3 out of 5 for third-party testing. The product description does say that this supplement was third-party tested. But our team wasn’t able to find exactly which third-party lab tested the product. For that reason, we wouldn’t recommend this for competing athletes, who may prefer a sport-certified pre-workout. 

What Customers Are Saying

Out of 18 customer reviews on the Nutricost website, this pick earned a 4.9 out of 5.

“Amazing pre workout. Prefer this over any other brand. Previously used Bucked Up, but this brand truly feels superior and helps me perform better.”

“Have been using the Peach Mango pre-workout for a few weeks now and its incredible! Legit tastes like juice, and has me feeling great while getting a good pump. 10/10 would recommend.”

“Honestly, given its ingredients and dosage levels, Pre-X is about as strong as you can get,” says one BarBend tester, a certified personal trainer. “A lot of pre-workouts with this robust of a formula cost double.”

You get five flavor options with this product, which is more than most other pre-workout supplements. “I really liked the Blue Raspberry flavor,” one of our testers says, rating its taste 5 out of 5. “It’s accurate to the name for sure. I’ve also tried the Watermelon and remember liking that one, too.” Thanks to few obstinate grains of powder, it loses a point for solubility, earning a score of 4 out of 5. “I don’t ever notice any clumping,” one tester says. “When I shake it in a regular water bottle, though, I do see a small amount of floaties at the bottom.”

We give this supplement a 3 out of 5 for third-party testing. The product description does say that this supplement was third-party tested. But our team wasn’t able to find exactly which third-party lab tested the product. 

Not sure if Nutricost is for you? We have more options for you to consider in our guide to the best cheap pre-workouts. 

What Customers Are Saying

Out of 18 customer reviews on the Nutricost website, this pick earned a 4.9 out of 5.

“Amazing pre workout. Prefer this over any other brand. Previously used Bucked Up, but this brand truly feels superior and helps me perform better.”

“Have been using the Peach Mango pre-workout for a few weeks now and its incredible! Legit tastes like juice, and has me feeling great while getting a good pump. 10/10 would recommend.”

Why We Like It

If you’re choosing to use a pre-workout to boost your energy, focus, and pumps, but you want to avoid artificial or added sugars, colors, preservatives, and flavors, Legion Pulse might just be the best natural pre-workout for you. The brand claims this is “100% all-natural,” and because they use Labdoor for third-party testing, we’re inclined to believe it. “Legion Pulse scores a 4.5 out of 5 for its formulation, with high marks for its natural ingredients, all of which serve a purpose,” according to Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, RDN.

Several of our experts, including two personal trainers, have tested Legion Pulse. “I like the one-to-one ratio of caffeine and l-theanine because the caffeine content here is high, but the l-theanine balances it out so you don’t feel jittery or over-stimulated,” one member of the team says. Plus, if you don’t want the caffeine, Pulse comes in a stim-free version.

Another tester, a Level-2 USA Weightlifting coach, thinks even flavor snobs can find a match. “It’s a sweet pre-workout, and I don’t necessarily hold the bitter aftertaste against it. I mean, it’s not like I don’t have a plethora of offerings to choose from when it comes to finding that perfect flavor,” they say of its eye-popping 21 available flavors.

The flavors we have tried average out to a score of 4 out of 5, but one tester notes that you might pick up on an aftertaste. “To keep the product natural, Legion uses erythritol as a sweetener,” points out one of our testers, a certified health coach. “That can sometimes create a bit of an aftertaste, which I definitely got.”

However, this natural pre-workout isn’t ideal for those with a tight budget. Legion Pulse comes in around $2.25 per serving, which is definitely higher than average, earning a 2 out of 5 for cost. We see the brand offer big sales around the holidays, and they also have a subscription savings that takes as much as 30 percent off the price. If cost is a major concern for you but you appreciate ingredient transparency and third-party testing, we’d recommend our top-rated pre-workout overall, Transparent Labs BULK, which has a lower cost-per-serving. 

What Customers Are Saying

With just over 21,000 reviews on the Legion website, this product has an overall 4.5 out of 5 customer rating.

“I love this pre-workout. The flavor is not too sweet and it helps keep me focused and efficient in the gym. I do one scoop with 32oz of water.”

“Love the clean ingredients. A good flavor. It gets the job done and makes you feel energized without the crash.”

Why We Like It

For athletes who love sipping on caffeine before a workout, not just any pre-workout can offer an adequate energy boost. After testing this product ourselves, we think Transparent Labs BULK Black exceeds other formulas in energy-producing ingredients, making it the strongest pre-workout on the market.

One reason we like this formula for strength is that it contains a large, 8,000-milligram dose of citrulline malate. This ingredient may be able to help improve strength and endurance, as it increases blood flow to your muscles, according to the Cleveland Clinic, and limited evidence suggests it may also help with muscle soreness. (6)(26)(28) That’s paired with 305 milligrams of caffeine, which is more than most pre-workout supplements. You also get 4,000 milligrams of beta-alanine, which can help reduce muscular fatigue or delayed onset muscle soreness. (31)

“I’d give Transparent Labs Bulk Black a 4.25 out of 5 for formulation with deductions based on the proprietary blends used,” according to Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, RDN. We also like the added vitamin D in this formula.

One member of the BarBend team who has tested nearly 40 pre-workout products himself rates BULK Black as his favorite supplement of all time. His favorite flavor is Peach Mango, which he gave a 5 out of 5 rating. “This is so good that I don’t want to finish it. I want to sip it like a fine wine,” he says.

On the other hand, another of our testers, also a certified personal trainer and nutrition coach, finds the Blue Raspberry flavor underwhelming. “It tastes a little watered down. I’d describe it more as a hint of blue raspberry,” they say. “Maybe with less water, the flavor would be more potent. It has kind of a weird aftertaste, but if you prefer pre-workouts that aren’t crazy sweet, this is the one for you.”

“It’s super easy mixing this pre-workout up,” our tester adds, scoring its solubility 5 out of 5. “Shaking it up for about 10 seconds makes it seem like there was never powder in there in the first place.”  

We did have to dock this supplement a little in the price department. One 30-serving container costs $54.99, which is about $1.83 per serving. If you’re really wanting a strong pre-workout, we do still recommend this product. But if price is a problem, you can definitely find cheaper options, like Nutricost Pre X Pre Workout, which has virtually the same amount of caffeine. 

What Customers Are Saying

Out of 651 reviews on the Transparent Labs website, this product earned an overall 4.46 out of 5.

“Don’t take more than half a scoop. The ingredients must be spot on with this pre-workout because never have I felt so pumped off of any other brand. This is the real deal.”

“Taste was not the greatest, but the formula is definitely top notch. Even though I was tired, I powered through my workout. I just wish this wasn’t so expensive.”

Why We Like It

Customizable supplements aren’t totally uncommon, but you don’t see it often with a pre-workout. Gainful’s pre-workout offers a few customization options, including a non-stim pre-workout version, which we love for athletes who either train at night or don’t want extra jitters. “I like that Gainful offers a choice between moderate and high-intensity pre-workout, with the latter containing a bit more leucine, creatine, and caffeine.” adds our expert reviewer Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, RDN, who rates it a 3 out of 5 for formulation.

Gainful’s non-caffeinated product contains all some of the best natural pre-workout ingredients, including l-citrulline, valine, and beta-alanine, among others. (9) However, we especially like that the product also contains 3,000 milligrams of creatine monohydrate, which is a nice plus, minimizing the need to buy a separate creatine powder. 

You can customize the creatine content in the caffeinated versions, but the non-stim option (as of this writing) tops out at 3 grams per serving. Evidence regarding the best timing of creatine ingestion (pre- or post-workout) is mixed. (4) The upper limit of the clinically recommended range is 5 grams. (6) One member of the BarBend team, a certified personal trainer, also adds a word of caution. “I have a sensitive stomach, and I found that creatine can sometimes cause a little stomach upset if I take it first thing in the morning on an empty stomach,” they say.

Our team also likes that this product contains zero artificial sugars or ingredients, so it’s perfect for those who prefer a more natural formulation in their pre-workouts (if that’s you, you may also consider Legion Pulse). “I actually really enjoy the taste, which doesn’t happen often for me when it comes to pre-workouts,” our tester adds, scoring the taste of the Strawberry Lemonade option 5 out of 5. “The lemonade flavor is stronger than the strawberry, but it’s not too tart and the sweetness isn’t overpowering.” Gainful’s pre-workout is also plant-based and uses beet root powder as a coloring agent, rather than food dye.

You’ll also have options regarding the caffeine content, which is a big deal for anyone who’s sensitive to caffeine..“I often get in my workouts after we put our toddler to bed. I want the focus and energy, but not to stay up all night from caffeine,” one of our testers says. “Plus, there isn’t a drop-off mid-workout like there can be with more intense pre-workouts.”

Unfortunately, though we had to rate the cost a 3 out of 5, as it sits on the pricey side. One 14-serving jar costs $26, which is about $1.85 per serving. This isn’t the most expensive on the list (especially considering the customization available), but it’s definitely not for people who want to maximize every dollar. We also noticed that the mouth of the container was a little small, making it hard to scoop from when the powder got low.

What Customers Are Saying

With just over 1,300 reviews on the Gainful website, this product has an overall 4.6 out of 5 customer rating.

“I’ve never been a pre-workout person before trying this on a whim. I’m a lean guy so the fact I could have it come with creatine in it was a huge plus. The watermelon is a great flavor and I’ve noticed an impact on my workouts.“

“The [Strawberry Lemonade] flavor is sour and the after taste is bitter. Beside the flavor it helps a lot with the workout. I am sweating more and burning more calories.“

Why We Like It

The key to weight loss and burning fat is consuming fewer calories than you burn, but is there a top-rated pre-workout that might offer a little extra help? If you’re an athlete whose primary training goal is weight-loss related, we think Transparent Labs steps up to the plate big time with its unique LEAN pre-workout formula.

Disclaimer: Please note that none of these products describe themselves as weight loss supplements and should not be taken as such. Please consult with a medical professional before beginning any weight loss protocol.

Transparent Labs LEAN has a lot of ingredients that you’ll also find in the best fat burner supplements. The iodine and zinc may also support thyroid health. Thyroid health is important for maintaining a healthy body weight, as it helps control your metabolism. Some research shows that your thyroid may slow hormone production and your metabolism when you lose weight, so having those support ingredients is potentially very helpful if weight loss is your goal. (5)

However, if you’re taking it with a multivitamin, our expert reviewer Justine Hays, MS, RD, CDN, urges caution. “If using this supplement along with a daily multivitamin or other supplements, be sure to read the labels so as to not overdo it on some micronutrients, such as copper.”

One BarBend tester, a former Olympian, describes how LEAN just might provide a boost for afternoon or evening workouts. “I’m currently training for a competition, so I do feel like the energy and focus boosts help get me geared up after long work days,” they say.

“It mixes up well enough, but there are — like with many pre-workouts — a few grains of powder shifting around the bottom,” our tester adds. They and another member of the BarBend team both rate solubility 4 out of 5.

When it comes to flavor, the Sour Grape option is a hit with our team. “It’s a bit more sour than grape, but I appreciate that it’s not overly sweet,” our tester says, scoring taste 4.5 out of 5. “I try my best to avoid artificial sweeteners, so I also love that it uses Stevia.“

When it comes to cost per serving, this one earned a 2.75 out of 5. At $1.66 per serving, this definitely isn’t the most cost-friendly option on this list (that would be the Nutricost Pre X Pre-Workout). If you’re an athlete looking to save a little money on their monthly supplement stack, there are other options that may be better suited, and we have a complete guide to the best pre-workouts for weight loss with other options to consider.

What Customers Are Saying

Out of 2,517 customer reviews on the Transparent Labs website, LEAN earned an overall 4.17 out of 5.

“Love this product. Would love to see the natural flavors taken out to make this truly a clean product.”

“I really like how it works and that it is clean. The flavor isn’t my favorite, but it is definitely doable for the effect.”

Why We Like It

If you’re planning to sip a pre-workout supplement several days a week before training, you want one you actually enjoy drinking. After trying the Unflavored and Citrus flavors, our testers give this one a 5 out of 5 for taste. “This pre-workout tastes fantastic,” our tester says. “I don’t think the Citrus was overly sweet and I like that the Unflavored was truly flavorless.”

“I’d give Naked Energy a 3.75 out of 5 [for formulation],” according to Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, RDN. “I love that this pre-workout contains only 10 ingredients and it provides a hefty dose of vitamin C.” However, she does wish that the doses of L-arginine and creatine were a little higher, as they’re pretty low right now.

After taking this product, our tester loved the energy levels. “It feels like a great pick-me-up,” she says, giving the overall effects a 5 out of 5 rating. “It’s similar to drinking a large cup of coffee and I didn’t notice many tingles, either.”

Solubility is another standout category for our team, earning a 5 out of 5. “It mixes up completely clear, which is pretty remarkable,” our tester adds. “I’ve honestly never seen that in a pre-workout before.” With excellent solubility and top-rated taste, we’d confidently recommend Naked Energy to anyone who’s highly driven by flavor and drinkability in a pre-workout.

Unfortunately, we did have to give this product a 2 out of 5 for third-party testing. We didn’t notice any evidence of third-party lab testing on this product, and certain people (like competitive athletes) may need something that’s sport-certified, like Transparent Labs BULK. However, we do like that Naked Energy has a fairly simple ingredient list with no artificial components. 

We liked the price point, as this one is relatively budget-friendly. One 30-serving container is $44.99, which is about $1.49 per serving. However, you can subscribe and save 20%. 

What Customers Are Saying

Out of 816 reviews on the Naked Nutrition website, this product earned an overall 4.7 out of 5.

“Naked Nutrition products are always consistent, quality, and as advertised, with no other additives. Will continue to be a customer.”

“A great preworkout with an excellent flavor!“

Why We Like It

Generally, pre-workout supplements aren’t primarily focused on muscle growth, as their ingredients usually target energy, blood flow, and endurance. (2)(26) Nitro Surge is a solid pick for anyone interested in a pre-workout for muscle gain. Some research has shown that supplementation with betaine and beta-alanine may help improve your body composition and strength. (10) (32) (25) And in this formula, you get 1.25 grams per serving, though, research has shown results with at least two and a half grams daily. 

“Nitro Surge scores a 3.75 out of 5 for its formulation, with high marks for the ingredients used but deductions for the low dosages,” according to Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, RDN. Luckily, Jacked Factory does provide supplement facts for two servings! However, the caffeine content per two servings may be too high for some athletes, so proceed with caution. (7) “I usually work out in the morning, but I tried Nitro Surge in the early afternoon and definitely felt jacked up and ready to go,” our tester says.

Jacked Factory Nitro Surge comes in 14 flavors, all of which  our testers deemed delicious and pretty unique. Our testers unanimously gave Nitro Surge a perfect 5 out of 5 for taste. Kate Meier, BarBend editorial member and competitive weightlifter, says Nitrosurge is her go-to pre-workout because the Strawberry Margarita flavor “is like heaven on earth. If it weren’t for the caffeine, I’d probably just drink this all day long,” she said. 

After trying the product herself, Meier gave Nitro Surge a 5 out of 5 for overall effects, but has a word of warning: “I only use one scoop each time I work out, which has 180 milligrams of caffeine but is lighter on ingredients like beta-alanine and betaine,” she says. “There is a two-scoop dosage on the can, but that is too much caffeine for me. One scoop is just right!” If you’re also mindful of your caffeine consumption, having both guidelines on the nutritional label will be helpful for you.

This product dissolves beautifully in shaker cups, earning a 5 out of 5 for solubility. “After about 10 seconds of shaking, it mixes up smoothly,” our tester says. “If you leave it sitting, of course it will settle a bit, but I just give it a quick shake before each sip.” And at around $1 per serving, it’s hard to find a flaw with this pre-workout. However, we do wish this pre-workout were third-party tested, like Transparent Labs Black or other top-rated pre-workout brands. Unfortunately, Jacked Factory doesn’t show evidence of any lab testing performed on Nitro Surge. 

What Customers Are Saying

This pre-workout has more than 22,000 customer reviews on Amazon with an overall 4.3 out of 5-star rating.

“I really liked the flavor more than other pre-workouts I’ve used. It was pleasant and not overly sweet or artificial-tasting. What stood out to me was that it didn’t overstimulate me; instead, it provided a nice, clean energy boost that lasted for about two hours.”

“I love that it comes with a double-sided scooper so you can easily choose between 1-2 scoops. It works exactly as intended, gives a long-lasting boost in energy with a tiny bit of tinglies (which I personally enjoy) and it even helps my mental clarity/focus throughout the first several hours of the day.“

Why We Like It

Truthfully, there’s no one pre-workout that’s better for men than women; people of any gender can use whatever pre-workout they want. That said, some pre-workouts can also help fill some nutritional gaps often faced by people assigned male or female at birth. For those who want a more comprehensive pre-workout supplement, Pre Lab Pro Pre-Workout packs vitamin D3, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, and iron.

We like Pre Lab Pro because it contains 83 percent of your daily need for vitamin B12, and research suggests that people assigned male at birth may be more likely to have a B12 deficiency.(1)

Our expert reviewer Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, RDN rated its formula 4.25 out of 5. “I’m a fan of its relatively natural ingredients, and I love how they’re formulated to work together in support of an awesome workout,” she says. “While the caffeine content may be low, research indicates that combining caffeine with theanine and tyrosine may support cognitive function and mental focus.”

Our testers had mixed perspectives on the side effects, though. One didn’t really feel much of anything after taking this product, giving the side effects a 1 out of 5. Our other product tester, though, gave the side effects a 5 out of 5. “I’m pretty sensitive to caffeine, so one serving was plenty to give me energy without the jitters,” they said. So, if you’re sensitive to stimulants, this may be more ideal.

When it comes to flavor, neither of our testers are particularly satisfied. We give this category a 1.5 out of 5, as the product tastes a little too acidic. “This is incredibly sour and difficult to drink,” one tester says. “It is completely natural, though, so I get it. But still, it’s incredibly acidic.” Another tester agrees, drawing a particular comparison. “Overall, I like the Natural Berry flavor, but it is exactly like a liquified Sweet Tart. So I get why some people may not enjoy it,” he says. If you’re someone who struggles to get pre-workout down and needs a perfectly balanced flavor profile, Pre Lab Pro Pre-Workout may not be for you. Instead, try Naked Nutrition Naked Energy, which earned perfect scores for taste and solubility.

Unfortunately, this is among the most expensive pre-workout supplements on this list. A one-month supply costs $59, which is about $2.95 per serving. You can subscribe to a four month supply and save 25 percent but our team did still have to give the cost a 1 out of 5. 

What Customers Are Saying

Based on 25 reviews on the company website, this product scored a 4.84 out of 5.

“I have tried numerous pre-workouts and this is by far my favorite. I am caffeine-sensitive, but want the energy to complete a workout, which this does and has the sodium needed to prevent cramping. Highly recommend!”

“Definitely a nice clean energy, makes a big difference in my workouts. I like the fact it doesn’t have artificial flavors. I will be buying again.”

Why We Like It

Being a beginner in the gym can feel intimidating, but with the right guidance and supplementation, it may be a bit less daunting. Onnit Alpha-BRAIN Pre-Workout is designed with slightly lower doses of some of the basic pre-workout ingredients, making it our pick for the best pre-workout for beginners.

We had several testers try Alpha-BRAIN (which is also the name of one of Onnit’s best multivitamins). Every single person commented on their increase in focus, which comes as no surprise with the nootropics like ashwagandha and dynamine. We’d highly recommend Onnit Alpha-BRAIN for anyone who wants that extra mental edge, in or out of the gym.

“I usually feel more focused with most pre-workouts, but Alpha-BRAIN is one of the best for this,” one of our testers, a competitive weightlifter, remarks, giving the effects a 4 out of 5. “I have even taken this before work instead of coffee just for that extra attention.”

You’ll also find 2.4 grams of l-citrulline, which works to help increase the nitric oxide available for use to expand blood vessels and improve blood flow, while betaine may enhance muscular endurance. (27) This is a winning combination for some gnarly muscle pumps.(8) However, our expert, Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, RDN, gave the formulation a 3.25 out of 5. “It contains proprietary blends and very little L-citrulline compared to other pre-workouts,” she says. If you’re highly concerned about the ingredients in your pre-workout, this option from Onnit may not be for you. Instead, we’d recommend Transparent Labs BULK. 

Our testers unanimously recommend the Tiger’s Blood flavor over Yuzu Peach. “I’d give Yuzu Peach a 3 out of 5 for flavor because it is bitter, but Tiger’s Blood is a clear 5 out of 5,” one tester says. “It takes about 7 or 8 seconds to mix up, which is super fast,” says one member of the BarBend team, who rates its solubility 5 out of 5.

If you choose to go with Alpha-BRAIN, be warned that it comes at a price: $2.99 per serving to be exact. That makes it the most expensive pre-workouts on this list, earning a 1 out of 5 for cost per serving. Unfortunately, this may not fall in every beginner’s budget. However, Onnit will knock 15 percent off the price if you opt for a subscription.

What Are Customers Saying

Out of 7,283 customer reviews on the Onnit website, this product earned a 3.5 out of 5.

“Alpha Brain is everything I hoped it would be, I’m more focused and involved. Only gave it a 4 because no one is perfect.”

“I liked this as a supplement. I didn’t find the results to be as noticeable as the ads suggest but I could tell a slight difference. Perhaps I need more time with it. The good news is there isn’t a jittery side effect.”

Why We Like It

If you’re following a vegan diet, it can be difficult to find a pre-workout that caters to your dietary restrictions. We like Alyne’s product because its pre-workout formula is free of animal ingredients and comes in convenient single-serving packets.

“It has an impressive list of ingredients, most of which are clinically dosed,” according to Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, RDN, who gives the product a 4.5 out of 5 for formulation. “Individual results will vary, but the doses of L-citrulline and beta-alanine may be more appropriate for someone who has already completed a loading phase.”

Our testers think the Berry Kiwi Lemonade flavor is unique and unlike any others they’ve tried before. However, it can be a little difficult to drink. “The flavor is a little salty and the beta-alanine and l-citrulline are strong in the taste,” one tester says, giving the taste a 2 out of 5. “I could drink it but it reminded me of taking a shot of alcohol — not delicious.” If you’re passionate about only using the best-tasting pre-workouts, Alyne’s pre-workout may not be for you.

Its solubility shines, though, earning a 5 out of 5. “After about 20 seconds of shaking, I can’t see a single particle floating around,” our tester notes. “When you finish, there’s going to be some bits down at the bottom, but it’s way better than a lot of pre-workouts where it all just collects down there.”

And when it comes to the effects, our tester approves. “It doesn’t have as much caffeine as some other pre-workouts I’ve tried,” they say. “But I did notice a boost in my focus during my sets. My brain didn’t wander off and I was able to stay present during the entire workout.” At $2.50 per serving, this is also one of the pricier pre-workouts we tested. For an alternative, Naked Nutrition Naked Energy is also vegan-friendly at a lower price point.

What Customers Are Saying 

This product has 82 reviews on the Alyne website and earned 4.9 out of 5 stars overall.

“[This is the] Smoothest pre-workout I’ve ever had. Doesn’t even compare to the others (legion, c4, pre-Kaged, Lit, etc.) I’ve literally tried them all and this one clears by a mile. Quit playing games and get it now.”

“I loved that it was something quick to grab & go on a day to the gym! Super easy to use and also the taste was delicious. I liked the ingredients in this and it definitely helped with energy for me.“

Why We Like It

Most pre-workouts aren’t specifically designed for men or women (and we believe men, women, and non-binary people alike can consume them). (11) That said, Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard has some ingredients that may support women during intense training sessions and aid in improving performance, making it one of the best pre-workouts for women.

This formula has a dose of folate and a vitamin B-complex. “Folate is an important nutrient for overall health, especially in women,” Justine Hays, MS, RD, CDN, says. Folic acid supplements can be important for women for supporting energy,reproductive, and post-menopausal health. It’s also important for healthy red blood cells — folate deficiency can cause anemia and severe fatigue, making it much harder to function daily, let alone push hard during workouts.

“They certainly pack a lot of components into each serving of Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Pre-Workout. I like that you get a moderate dose of caffeine, along with an array of vitamins and minerals and creatine,” says Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, RDN, of her 3 out of 5 formulation rating.

Our tester, Kate Meier, has used Gold Standard Pre-Workout several times. “This gives me a really good energy level and focus for my workout without insane tingles, like some pre-workouts cause,” she says.

“Overall, the flavors are actually delicious. It’s easy to overdo the sweetness in a pre-workout, but these strike a good balance,” Meier adds, rating its taste 5 out of 5. “The Watermelon option, in particular, is incredible.” She also notes that you’ll have no problem getting this to dissolve in water. “I didn’t even use the blender ball one time, and its solubility still gets a 5 out of 5,” she says.

We love that the Gold Standard line from Optimum Nutrition is third-party tested through Informed Choice, so we know that we can trust the label. We don’t love that the label has several artificial ingredients; for that reason, we wouldn’t recommend it to anyone who prefers an all-natural pre-workout, like Legion Pulse. Also, we should point out that you’ll find sucralose in this pre-workout, which is probably why our other testers found the drink to be so sweet.

Why We Like It

Many pre-workout formulas are packed with a blend of stimulants, and while Gorilla Mode Pre-Workout does have a moderate dose of caffeine, it also contains l-citrulline and glycerol, two ingredients that are crucial in the best pump pre-workouts. Our tester certainly felt the effects, saying, “I definitely noticed a heightened focus shortly after taking it, and I had a good pump.”

Gorilla Mode Pre-Workout also contains Alpha-GPC and Huperzine A, which are intended to promote cognitive function and enhance your mental focus. Combined with caffeine, these ingredients can provide a nice mental and physical boost in the gym, especially for those who want a little extra motivation and focus for a PR-setting workout. 

It’s also available in 13 unique flavors; however, our tester found Gorilla Mode to be overly sweet, rating it a 3 out of 5 on taste. He said, “It’s very sweet, you can definitely taste the artificial sweetener. Also, because it doesn’t mix very well, it tastes pretty gritty while drinking it.” We wouldn’t recommend this to anyone who wants an exceptionally smooth, satisfying pre-workout, rating it a 3 out of 5 for solubility.

Taste and solubility aside, our tester enjoyed the effects. While he found the taste a bit underwhelming, he said this gave him added focus in the gym.

We also love that there’s no beta-alanine in this pre-workout. While beta-alanine has some performance benefits, it’s also the ingredient that causes the itching, tingling sensation many experience after taking a pre-workout supplement. Some may prefer that, but it can be a little uncomfortable. 

Finally, we love that Gorilla Mode uses third-party testing, which helps ensure the label is accurate, and the product is free of banned ingredients. While it’s not tested by one of the major organizations, like Informed Choice, Gorilla Mode provides a certificate of analysis from Dyad Labs for each main ingredient in its pre-workout, so we trust that the label is accurate. We rate it a 4.5 out of 5 for third-party testing.

What Are Customers Saying

This pre-workout has 5,788 reviews on the Gorilla Mode website and earned 4.7 out of 5 stars overall.

“I’ve tried this and and the non-stim version and I have to say, that extra bit of caffeine really helps extend my workouts. I tend to find myself longer at the gym and able to squeeze in another set when I use this. No weird tingling affect either.”

“Not only have I really liked all the flavors I’ve tried so far, but the performance boost Gorilla Mind pre-workout gives me is phenomenal. It’s a nice leveled out and sustained effect that gets me through my workouts and doesn’t leave me jittery or feel like I’m going to crash. It’s the perfect balance of ingredients that work in all the ways I need them to in one balanced dose.”

Read our full Gorilla Mode Pre-Workout Review.