9 Best Pre-Workout Supplements for Men in 2024, Reviewed by RD

Sifting through the best pre-workout supplements is overwhelming even for bodybuilders and powerlifters, much less the average guy just looking to pound out a few more reps. According to one study, men who regularly use pre-workouts do so for three reasons — more energy and focus, muscular endurance, and blood flow or “pump.” (1) The best pre-workouts for men support these outcomes with research-backed dosages of ingredients like caffeine, creatine, citrulline, or beta-alanine. But what do these actually do to your body? 

That’s where we come in. With the help of a registered dietician nutritionist, we broke down a few of the key features you’ll want in a workout to achieve your desired effects. Does a strong hit of caffeine help you knock out more reps? Are you trying to shed a little weight before a competition? Or do you just want a pre-workout that tastes like a mojito? Read on to learn a bit more about common ingredients, clinically-backed dosages, and just which pre-workout is best for you, man.

The 9 Best Pre-Workouts for Men of 2024 

• Best Pre-Workout for Men Overall: Transparent Labs BULK
• Best Pre-Workout for Men for Muscle Pumps: Jacked Factory Nitro Surge
• Best Pre-Workout for Men with Caffeine: XWERKS Ignite
• Best Pre-Workout for Men for Weight Loss: Transparent Labs LEAN
• Best Budget Pre-Workout for Men: Nutricost Pre-X
• Best Tasting Pre-Workout for Men: Legion Pulse
• Strongest Pre-Workout for Men: Gainful Pre-Workout (High Intensity)
• Best Non-Stim Pre-Workout for Men: 1st Phorm Endura-Formance
• Best All-Natural Pre-Workout for Men: Naked Nutrition Naked Energy

Medical Disclaimer: 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.

Video Review

Join BarBend expert tester Jake Herod, NASM-CNC, and registered dietician nutritionist Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, MS, RDN, LD, as they share some of the best men’s pre-workout supplements.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LPHvsGCsucM

Best Pre-Workout for Men Overall: Transparent Labs BULK

Pros

Helps promote muscle gain and focus  

Informed Choice Certified 

12 different flavors

Cons

May cause skin tingling

Not ideal for caffeine sensitivity

Contains proprietary blends

Why We Like It

The 17 ingredients on the Transparent Labs BULK label is a who’s who of pre-workout powerhouses, with highlights including caffeine, beta-alanine, and citrulline malate, to name a few. Its hearty dose of caffeine (roughly equal to two cups of coffee) can boost energy levels, and the taurine (1.3 grams) and L-alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine may help enhance focus and provide a pump. (2)(3)(4)

The hefty doses of key ingredients earned praise from our expert reviewer, Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, M.S., RDN, LD. “Transparent Labs BULK pre-workout packs in the citrulline malate with 8 grams per serving, which is on the upper end of what research has shown beneficial to exercise performance. Same with the beta alanine — you get 4 grams per serving. Talk about bang for your buck.”

[Related: Best Supplements for Muscle Growth]

Beta-alanine has been shown to increase resistance training performance by supporting an increase in carnosine, which leads to increased muscular endurance. However it has been reported to produce the skin-tingling sensation known as paresthesia. (5)

Citrulline malate, meanwhile, can work to aid recovery and potentially support increased blood flow by prompting an increase in nitric oxide, helping to provide a muscle pump. (6) 

“Increasing circulation to muscles is vital to performance, endurance, and recovery,” notes Dr. Jennie Stanford, MD, FAAFP, DipABOM.

The lineup of ingredients is (for the most part) just that — transparent — and its formula is Informed Choice certified. The inclusion of patented AlphaSize, which is alpha-GPC, may also help improve focus and motivation. (7)

While Bourgeois rated BULK’s overall formula a 4.25 out of 5 and appreciated the L-citrulline and beta-alanine, those proprietary blends gave her pause. “BULK contains a list of rockstar ingredients, but some are proprietary blends so you don’t really know how much of each ingredient you get in the blend.” 

The 12 available flavors, including Strawberry Kiwi Raspberry Mojito, Blue Raspberry, Peach Rainbow, and Blue Raspberry, earn a 5 out of 5 for taste from one BarBend tester, a certified nutrition coach and personal trainer. “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.”

Another member of the team, also a certified personal trainer, adds that all it takes to get a even blend is a quick shake after dumping a scoop in their shaker bottle. “You can barely even tell there was powder in there,” they point out, rating its solubility 5 out of 5. “I also love the caffeine content — 180 milligrams helps me get locked in without feeling jittery or wired.”

Read More

Read our full Transparent Labs BULK Review.

Best Pre-Workout for Men for Muscle Pumps: Jacked Factory Nitro Surge

Pros

Contains  L-citrulline, beta-alanine, and betaine for pump

Budget-friendly

14 flavor options

Cons

Others have more l-citrulline

High caffeine content

Why We Like It

If you’re looking for a pump that can provide an extra edge for muscle growth, then the combination of blood-flow-supporting ingredients in the Jacked Factory Nitro Surge formula may be able to help. Each scoop of Nitro Surge contains betaine, beta-alanine, and L-citrulline, which can help work to increase nitric oxide production in the body, resulting in increased blood flow to active muscles. (8) 

[Related: Best Nitric Oxide Supplements]

During intense workouts, water and blood are drawn into those active muscles as lactic acid begins to build up, so the increased nitric oxide can help it along. (9) The creatine in the Nitro Surge formula can also allow additional water to be pulled into the muscles, possibly enhancing your pump even further. (10)

“Helping your body get rid of excess lactic acid is one of the best ways to promote muscle recovery,” says Dr. Jennie Stanford, MD, FAAFP, DipABOM.

Being able to mix in a single scoop or double scoop gives you a measured way to explore how your body might react to the ingredients. “Since you can do a one- or two-scoop serving, this would be good for someone just starting to use a pre-workout,” says our tester, rating the effects of Nitro Surge a 4 out of 5. “I use some pretty strong pre-workouts, and I still got a bit of a muscle pump boost from the two-scoop serving.”

Research suggests that the pumps our testers experienced when they used Nitro Surge may trigger protein synthesis, which could result in muscle gain. (9) 

[Related: 7 Pre-Workout Ingredients You Can Take for a Better Pump]

When our expert reviewer, Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, M.S., R.D.N, L.D., reviewed the lineup of ingredients, she rates it a 3.75 out of 5 and noted its caffeine dosage. “I am a fan of the moderate caffeine content. Each serving provides as much as 180 milligrams, so around two cups of coffee.”  

Two areas where Nitro Surge stood out during testing were its 14 available flavors and very affordable price — both get a 5 out of 5 from our testers. “I wanted to pour the Strawberry Margarita over ice and sip it by the pool. I could drink it all day long,” says one of them, a certified personal trainer. 

BarBend editorial member Matt Cummings also rates its solubility 5 out of 5. “After about 10 seconds of shaking, it mixes up smoothly,” he says. “If you leave it sitting, of course it will settle a bit, but I just give it a quick shake before each sip.”

For those using one scoop, the $0.87 per serving would be lower than the average range we typically see in pre-workouts — $1 to $2. Just remember to double that price if you end up using two scoops per serving.

Read More

Read our full Jacked Factory Nitrosurge Review.

Best Pre-Workout for Men with Caffeine: XWERKS Ignite

Pros

Contains 150 milligrams of caffeine

L-tyrosine and Rhodiola rosea may promote mental clarity

The beta-alanine can support endurance

Cons

Can cause skin tingling

Not third-party tested

Tastes artificial

Why We Like It

If you find yourself hitting your mental and physical stride midway through your second cup of coffee, XWERKS Ignite can help you reach that level just before your workout (11).

A typical cup has around 80 to 100 milligrams of caffeine, so if you go back and forth between non-stim vs. stim pre-workouts, the 150 milligrams in this formula may just be the Goldilocks amount for you. It is for our tester, a certified personal trainer, who rates the effects of this pre-workout powder a 5 out of 5. “I just feel great energy and focus during my workout,” they say. “Just a minor case of the tingles, which is about perfect.”

That mental clarity could come courtesy of L-tyrosine, an amino acid, and Rhodiola rosea, an herb that has been shown to improve focus during stressful situations — like heavy lifts. (12)(13)

After taking a look at the caffeine content, our expert reviewer, Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, M.S., RDN, LD, appreciates that XWERKS doesn’t overdo it. “If you can tolerate a cup of coffee without any negative side effects, chances are you can tolerate the caffeine in this pre-workout,” she says.

Known to enhance muscular endurance, 1.5 grams of beta-alanine can also help your body achieve homeostasis as it loses water and minerals while you sweat. It may also produce the hallmark skin-tingling sensation common to pre-workouts. (5)(14) “I feel a bit of tingling from the beta-alanine, but my energy is great,” our tester says.

[Related: Ultimate Guide to Pre-Workouts]

However, Bourgeois calls out the dosages of the key ingredients — like beta-alanine. “While I like that Ignite contains citrulline malate to support blood flow, I wish it contained more. Research shows six to eight grams is ideal, but Ignite only contains three grams,” she explains, rating its overall formula 2.5 out of 5. 

Two of the flavors earn a 5 out of 5 from our tester. “Both Green Apple and Watermelon are delicious — not too sweet.” However, another member of the catches a bit of an artificial aftertaste and docks it a a point. “You can always dilute it with water, but I think it tastes really sweet — like, unnaturally sweet,” they explain. “Taste gets a 4 out of 5 from me.”

Read More

Read our full XWERKS Ignite Pre-Workout Review.

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

Pros

Contains ingredients found in the best fat burners

No artificial flavors or sweeteners.

Eight available flavors

Cons

High caffeine content 

Doesn’t mix well

Why We Like It

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.

When you’re searching for the best pre-workout for men’s weight loss, you can’t get past the need of a calorie deficit — expending more calories than you’re consuming. But to support your weight loss endeavors, Transparent Labs LEAN shares some ingredients commonly found in fat burners, like acetyl-L-carnitine. (15)

Also, the inclusion of iodine may support thyroid health, and thyroid function is central to weight management. (16) Research has indicated that as you lose weight, your thyroid can reduce its hormone production and slow your overall metabolism. (17)

Our expert reviewer, Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, MS, RDN, LD, also highlights the iodine and zinc after scouring the label. “I’m a fan of its vitamin and mineral profile. You’re getting a hefty dose of zinc, copper, selenium, and iodine with every scoop.” 

She points out that while the dosages of active ingredients for blood flow — L-citrulline and beta-alanine — are clinically backed, they are on the low end of the recommended ranges. “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,” she explains.

[Related: Best Pre-Workouts for Weight Loss]

“Each dose of Transparent Labs Lean provides 6 grams of citrulline malate. It’s been proven to be a nitric oxide enhancer, but…most research points to a recommended 6 to 8 grams per dose,” she adds.  (6) The overall formula earns a 4 out of 5 from Bourgeois, but she appreciates that Transparent Labs had its profile third-party tested and is Informed Choice certified.

In addition to the boost of nitric oxide, one member of the BarBend team, a former Olympian, appreciates the mental clarity it can offer. “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.

When they mix up a serving, it doesn’t typically blend completely smoothly. “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 score its solubility 4 out of 5, but taste rings up a 5 out of 5. “The Sour Grape flavor is a bit more sour than grape, but I appreciate that it’s not overly sweet,” our tester says. “I also try my best to avoid artificial sweeteners, so I also love that it uses Stevia.“

Read More

Read our full Transparent Labs LEAN Review.

Best Budget Pre-Workout for Men: Nutricost Pre-X

Pros

Budget-friendly price

Available in bulk

Third-party tested

Cons

High dose of caffeine

Only three flavor options

Contains sucralose 

Why We Like It

Unfortunately, pre-workout supplements aren’t the cheapest products. Some can cost well over $50 for 30 servings. But that doesn’t mean you need to spend tons of money for a high-quality product. For those shopping on a budget, we recommend Nutricost Pre-X pre-workout. At only $0.83 per serving, this one earned a 5 out of 5 rating in the cost category. Plus, you can subscribe to recurring deliveries and save 10% to 15% of the list price.

“I’d score Nutricost Pre-X a 3.75 out of 5 for its formula,” according to Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, RDN. “It contains powerful ingredients, but the doses of some miss the mark just a bit.” It has a lot of caffeine, specifically. It also falls a little short of the ideal L-citrulline serving, as research suggests you need at least six to eight grams, though there’s no ideal dosage, according to Bourgeois. (6)

Both of members of the BarBend team are satisfied with the flavor, rating it a 5 out of 5. “I really liked the Blue Razz flavor, especially when it’s cold,” one tester says. “It’s easy to drink and I remember enjoying the watermelon, too, in the past.”

Mixing it up in their shaker bottle is generally easy breezy, as well, save for a few stubborn grains of powder. “I don’t ever notice any clumping,” one tester say, scoring its solubility 4 out of 5. “But when I shake it in a regular water bottle, though, I do see a small amount of floaties at the bottom.”

After sipping a single scoop, our testers definitely felt the effects, especially on an empty stomach. Both noticed increased energy and some pre-workout jitters. “This hits me pretty quickly when I don’t eat beforehand,” one tester says. “But it’s steady throughout my workout, I don’t feel any come down later — just sustainable, focused energy.”

Read More

Best Tasting Pre-Workout for Men: Legion Pulse

Pros

21 available flavors

Available with or without caffeine

Zero artificial sweeteners, flavors, or color dyes

Cons

Causes skin tingling

Pricey per serving

Has large caffeine dose

Why We Like It

If 21 choices for flavor aren’t enough, it may be a “you” problem. Just kidding. But from classics like Pink Lemonade and Grape to more unique tastes like Frosted Cranberry and Rainbow Sherbet, we think most people should be able to find a flavor of Legion Athletics Pulse to enjoy. While our testers land on a 4 out of 5 for overall taste, the sheer variety and impossibility of flavor fatigue are what intrigued us.

“It’s a sweet pre-workout, and I don’t necessarily hold the bitter aftertaste against it,” says one BarBend tester, a Level-2 USA Weightlifting coach. “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.”

The caffeine is roughly equivalent to 3.5 cups of coffee, so after scrutinizing its formula, our expert reviewer, Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, M.S., RDN, LD, highlights those aspects. (11) “I love that Legion Pulse is available with or without caffeine, and there’s no added sugar, food dyes, or other chemicals,” she says. “Plus, It’s third-party tested for safety, giving you that extra peace of mind.”

[Related: The 7 Best Betaine Supplements]

Overall, she is impressed with the all-natural lineup that still incorporated classic pre-workout ingredients.“While Pulse doesn’t contain any creatine, it does have citrulline malate, beta-alanine, and betaine anhydrous to support muscle mass, endurance, and recovery,” she adds, rating its formulation 4.5 out of 5. “Legion Pulse [earns] high marks for its natural ingredients, all of which serve a purpose.” 

“To keep the product natural, Legion uses Stevia leaf extract and erythritol as sweeteners,” adds one BarBend testers, a certified health coach. “That can sometimes create a bit of an aftertaste, which I definitely get.”

It’s worth noting, though, that the beta-alanine dose is enough to potentially cause one’s skin to tingle, which may not feel great to all athletes. (14) “I like the one-to-one ratio of caffeine and l-theanine because the caffeine content here is high,” one member of the BarBend team says. “But the l-theanine balances it out so you don’t feel jittery or over-stimulated.”

We do like how smoothly it dissolves and it earns a 5 out of 5 for solubility, leaving zero clumps or sediment. And while we love all-natural ingredients, you are going to have to pay for them. At $2.25 per serving, Pulse exceeds the average range for pre-workouts by 25 cents, prompting a 2 out of 5 value score from our tester, a certified personal trainer.

Read More

Read our full Legion Pulse Pre-Workout Review.

Strongest Pre-Workout for Men: Gainful Pre-Workout (High-Intensity)

Pros

Contains 200 milligrams of caffeine and 5 grams of creatine

Natural stevia leaf sweetener

Per our tester, Strawberry Lemonade is delicious

Cons

Dosage of creatine could be too high for some users

Only two flavors available

Just 14 servings in each container

Like their other supplements, Gainful Pre-Workout’s formulation is customizable. You can choose between three varieties — Moderate Intensity, Moderate Intensity + Creatine, and High Intensity + Creatine. Bet you can’t guess which is their strongest pre-workout. That third option combines heavy dosages of creatine (5 grams), L-citrulline (4 grams), and beta-alanine (1.5 grams). Plus, each serving packs in 200 milligrams of caffeine to kick start your workout.

After evaluating the formula, BarBend expert reviewer Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, RDN, highlights its customization. “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. There aren’t any artificial ingredients or an outrageous amount of sugar in their formula,” she says. “It’s easy to wish for more variety in the available customizations, but there aren’t many products out there that offer customization at all, let alone at this price point.”

She does note, however, that the dosages may not quite hit what she typically recommends, earning its formulation a 3 out of 5. “I appreciate the flexibility it offers customers,” she says. “However, a few of their primary ingredients leave you wanting just a bit more to get closer to clinically-backed doses.”

One ingredient that does meet the clinically-backed dosage is creatine. “It’s hard enough to get going in the morning without having to remember separate scoops for your pre-workout and creatine,” says our tester, a certified personal trainer. “I love getting both in one here.”

Taste-wise, Gainful may be a game-changer for our tester. “Not going to lie — I usually dread the taste of pre-workout,” they say. “But I really like the Strawbery Lemonade flavor, a definite 5-out-of-5. Just make sure you’re drinking it cold. It’s a lot better that way.”

Best Non-Stim Pre-Workout for Men: 1st Phorm Endura-Formance

Pros

Caffeine-free option available.

Contains sodium to promote hydration

Testers loved the taste

Cons

Lacks citrulline 

Contains proprietary blends

Not budget-friendly

Why We Like It

If the caffeine in many pre-workouts leaves you feeling jittery or anxious, 1st Phorm Endura-Formance has you covered. As one of the best non-stim pre-workouts we’ve used, it ditches caffeine entirely, while still providing clinically-backed doses of beta-alanine and betaine. Its formula also includes sodium — a key electrolyte lost when we sweat — and creatine, which may slow lactic acid build up and delay muscle fatigue so you can push harder. (18)

“Endura-Formance scores a 4.25 out of 5 for its formulations, with high marks for the scientific-backed doses and deductions for the multiple proprietary blends,” according to Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, RDN.

After testing out this caffeine-free pre-workout, our tester, a triathlete, highlights the types of workouts they find it most useful for. “I use it for cardio, but I’ve pretty much started taking it before all of my workouts,” they say, scoring its effects 5 out of 5. “It’s particularly great for endurance, though, since it has a solid 195 milligrams of sodium.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XW7ubnaMY5o

[Related: Creatine Benefits]

Another area where our tester feels a boost is in the flavor department. “I don’t say this lightly — the Berry Lemonade was one of the best-tasting supplements I’ve tried,” they say, rating its taste 4.5 out of 5. “It’s not too sweet, and just a little tart — a perfect combo.”

Endura-Formance sits pretty middle-of-the-road where price is concerned. One 30-serving container costs $44.99, which is about $1.49. You can definitely find products both cheaper and costlier than this pick, earning it a 3.5 out of 5 for cost.

Read More

Best All-Natural Pre-Workout for Men: Naked Nutrition Naked Energy

Pros

All-natural formula without artificial sweeteners, flavors, and dyes

Stim and non-stim options

Certified vegan and third-party tested

Cons

Only four available flavors

If you’re watching your sugar intake, know that the flavored options contain added natural cane sugar.

The all-natural lineup of Naked Nutrition Naked Energy is not just our pick for the best all-natural option for men, it’s one of the best natural pre-workouts (and one of the healthiest pre-workouts for men) we’ve tested. This pre-workout leaves artificial flavors, color dyes, fillers, and sweeteners behind (though it does include natural cane sugar in the Citrus and flavored options).

After analyzing its ingredient list, our expert reviewer Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, M.S., RDN, LD, is impressed. “I love that this pre-workout only contains 10 ingredients — all vegan-friendly and gluten-free, GMO-free, dairy-free, and soy-free,” she says. “It provides a hefty dose of vitamin C and a 200-milligram dose of caffeine — not to mention a small dose of creatine to boost exercise performance all that much more.”

This formula does pack 200 milligrams of caffeine, which is more than your average coffee. Fortunately, Naked Energy has a stimulant-free option, making it a healthy option for men who prefer to minimize caffeine intake.

Our tester, a certified personal trainer, appreciates the smaller amounts of beta-alanine and creatine. “It feels like a great pick-me-up,” she says, rating its overall effects a 5 out of 5 rating. “It’s similar to drinking a large cup of coffee and I don’t notice many tingles, either.” Meanwhile, Bourgeois rates its formula 3.75 for those lower amounts, saying, “It has a fairly low dose of L-arginine.”

[Related: Best Natural Pre-Workout Ingredients]

“This pre-workout tastes fantastic,” they say, scoring overall taste 5 out of 5. “I don’t think the Citrus was overly sweet and I like that the Unflavored was truly flavorless, so you can mix it with a sports drink. It also mixes up completely clear, which is pretty remarkable,” they add, giving its solubility a matching score of 5 out of 5. “I’ve honestly never seen that in a pre-workout before.”

We can’t find any evidence of independent testing, but given Naked Energy’s all-natural simple ingredient list and absence of artificial components, we rate its third-party testing category 2 out of 5.

Read More

How We Tested and Chose the Best Pre-Workouts for Men

Whether you’re a man looking to bulk up, lose weight, or just want the most delicious, best pre-workout drink for men, the BarBend team of certified personal trainers, USA Weightlifting coaches, and nutrition coaches has the experience to separate quality pre-workouts from not-so-quality options. As we tested more than 70 pre-workouts, using our supplement testing methodology, here’s what we considered:

• Ingredients: We prioritized pre-workouts with researched-backed ingredients and doses. Following advice from Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, RDN, we did our best to avoid high levels of caffeine, proprietary blends, and artificial sweeteners. 
• Value: Many options on our list skew around $1.50 to $2 because we sought pre-workouts with high-quality ingredients in clinically-backed dosages. We think having a pre-workout that you are confident in is worth the extra cash.
• Third-Party Testing: Unfortunately, you can’t trust every brand’s formulas. That’s why we prioritized products that are third-party tested to help guarantee you’re getting accurate nutrition labels.
• Efficacy: After our testers tried each pre-workout supplement, we wanted to make sure it actually performed as promised. We paid close attention to our energy levels, jitters, and focus before and after taking each supplement.
• Dosage: The ingredients in a pre-workout are only going to be effective if they’re dosed sufficiently, which is why we put a premium on doses that are backed by the research. Here are the recommended daily dosages of common ingredients you’ll find on pre-workout labels.

Benefits of Pre-Workouts for Men

Men may want to include a pre-workout in their supplement regimen for a variety of reasons — from boosting energy to potentially aiding in recovery. A pre-workout can also help you push harder, achieve better pumps, or build muscle. We broke down some benefits in detail below.

• Increased Energy: One of the most common reasons for taking a pre-workout is the energy provided by caffeine. With the average cup of coffee, you’ll be ingesting around 80 to 100 milligrams of caffeine. (11) Most pre-workouts include around 180 to 200 milligrams (and sometimes up to 350 milligrams) per serving.
• Better Recovery: BCAAs and other amino acids are the building blocks of muscles, so having them readily available may help to improve your recovery time between workouts. (19) There have also been studies that suggest creatine may be helpful in muscle recovery, but that area may need a bit more research. (20)
• More Muscle: Research indicates that L-citrulline may help support blood flow to active muscles, so it is often included in pre-workout formulas to increase muscle endurance. (6) Some pre-workouts also have creatine or BCAAs, which can promote recovery or muscle protein synthesis. (20)(19)
• Better Pumps: Ingredients like beta-alanine, betaine, and L-citrulline, are all common ingredients that you’ll find in many pre-workouts. They all have the same aim — help promote blood flow and potentially provide better pumps. (21)

Key Ingredients in Pre-Workouts for Men

Not all ingredients are equally beneficial in pre-workouts. We don’t recommend products that don’t meet our standards for safety and efficacy, but with so many options available, you’ll need to know what you’re looking at when you check out the label on a pre-workout. 

If you’re wondering whether you can build a tolerance to any of these ingredients or just how they affect your body, check out our video below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pfmqVXrQXpQ

Here are a few of the common, key ingredients in pre-workouts for men, and how they can potentially provide a boost to your training.

How Much Do the Best Pre-Workouts for Men Cost?

Depending on the ingredients, doses, flavors, and even the size of the scoop, pre-workouts can range anywhere from $0.87 per serving to upwards of $3. While most options we’ve tested tend to stay around $1 to $2, there are plenty of exceptions. Use our chart to quickly see which of these pre-workouts fits with your budget.

Best Pre-Workout for Men Overall	Transparent Labs BULK	$1.49 per serving
Best Pre-Workout for Men for Muscle Pumps	Jacked Factory Nitro Surge	$0.87 per serving
Best Pre-Workout for Men with Caffeine	XWERKS Ignite	$1.63 per serving
Best Pre-Workout for Men for Weight Loss	Transparent Labs LEAN	$1.66 per serving
Best Budget Pre-Workout for Men	Nutricost Pre-X	$0.73 per serving
Best Tasting Pre-Workout for Men	Legion Pulse	$2.25 per serving
Strongest Pre-Workout for Men	Gainful Pre-Workout (High Intensity)	$1.85 per serving
Best Non-Stim Pre-Workout for Men	1st Phorm Endura-Formance	$1.50 per serving
Best All-Natural Pre-Workout for Men	Naked Nutrition Naked Energy	$1.50 per serving

What to Consider Before Buying a Pre-Workout for Men

Along with the key ingredients in the formula, there are important factors to consider when selecting a pre-workout. While most people may be familiar with the effects of caffeine, you may not be aware of how much or when certain ingredients may affect your performance. Check out a few of these considerations to make before choosing a pre-workout.

Your Fitness Needs

Pre-workouts contain a number of different ingredients, each with its own benefits. Once you’ve established some clear goals for your fitness journey, you can begin searching for a pre-workout that provides the proper dosages of the ingredients that best suit them.

[Related: When to Take Pre-Workout — What’s the Best Time to Drink Your Pre-Workout Mix?]

If you’re looking for pulsating muscle pumps, for example, look for the combo of L-citrulline and beta-alanine. (6)(5) Those in search of the focus or mental clarity to lock into a workout, meanwhile, will want a combo ( around a 2:1 ratio) of L-theanine and caffeine. (23) In a market brimming with options, clear goals can help you narrow down your search.

Caffeine Sensitivities

Although caffeine is a prominent ingredient in many pre-workouts, its impact varies from person to person. If you’re like most of humanity and drink coffee regularly, you may have a sense of how it affects you, but adding even more caffeine via a pre-workout could lead to some undesirable side effects. 

[Related: Coffee vs. Pre-Workout: Which Should You Use Before Your Workouts?]

If you are a coffee drinker, here’s a bit of context. The average cup of coffee contains roughly 80 to 100 milligrams of caffeine. (10) Well, if your pre-workout contains 200 milligrams of caffeine, that may be more or less than you need for the boost of energy and focus that’s right for you. 

While caffeine has been shown to promote muscular endurance, movement velocity and muscular strength, too much can also cause side effects like anxiety, diarrhea, and increased blood pressure. (2) Also consider the timing of your ingestion, as it can cause disruptions in your sleep cycles if it’s used too late in the day. (22)

Dosage

When you inspect the label on a pre-workout, make sure you see the ingredients you need, but then consider how much of each is in the formula. Across these options, you’ll find several commonalities on the label. 

[Related: The 8 Best Creatine Supplements for Men]

According to our expert reviewer Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, M.S., RDN, LD, common ingredients like beta-alanine or L-citrulline have clinically-backed effective doses or ranges to achieve maximum efficacy. 

Consulting a Physician

We always recommend consulting your physician before beginning any new supplement or workout routine — even if it’s one of the best pre-workout drinks for men. While we can report on our experiences and present you with the research, only a trained health professional should be making personal recommendations for you. 

A doctor or registered dietitian may be able to provide you with insight or perform tests to ensure that you’re not putting yourself at risk, especially when it comes to highly-caffeinated pre-workout formulas.

Best Pre-Workouts for Men FAQs

References

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