The 9 Best Pre-Workout Supplements for Men in 2025, RD-Reviewed

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 dietitian nutritionist and our supplement testing methodology, we broke down a few of the key features you’ll want in a pre-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 2025 

• 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

Nine flavors to choose from

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 are 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, who rates the formulation at 4.25 out of 5. “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.”

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) However, AlphaSize is an example of a proprietary blend, which Bourgeois notes as a main reason for the less-than-perfect formulation score.

In terms of taste, our tester, a certified personal trainer, scores this impressive pre-workout at 4 out of 5. “My Blue Raspberry sample was enjoyable, and I appreciated the lack of that ‘artificial’ flavor you get with other Blue Raspberry taste,” they note. “I attribute this to Transparent Labs’ dedication to abstaining from artificial sweeteners, fillers, and coloring agents.”

Our tester also commented on the larger scoop size, which measures in at 20.8 grams of powder. Despite this, though, Transparent Labs BULK earns a 5 out of 5 for solubility. “The powder practically disappears in my best shaker bottle, and there’s no residue or unwanted clumps when you go to take a sip,” they add.

Read our full Transparent Labs BULK Review.

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

Pros

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

Budget-friendly at less than $1 per serving

Wide range of flavors

Cons

Other pre-workouts have more l-citrulline

Two scoops may be too caffeinated for some

Why We Like It

If you’re looking for the best pump pre-workout that can provide an extra edge for muscle growth, then the combination of blood-flow-supporting ingredients in Jacked Factory Nitro Surge 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)

During intense workouts and training sessions, 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)

Other pre-workout ingredients for pumps featured in this formulation include beta-alanine and l-citrulline, although Chelsea Ra Bourgeois, registered dietitian nutritionist and our expert reviewer, states that these inclusions are somewhat underdosed. “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 3 grams per scoop,” she notes in reference to her 3.75-out-of-5 formulation rating.

What this pre-workout doesn’t lack in, though, is flavor. Our tester, a USA Weightlifting Level-2 instructor, scores Nitro Surge at 5 out of 5. “I tested an Amazon-special Strawberry Margarita offering, and it transported me directly to a poolside lounge. It’s a great sip that I wouldn’t mind keeping stock of for future use.”

Additionally, Matt Cummings, BarBend expert reviewer and certified personal trainer, states, “I score the solubility at 5 out of 5. It took just a few seconds to make a proper beverage, and I only noticed a bit of settling after leaving my shaker on the counter for a few minutes. A quick shimmy of the bottle, though, and it was back to normal.”

We also appreciate that Jacked Factory includes dosages for one- and two-scoop servings on the container for added transparency. Be mindful, though, that two scoops equates to 360 milligrams of caffeine, which is close to the FDA-recommend daily limit of 400 milligrams. (24)

Read our full Jacked Factory Nitrosurge Review.

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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

Some flavors can taste artificial, per our tester

Why We Like It

Are the best non-stim pre-workouts not cutting it anymore? Are you looking for a slight boost without a major post-workout crash? The 150 milligrams of caffeine in XWERKS Ignite may just be the Goldilocks dosage 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 without inhibiting my athletic performance.”

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.

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 6 to 8 grams is ideal, but Ignite only contains 3 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 catches a bit of an artificial aftertaste and docks it 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 our full XWERKS Ignite Pre-Workout Review.

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

Pros

Contains acetyl l-carnitine and iodine to support weight loss

No artificial flavors or sweeteners

Eight different flavors to choose from

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 looking to lose weight, training and nutrition go hand in hand. To bridge that gap and support your workouts with increased energy while still promoting weight loss, Transparent Labs LEAN shares some ingredients commonly found in the best fat burners, like acetyl l-carnitine and iodine. (15)

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)

As impressive as these ingredients are, though, Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, our expert reviewer, points out that other additives are somewhat underdosed in comparison to current research. “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. “Plus, 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) As such, we rate the formulation at 4 out of 5.

This dietary supplement is also somewhat complicated when it comes to blending procedures. “There’s a grainy texture to this pre-workout, which may be off-putting to some,” says our tester, a certified personal trainer, who rates the solubility at 4 out of 5. “I could still drink it without issues, but I couldn’t get the powder to blend perfectly regardless of my water content.”

Like other Transparent Labs products, including some of the best protein powders, creatine supplements, and BCAA powders, LEAN pre-workout is third-party tested by Informed Choice. We score the pre-workout at 5 out of 5 for the category since the certifying organization is well-regarded in the supplement realm, and carrying that stamp of approval can be a quick way to ensure this product is free of unwanted additives or banned substances — what you see on the label is what you get.

Read our full Transparent Labs LEAN Review.

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

Pros

Affordable price per serving

Available in 30- and 60-serving containers

No crashing effects, per our tester

Cons

High-stim makeup is not for everyone

Fewer flavors available

No added BCAAs for hydration assistance

Why We Like It

Pre-workouts can range in price, especially when targeting high-quality pre-workout products with researched-backed dosages of popular ingredients. One of the best cheap pre-workouts, though, is Nutricost Pre-X — a wallet friendly powder that offers plenty of energy-boosting perks along with third-party certification.

We rate the value at 4.5 out of 5 for this pre-workout option given its low cost per serving. Plus, this is one of the few powders that’s offered in multiple container sizes. If you’re looking for the most bang for your buck, we recommend looking at the 60-serving container with costs starting at roughly $0.63 per serving.

“I’d score Nutricost Pre-X a 3.75 out of 5 for its formula,” notes 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 6 to 8 grams, though there’s no ideal dosage, according to Bourgeois. (6) We do like, though, that the formulation is third-party tested, although Nutricost doesn’t supply additional information who provided the qualifying stamp of approval.

Nutricost Pre-X is available in five flavor varieties — a smaller roster than other pre-workouts we’ve trialed — but our tester, a USA Weightlifting Level-2 instructor, says the taste is a definite win with this powder. “I love the Blue Raspberry flavoring and have always admired how easily Nutricost products go down,” they say in reference to their 5-out-of-5 taste rating.

Our tester also notes that despite the high caffeine count of 300 milligrams, this pre-workout didn’t leave them with a heavy crash post-workout. “It does kick in quickly, but I didn’t feel sluggish after working out,” they add. “However, I do have a high stimulant tolerance, so this formulation may leave others with some jitters.” Accordingly, we rate the overall effects at 4 out of 5.

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Best Tasting Pre-Workout for Men: Legion Pulse

Pros

22 available flavors

Offered in caffeine-free formulations for stim-averse athletes

Zero artificial sweeteners, flavors, or color dyes

Cons

May cause skin tingling for some

Expensive when compared to other pre-workouts

Natural sweeteners can create an unpleasant aftertaste

Why We Like It

With 22 available flavors to choose from, Legion Pulse definitely caters to a wide range of taste buds. It’s not just about quantity here, though. Legion Pulse earns the mark of “best tasting” for its quality, too. “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, who rates the taste at 4 out of 5. “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)(24) “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.”

Overall, she is impressed with the all-natural lineup that still incorporates classic pre-workout ingredients — it’s clear why Pulse is one of the best natural pre-workouts on the market today. “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.

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, prompting a 2 out of 5 value score from our tester, a certified personal trainer.

Read our full Legion Pulse Pre-Workout Review.

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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

Only two flavors available

Just 14 servings in each container

Why We Like It

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 among its active ingredients to kickstart 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 Strawberry Lemonade flavor, a definite 5-out-of-5. Just make sure you’re drinking it cold. It’s a lot better that way.”

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

Pros

Formulation is completely void of caffeine

Contains sodium to promote hydration

Taste is perfectly sweet and tart, per our tester

Cons

Fewer flavors than other pre-workouts

Contains proprietary blends

May be too expensive for some budgets

Why We Like It

If the caffeine in many pre-workouts leaves you feeling jittery or anxious, 1st Phorm Endura-Formance has you covered. This pre-workout 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 my cardio workouts at home, but I’ve pretty much started taking it before all of my training sessions,” they say, scoring its effects at 5 out of 5. “It’s particularly great for endurance, though, since it has a solid 195 milligrams of sodium.”

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 note, rating its taste at 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, similar to other 1st Phorm products we’ve tested such as 1st Phorm Opti-Greens 50. One 30-serving container costs $44.99, which is about $1.50 per serving. You can definitely find products both cheaper and costlier than this pick, earning it a 3.5 out of 5 for overall value.

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

Pros

Formulation features no artificial sweeteners, flavors, or dyes

Stim and non-stim options available

Certified vegan

Cons

Limited flavor options

Small dose of creatine monohydrate

No nitric oxide boosters for muscle pump benefits

Why We Like It

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 we’ve tested, period. This pre-workout leaves artificial flavors, color dyes, fillers, and sweeteners behind and is primarily composed of some of the best natural pre-workout ingredients like betaine and cane sugar.

After analyzing its ingredient list, our expert reviewer Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, M.S., RDN, LD, is impressed and rates the formulation at 3.75 out of 5. “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. (24) 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, too. “It feels like a great pick-me-up,” she says, rating its overall effects at 5 out of 5. “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.”

“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.

While Naked Nutrition does feature third-party testing on some of the brand’s products, like Naked Whey, we can’t find any evidence of independent testing for Naked Energy. That said, given Naked Energy’s all-natural, simple ingredient list and absence of artificial components, we rate it at 2 out of 5 for the category.

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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)
• Improved Cognition: Many of the best pre-workouts for men also include ingredients designed to help improve cognitive function and focus, while tackling your workouts every day. For example, studies have shown that alpha-GPC, a common pre-workout ingredient, may influence focus and improve explosive performance. (4)
• 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.

• Caffeine: Caffeine provides energy but it can also cause side effects, like anxiety, diarrhea, and rapid heart rate. (2) In fact, a meta-analysis of studies about caffeine found that to avoid any reduction in total sleep time, a standard serving of pre-workout (about 217 grams) should be taken about 13 hours before bed — also known as the morning. (22)
• Beta-Alanine: While beta-alanine may help improve muscular endurance and possibly power, some people find the tingling sensation that can arise from those high doses to be uncomfortable and may want to search for a pre-workout with little to none of it in the lineup. (14)
• Citrulline: While some research has indicated that the amino acid l-citrulline may boost nitric oxide production, thereby enhancing the blood flow to active muscles, the specific dose is not ironclad. (6) Generally, the best citrulline supplements contain six to eight grams.
• Creatine: Research indicates that when the recommended dosage of 5 grams of creatine is taken consistently over time, creatine can reduce lactic acid build-up during resistance exercise, which would suggest that it can improve endurance. (17) There are other pros and cons of creatine including cognitive function, muscle strength, and more.
• Sweeteners: Most pre-workout supplements contain some kind of sweetener, like stevia, monk fruit extract, or sucralose. When possible, we recommend a natural sweetener, as artificial sweeteners can cause stomach unrest for some, according to Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, RDN.

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.

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. 

If you are trying to compare coffee versus pre-workout, 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. 

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.

You should also take your other supplements into consideration when deciding on a pre-workout. For example, many of the best creatine supplements can already provide researched-backed servings of the valuable compound, so it may be less important to opt for a creatine-containing pre-workout formula if you’re already supplementing with a standalone creatine product.

Banned Substances and Third-Party Testing

We value formulations that actually include what’s in their ingredients lists and feel you should, as well. An easy way to confirm this during your purchasing adventure is to look for pre-workouts with third-party testing stamps of approval. These certifications can also be beneficial for competitive athletes that need to abide by strict governing agencies.

If you’re looking to steer clear of banned substances, sticking to third-party-approved pre-workouts can be a safe bet. As always, though, make sure to stay up to date on your governing body’s list of banned ingredients and make sure your pre-workout powder matches the restrictions.

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.

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 $0.63 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	$1.67
Best Pre-Workout for Men for Muscle Pumps	Jacked Factory Nitro Surge	$0.93
Best Pre-Workout for Men with Caffeine	XWERKS Ignite	$1.63
Best Pre-Workout for Men for Weight Loss	Transparent Labs LEAN	$1.67
Best Budget Pre-Workout for Men	Nutricost Pre-X	Starting at $0.63
Best Tasting Pre-Workout for Men	Legion Pulse	$2.25
Strongest Pre-Workout for Men	Gainful Pre-Workout (High-Intensity)	$2.07
Best Non-Stim Pre-Workout for Men	1st Phorm Endura-Formance	$1.50
Best All-Natural Pre-Workout for Men	Naked Nutrition Naked Energy	$0.90

Best Pre-Workouts for Men FAQs

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