The Strongest Pre-Workouts of 2025, Our Favorites and Expert Picks

Many athletes turn to the best pre-workout supplements as tried-and-true secret weapons for in-gym success. After all, “pre-workout supplements are created to help you perform at your peak during your workouts,” says Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MD. However, some may need an extra sense of zip from their go-to powder, either due to a heightened caffeine tolerance or taxing training schedule that can’t be fueled via a standard fuel grade. Enter the strongest pre-workouts, high-stim concoctions designed to deliver the highest energy levels and stimulation for the sake of crushing your fitness goals.

When we classify a pre-workout as “strong,” we’re essentially referring to high-stim pre-workouts with elevated servings of common stimulants like caffeine. Naturally, then, there needs to be some research involved before you invest in a powder of your own. To help ensure your jitters are justified, we’ve tested over 100 different pre-workout formulations, using our supplement testing methodology to guide our examinations and formulated ratings. In these trials, we objectively and subjectively analyzed each powder, rating these pre-workouts in categories such as:

• Dosages: Are the listed serving sizes in accordance with recommended daily allowances? How much caffeine is in each serving, and where does it fall when compared to the recommended maximum daily intake of 400 milligrams. (1)
• Label Transparency: Are there any questions surrounding the listed ingredients? Has the formulation been approved by a third-party institution for banned substances?
• Solubility: Does the powder mix easily in a standard shaker bottle? Are there any noticeable clumps or residue?
• Taste: Are the available flavors enjoyable enough for repeat use? Are there any points of contention like bitterness or excessive sweetness?
• Value: Is the cost per serving justified when it comes to the pre-workout supplement’s performance benefits? Are there any available services for extra savings on future orders?

The BarBend team has helped connect over 1.6 million athletes with high-quality nutritional supplements over the years. If you’re in search of a high-octane pre-workout with clinically-researched dosages of key ingredients for better energy, focus, and performance, we’re confident that the following details can provide that much-needed spark to your supplement regimen.

The 8 Strongest Pre-Workouts of 2025

• Strongest Pre-Workout Overall: Transparent Labs BULK Black
• Strongest Natural Pre-Workout: Legion Pulse
• Strongest Pre-Workout on a Budget: Nutricost Pre-X
• Strongest Pre-Workout with Creatine: Gainful Pre-Workout (High-Intensity)
• Strongest Pre-Workout for Strength and Power: Jacked Factory Wick Mode
• Strongest Pre-Workout for Focus (Alpha-GPC): Onnit Alpha Brain
• Strongest Pre-Workout for Blood Flow and Pump: Gorilla Mind Gorilla Mode
• Strongest Pre-Workout for Taste: Ghost Legend All Out

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

Strongest Pre-Workouts Video Review

Join BarBend expert tester Jake Herod, NASM-CNC, and registered dietitian and nutritionist Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, MS, RDN, LD, as they walk through some of the strongest pre-workouts on the market.

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

Strongest Pre-Workout Overall: Transparent Labs BULK Black

Pros

High servings of caffeine and citrulline malate

Free of artificial dyes, flavors, sweeteners, preservatives

Third-party approved by Informed Choice

Cons

High beta-alanine counts can lead to excessive skin tingles

Less caffeine per serving than other high-stim pre-workouts we’ve tested

Stevia can potentially lead to GI distress in some athletes

Why We Like It

As BarBend expert reviewer Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, MS, RDN, LD puts it, “When you take BULK Black, you better have your game face on.” While this high-stimulant pre-workout doesn’t feature as much caffeine as other powders in this guide — which commonly feature caffeine content over 350 milligrams — this Transparent Labs offering is our favorite high-octane supplement. It scored highest overall of all the pre-workouts we tested, earning a perfect 5 out of 5 across categories thanks to its robust formulation, enjoyable flavor variety, and impressive transparency and third-party certification.

In addition to the 275 milligrams of caffeine, we also appreciated the 8,000 milligrams of citrulline malate per serving. This dietary amino acid has been linked to improved strength, muscular endurance, and aerobic performance — all helpful benefits in the best pre-workouts for men when trying to transition into training mode. (2) 

Additionally, each serving of BULK Black features 4,000 milligrams of beta alanine, which can help bolster high-intensity training. (4) However, this higher dosing can lead to more unwanted “tingles” that may be more of a distraction than a welcomed sensation. For a beta-alanine-free pre-workout formula, consider something like 4 Gauge Natural Pre-Workout.

We rate Transparent Labs BULK Black a perfect 5 out of 5 for the taste. “When trialing the Peach Mango offering, I was so impressed by the flavor that I actually wanted to sip it rather than gulp it down,” says our tester, a certified personal trainer. “It’s that good.” The solubility of this pre-workout powder also scores highly at 5 out of 5, as it blends easily in our shakers with no residue or gritty texture left post-mixing.

BULK Black also left our tester with no undesirable side effects, leading to a 5 out of 5 rating for the category. “I waited less than a half hour for it to kick in, and I had no energy dropoff afterward,” our tester says. However, this product is sweetened with stevia, and while this ingredient does help Transparent Labs maintain its, well, transparent makeup free of any artificial dyes, flavors, sweeteners, or preservatives, it can lead to some gastrointestinal distress in some athletes. (5) If you’re sensitive to stevia sweeteners, this may be a less ideal pre-workout for you.

Good for: Individuals wanting a clean, clinically-dosed pre-workout that can deliver elevated caffeine levels for better in-training energy.

Read More

Read our full Transparent Labs BULK Black Pre-Workout Review.

Strongest Natural Pre-Workout: Legion Pulse

Pros

Natural formulation free of artificial sweeteners, flavors, dyes, and fillers

Wide range of tasty, enjoyable flavors

Available in stim and non-stim profiles

Cons

Limited to 20 servings per container

Can leave a bitter aftertaste, depending on your personal tastebuds

Why We Like It

Pre-workouts get a bad reputation for being full of artificial sweeteners, colors, and ingredients. And in some cases, that’s warranted. But Legion’s Pulse couldn’t be more opposite. For those who want a strong, natural formula, this is a winner.

“I love that this product is tested by a third-party lab,” adds Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, MS, RDN, LD, who rates the formulation at 4.5 out of 5. “You know what’s advertised is what you get, and there’s total transparency in the formula. There are no proprietary blends, and all ingredients are backed by scientific research that Legion has linked to their website.”

According to our tester, a Level-2 USA Weightlifting coach, the taste is fairly enjoyable. Plus, you get 20 available flavor options, leading to a 4 out of 5 rating. “It’s a sweet pre-workout, and, 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 add. That said, though, some may experience a bitter aftertaste given the inclusion of stevia as a sweetening agent.

Additionally, we appreciate that Legion offers Pulse in a stim-free variety that’s free of any caffeine. This can be helpful for athletes looking to wean off the stimulant, or those that have a caffeine sensitivity. 

Regardless of your pick between the best non-stim pre-workouts and versions with plenty of jolt juice, Pulse has shown to be highly soluble. We score this pre-workout at 5 out of 5 for the category thanks to its simple mixability in any beverage of our choosing. Our only true issue with this pre-workout when it comes to blending is its lack of an unflavored option. This flavorless profile would allow us to mix the powder with other helpful supplements without fear of flavor cross contamination.

Be mindful, though, that this potent pre-workout is only available in 20-serving tubs. This means that daily supplementation will require frequent reordering and can be less ideal for those interested in bulk orders. For those wanting to purchase pre-workout in bulk, we recommend looking at Nutricost Pre-X.

Good for: Athletes wanting a natural pre-workout supplement free of any artificial flavors, sweeteners, or other additives.

Read More

Read our full Legion Pulse Pre-Workout Review.

Strongest Pre-Workout on a Budget: Nutricost Pre-X

Pros

Approachable costs per serving beginning at $0.63

300 milligrams of caffeine per serving

Included alpha-GPC can help promote focus and cognitive function

Cons

Uses sucralose as a primary sweetener

L-citrulline serving is lower than other pre-workouts we’ve tested

Why We Like It

Given their elevated formulations rich with top ingredients, high-stim pre-workouts can sometimes cost a pretty penny. Thankfully, though, there are some strong options amongst the best cheap pre-workouts, including Nutricost Pre-X. With prices per serving beginning at roughly $0.63 — well below the average $2.13 of other strong pre-workouts — it easily lands within this round-up as a high-quality contender.

“Nutricost Pre-X Workout Complex contains as much caffeine as around 3 cups of coffee, as well as 200 mg of alpha-GPC,” explains Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, MS, RDN, LD. The caffeine will give you that classic pre-workout energy boost, while the alpha-GPC kicks in to enhance your focus, Bourgeois says. (8)(14)(16)

Bourgeois does rate the formulation at a conservative 3.75 out of 5, though, mainly due to its citrulline content. The presence, alone, of L-citrulline can help influence performance and recovery, she says, but at 4,000 milligrams, it’s less than athletes typically expect from a powerful pre-workout. “It also contains sucralose, which may cause GI troubles for some people.” (2)(5)

But these hiccups don’t have to be a reason not to invest. Our testers give it a 4.5 out of 5 for taste. “Pre-workout can be a chore, but I actually get excited to drink this every day,” one of our testers says. “I just toss it into cold water, shake it up, and go.”

Our testers tended to drink this one right from their shaker bottles, noting that it dissolves quickly but leaves some sediment at the bottom, “almost like little beads.” We rank this at 4.5 out of 5 for solubility, accordingly.

In terms of effects, our testers say, “This hits you right away, gives you a smooth ride, and doesn’t fade out for a couple of hours.” That gives you a whole lot of time to get your workout on with plenty of energy to keep going.

That said, if you’ve got a high tolerance for caffeine in your pre-workout, this might not be your ideal pre-workout powder. “Even though I was pretty immune to the caffeine, this helped me focus, probably with the Alpha-GPC,” notes our one tester, who rates the overall experience at 4.1 out of 5. (8) If you’re in need of a caffeine-rich pre-workout, consider a different powder from this round-up, such as Ghost Legend All-Out or Legion Pulse.

Good for: Budget-minded athletes looking for a strong pre-workout under $1 per serving.

Read More

Strongest Pre-Workout with Creatine: Gainful Pre-Workout (High-Intensity)

Pros

Contains 5 grams of creatine

Includes BCAAs for improved performance and recovery

Impressive taste

Cons

Limited to just two flavor options

Lower l-citrulline counts than other strong pre-workouts

Only 14 servings per container

Why We Like It

When looking for the best pre-workouts with creatine, you want to ensure that your creatine dosage is aligned with the traditional recommendations between 3 and 5 grams daily. (15) For this high-stim pre-workout round-up, we feel Gainful’s High-Intensity formulation fits the bill perfectly, delivering 5,000 milligrams of creatine monohydrate alongside 200 milligrams of caffeine per single-scoop serving.

“It’s hard enough to get going in the morning without having to remember separate scoops for your pre-workout and creatine,” one of our testers, a certified personal trainer, says. “I loved getting both in one here.” Our testers, though, do give the formula a 4 out of 5 rating, since there is no way to compromise the creatine counts on their own. You can, however, opt for the Moderate-Intensity pre-workout delivering 3,000 milligrams of creatine and 150 milligrams of caffeine per serving.

Speaking of the formulation, Gainful Pre-Workout boasts L-theanine, L-citrulline, beta-alanine, and BCAAs, all the usual suspects of a solid pre-workout, plus no artificial sweeteners, dyes, flavors, or preservatives. (2)(4)(9) “I got the tingles from this one, but they weren’t intense since the beta-alanine levels aren’t the highest,” one of our testers notes. 

Aficionados of L-citrulline will note, though, that at 4,000 milligrams per serving, this is a bit on the low end of the spectrum. (2) But yes, the whole thing is totally plant-based. For a higher citrulline serving size, consider Transparent Labs BULK Black’s 8,000-milligram dosage.

In terms of taste, Gainful exceeds expectations. “Not going to lie: I usually dread the taste of pre-workout. But I really like the Strawberry Lemonade flavor, a definite 5 out of 5. Just make sure you’re drinking it cold. It’ll be a lot better that way.”

One of the biggest obstacles to calling Gainful High-Intensity your main pre-workout? It only comes with 14 servings per container. Other powders, like Nutricost Pre-X, offer larger container sizes up to 60 servings, eliminating the need for repetitive online orders. Bulk shoppers should consider these different options.

Good for: Those that want their creatine supplementation and pre-workout supplementation in a single, convenient powder.

Read More

Strongest Pre-Workout for Strength and Power: Jacked Factory Wick Mode

Pros

Contains AstraGin, which can help improve endurance and power output

Effects take hold quickly, per our tester

Serving sizes listed for single- and two-scoop dosages

High l-citrulline count for increased blood flow and pump

Cons

Noticeable skin tingles, which may be excessive for some

No third-party testing

Single-scoop servings can be underdosed in certain ingredients

Why We Like It

Naturally, pre-workouts can be useful in your fitness journey by providing the necessary energy pump for extended training and improved in-workout focus. The best pre-workouts for muscle gain also feature key ingredients, like AstraGin, which studies link to improved exercise endurance and power output. (21) For those wanting these muscle-building benefits alongside a heaping dose of stimulants, we recommend Wick Mode from Jacked Factory.

In addition to the aforementioned AstraGin, Wick Mode — a special release from Jacked Factory inspired by the John Wick movie franchise — is well-balanced with other additives for pumps, energy, and focus. “It has research-backed doses of beta-alanine and L-citrulline to improve endurance and increase nitric oxide production,” explains Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, MS, RDN, LD. She says that this pre-workout makeup is a great multitasker thanks to its caffeine, L-citrulline, and beta-alanine. (2)(4)(14)

Bourgeois rates the formulation at 4 out of 5, though, because the 300 milligrams of caffeine may be too much for some athletes. For a lower stimulant dosage with relevant ingredients, consider Transparent Labs BULK Black or Gainful High-Intensity.

In terms of taste, BarBend editorial team member, certified personal trainer, and competitive Olympic lifter, Kate Meier, tried out the Osaka Black Cherry flavor and wasn’t disappointed. “It has a great dark cherry taste. Not too sweet at all, which I really like because I’m not a fan of overly sweet drinks,” she notes in reference to her 5 out of 5 taste scoring.

Solubility also ranked high, earning a 5 out of 5 from both of our testers, who found it easy to dissolve it with a few quick jostles of their best shaker bottle. “Perfect solubility here,” Meier says. “I think I shook it like 7 times and it was dissolved completely.”

Lastly, while Meier noted no unwanted side effects, she does rate Wick Mode at a less-than-perfect 4.75 out of 5 for the category. “The paresthesia (skin tingles) are very noticeable with this powder,” she states. “While I’m used to this sensation, I can see where some may be overwhelmed, especially if they immediately jump to a two-scoop serving.”

Good for: Those taking pre-workout with the hopes of improving their muscle growth performance in the gym.

Read More

Strongest Pre-Workout for Focus (Alpha-GPC): Onnit Alpha Brain

Pros

Alpha-GPC can help bolster memory, motivation, and focus

Impressive solubility, per our testers

Lower caffeine serving can be good for beginners

Cons

One of the most expensive pre-workouts we’ve tested

No clear information on third-party testing

Flavor options are more limited than other pre-workouts on the market

Why We Like It

Admittedly, taking a high-stimulant pre-workout can leave you somewhat unfocused and scatterbrained, especially if you’re more susceptible to caffeine. Thankfully, Onnit Alpha Brain Pre-Workout combats these effects with a blend of nootropics — including 300 milligrams of alpha-GPC — to help you reel in your thoughts. Studies indicate that alpha-GPC can influence the synthesis and release of acetylcholine in the brain, which is vital in memory, motivation, arousal, and attention. (8)

Our tester, a certified nutrition coach, definitely felt the improved focus, even when they put this to the test for both work and a workout: “This absolutely gave me more focus than my typical coffee or tea. After my training session, I had to sift through a crowded inbox and get my presentation locked in. I had plenty of mental energy for both my workout and my work with Alpha Brain.”

Alpha Brain also comes with a dose of ashwagandha, admittedly something you might typically associate more with calm than a pre-workout pump. That said, for the best pre-workouts for focus, Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, MS, RDN, LD, approves.

“I like that this formula contains ashwagandha to help promote mental agility during stressful workouts. It also contains 2.4 grams of l-citrulline. Most research points to training benefits in doses of at least 3 grams, but combining it with beta-alanine is sure to give you a good pump for a hard-hitting workout. Plus, I like that this formula is sugar-free.” (2)(4)(6)

Overall, Bourgeois gives the formulation a 3.25 out of 5, docking points for the inclusion of proprietary blends and relatively little l-citrulline. Additionally, while our tester scores the available flavors at 3 out of 5 — Tiger’s Blood is the resounding favorite amongst our group — we do note that Alpha Brain only has two flavor options. If you want more variety, consider a strong pre-workout like Legion Pulse with over 15 different tastes to choose from.

Despite the flavor shortcomings, there’s no worry about Onnit Alpha Brain’s mixability, which we rate at 5 out of 5. “After just a few shakes, it’s completely dissolved in the recommended liquid amount,” notes our tester. “No clumps or grit, either. Just a smooth beverage for pre-training fuel-up.”

Good for: Athletes primarily taking a pre-workout supplement for boost in-workout focus and cognitive function.

Read More

Read our full Onnit Alpha Brain Pre-Workout Review.

Strongest Pre-Workout for Blood Flow and Pump: Gorilla Mind Gorilla Mode

Pros

Hearty dose of l-citrulline for supporting nitric oxide production

Wide range of available flavors

New formulation packs in 400 milligrams of caffeine per two-scoop serving

Cons

Contains sucralose, an artificial sweetener

Expensive at roughly $3 per serving

May be too high-stim for some athletes

Why We Like It

Sometimes, it just feels good to have a skin-ripping pump in the gym. Rather than pairing your pre-workout to one of the best nitric oxide supplements to serve as a blood flow booster, it may be more efficient to seek out a strong pre-workout with those key ingredients already built into the formulation. In our opinion, Gorilla Mind’s Gorilla Mode can be excellent for that improved sense of fullness thanks to its impressive 8,000 milligrams of l-citrulline and other additives like creatine monohydrate, betaine, and more.

Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, MS, RDN, LD, states, “This is a well-rounded pre-workout in terms of what it has under the hood. It’s got a good bit of citrulline to promote better NO production and blood flow, as well as betaine, which studies link to improved muscular endurance.” (2)(13)

However, we do give the formulation a modest 3.75 out of 5 since you’ll need to consume two scoops to achieve evidence-based servings. While this may sound all and well, you need to remember that double scoops equate to 400 milligrams of caffeine — the maximum recommended daily intake according to the FDA. (22) “I also score the formulation lower since there is sucralose in the makeup, which is an artificial sweetener,” adds Bourgeois.

Speaking of sweeteners, our testers rate the taste at 3.5 out of 5 given its sugary aesthetic. “I tried the Bombsicle flavor and it tasted like a melted popsicle,” notes our tester, a Level-2 USA Weightlifting coach. “It’s not my cup of tea, but thankfully, there are other tastes available across the offerings.” If you’d prefer to avoid artificial sweeteners, we recommend the likes of Legion Pulse or Transparent Labs BULK Black.

While taste and formulation are middle-of-the-road, we do appreciate Gorilla Mode’s efficient solubility, scoring the pre-workout at 5 out of 5 for the category. There aren’t any clumps or unwanted residue — a refreshing perk given that this powder costs roughly $3 per serving. At those prices, you’d expect the supplement to practically mix itself.

Good for: Athletes wanting a high-stim pre-workout with added pump-inducing ingredients.

Read More

Read our full Gorilla Mind Gorilla Mode Pre-Workout Review.

Strongest Pre-Workout for Taste: Ghost Legend All Out 

Pros

Tasty, label-accurate flavors

High caffeine dosage for ample energy

Multiple citrulline forms for enhanced nitric oxide production

Cons

Many proprietary blends

Uses sucralose as its main sweetening agent

Why We Like It

No matter how much energy your pre-workout delivers, you’re likely to never use it if the taste is off-putting, right? As a brand, Ghost has carved a name for itself thanks to appealing, enjoyable flavors across its roster of best protein powders, BCAAs, and (of course) pre-workout supplements. For athletes interested in a tasty high-stim variation, we recommend Ghost Legend All-Out.

This powerful pre-workout powder — which delivers 100 milligrams more caffeine than the original Ghost Legend pre-workout — has become my go-to high-stim powder as of late thanks to its robust formulation with ingredients for energy, focus, and mid-workout pumps. (2)(4)(14) The supplement facts are well-labeled, too, with the proprietary blends broken down further to illustrate the listed ingredients of each compound.

However, we prefer pre-workouts without any proprietary blends, so we have to rate the formulation at a conservative 3 out of 5. “This pre-workout earns this modest ranking, too, since it uses artificial flavors and sweeteners,” notes Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, MS, RDN, LD. “These additives, while tasty and sweet, can potentially lead to GI distress in some athletes.”

When it comes to taste, I’m a bag fan of this ghoulish supplement option, scoring Legend All-Out at 5 out of 5 for the category. While the flavor roster is less than that of other pre-workouts, such as Transparent Labs BULK Black or Gorilla Mind Gorilla Mode, every flavor is accurate to its description. The Cherry Limeade option, for example, is the perfect blend of sweet and tart — a personal preference of mine when it comes to pre-training beverages.

I also appreciate the solubility of this high-stim silhouette and have yet to have any issues regarding clumps or “floaties.” Legend All-Out earns a 4 out of 5 in the category, though, since I have had to re-shake my bottle every now and again to get everything blended to its entirety, particularly when letting my shaker rest for a minute or two in-between sips.

Lastly, I do want to note that unlike the brand’s Original Legend profile, All-Out is only available in 20-serving tubs. This means that you’ll need to prepare for more regular orders if you want to stay amped up for a month’s worth of training.

Good for: Those wanting a caffeine-rich formulation that doesn’t skimp on taste.

Read More

How We Tested and Chose the Strongest Pre-Workouts

The BarBend team is made up of competitive athletes, certified personal trainers, and lifelong fitness enthusiasts. To determine the most potent pre-workouts available today, we tested over 70 different profiles from the industry’s best brands, using our supplement testing methodology to rate each profile on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest). Below are some of the categories and components that played into our rankings.

• Proper Dosing: We looked for powders that pushed the limit as far as possible while still remaining safe. For example, studies report that the recommended maximum daily caffeine intake is 400 milligrams. (1) Additionally, research states that an effective dose for boosted athletic performance for l-citrulline sits somewhere between 6,000 and 8,000 milligrams. (2)(3) We emphasized pre-workout powders that fell in-line with both these recommendations, among others.
• Ingredient Transparency: We looked for transparent ingredients lists when compiling this round-up of the strongest pre-workouts, placing a heightened focus on powders that clearly outlined their per scoop dosages and servings. As best as possible, we avoided proprietary blends, too.
• Third-Party Testing: We looked for the strongest pre-workout supplements with third-party testing. Independent labs including Informed Choice, Informed Sport, NSF, and Labdoor analyze each formulation and ultimately certify that the makeup is factual and free of any contaminants or unwanted parcels.
• Taste: While we understand that every palate is different from athlete to athlete, we included strong pre-workouts in this guide that we actually preferred when it comes to taste. We also highlighted some of the most intense pre-workouts with multiple available flavors, since this can allow athletes to test a particular formulation without fear of getting locked into a singular taste.

Benefits of the Strongest Pre-Workouts

Strong pre-workouts provide many of the same potential benefits that regular pre-workouts provide, only more so because of the increased potency of the formulas used. They can offer more energy, higher doses of ingredients, and (oftentimes) an improved value over run-of-the-mill pre-workouts. Here are some common perks we’ve researched while crafting this ultimate guide to pre-workouts of a higher octane.

• More Energy: If regular pre-workouts provide a jolt of energy, then the strongest pre-workouts can be compared to tapping into the power grid itself with their higher caffeine and stimulant content.
• Greater Value: When you purchase a strong pre-workout, you’re receiving higher dosages of many common pre-workout ingredients. Many of them cost the same, if not only slightly more per serving than regular pre-workouts, which can be a solid value, thanks to the increased potency of the formula.
• Higher Dosing: Along the same lines as the caffeine content, strong pre-workouts tend to contain higher doses of other popular ingredients, which can make them potentially more effective. (Be on the lookout for some of the common pre-workout side effects along with this larger dosing, too!)

Common Pre-Workout Supplement Ingredients

“The strongest pre-workouts typically boast ingredients that may boost energy, improve focus, enhance strength and endurance, and reduce muscle fatigue,” says Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MD. There are a ton of ingredients that companies can put in their pre-workout products with claims to boost mental focus, energy, endurance, and blood flow. We’ll break down some of the most common ingredients you’ll find in these stronger pre-workout blends, and go over what benefits they’re commonly understood to provide.

Alpha-GPC

Alpha glycerophosphocholine, also known as alpha-GPC, is a precursor to acetylcholine, which is a neurotransmitter involved in memory, attention, and ,most importantly here, muscle contraction. Taking between 300 milligrams and 600 milligrams of alpha-GPC may have nootropic effects, such as cognitive enhancement and improved focus, as well as potential improvements in muscle power output. (8)(12)

Beta-Alanine

Beta-alanine is linked to improved endurance, both in cardio-focused workouts and strength training with higher reps. (4) Because it can help allow you to push further than you otherwise would have for more reps, it may help with hypertrophy and strength. 

The standard dose of beta-alanine is between 1,600 and 3,200 milligrams, though the pre-workouts on this list can have upwards of 4,000 milligrams. (4) Be aware that a harmless but sometimes uncomfortable side effect of large doses of beta-alanine is skin tingling, which you will likely experience with these potent pre-workouts.

Hate the sensation of those classic pre-workout tingles? No problem. Try out one of the best pre-workouts without beta-alanine for an itch-free experience.

Betaine Anhydrous

This ingredient is commonly found in red beets and is the main ingredient in beetroot extract — though it can also be found in lesser amounts in leafy greens. Betaine is best known for links to power output and muscular endurance, but it might also slightly decrease post-exercise cortisol, which can actually be helpful in your body’s response to stress. (13)

Caffeine

When you think of a pre-workout, the first thing that comes to mind is likely the stimulant effects, and that’s exactly what is at the forefront of these stronger formulas. Caffeine is usually the main stimulant and has well-established potential ergonomic effects such as better endurance, lower perceived exertion, improved power output, and even enhanced cognition. (14)(16)

Most of these pre-workouts have a potent stimulant effect with most having a minimum of at least 275 milligrams of caffeine per serving. “The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers 400 milligrams (mg) of caffeine a day to be safe for most healthy adults. This is about the amount of caffeine in four cups of brewed coffee,” says Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MD. Or, put another way, you may be ingesting three to four cups of coffee per scoop with these formulas. (11)

“If you have any cardiac conditions or tend to experience palpitations, you may not be a good candidate to take a pre-workout with caffeine,” says Dr. Jennie Stanford, M.D., FAAFP, DipABOM. “Be sure to consult with your physician before taking it to make sure it is safe.”

Creatine

Creatine is likely the most thoroughly-researched ergogenic aid aside from caffeine. It can help power output, anaerobic capacity, fatigue, and even improve cognition all while increasing muscle size by potentially drawing more water into your muscles depending on the type of creatine you use. 

It doesn’t have to be taken with pre-workout, either — just look at our guide to the best creatine supplements. The point is to increase the creatine in your muscles over time, rather than loading creatine quickly. The dose is generally 5 grams per day of creatine monohydrate — though different forms, like creatine HCl, have smaller effective dose sizes. (15)(17)(18)

Citrulline

Research suggests that the effective dose of citrulline is between 6,000 and 8,000 milligrams to help potentially improve blood flow, endurance, and power output in athletes. (3) You’ll notice, though, that some pre-workouts go beyond this recommended serving. This is due to the fact that citrulline is generally tolerable by most athletes, meaning an excessive dose is less likely to cause potential side effects or harm.

How to Choose the Strongest Pre-Workouts

These sorts of products can make some folks a little concerned about side effects and unintended consequences. They’re legal, so the potential for damage is low, but there are a few things worth keeping in mind.

Dosage

When searching for a strong pre-workout, you want to ensure that your dosages are higher than the average powder yet still fall within your daily recommended intake when necessary. While some ingredients (like citrulline) can be fine for consumption beyond the daily dosages given their more tolerable makeup, others, like caffeine, need to be balanced. 

According to studies, you shouldn’t exceed 400 milligrams of caffeine per day. (1) This can be a good marker to set for yourself when trying to decide between high-octane pre-workouts. On days you’re taking stronger pre-workouts, be extra careful to monitor and limit outside caffeine usage to avoid topping the recommended upper limit — no extra cups of Joe or a midday energy drink.

You should also be sure to take your personal tolerances into account before deciding on a strong pre-workout. After all, each athlete is different when it comes to their experiences with certain ingredients. For example, the jitters associated with beta-alanine may be fine for some, but the skin-ripping tingles of high doses may be too much to bear for others. (4) Read carefully through the labels to confirm that a particular pre-workout formulation aligns with your needs and wants before purchasing.

Ingredients

A solid pre-workout should contain a formulation that proves its worth beyond just added energy. The endurance, blood flow, and muscle growth perks associated with the popular nutritional supplement come from the inclusion of added ingredients. As such, you’ll want to search for a pre-workout formulation that contains a plethora of ingredients beyond your standard caffeine.

For example, a pre-workout with ample amounts of citrulline malate can be great for facilitating intra-workout pumps. (2) Other ingredients, like creatine and alpha-GPC, can prove to be beneficial when it comes to overall strength and serve as some of the best pre-workout ingredients for focus. (8)(12)(15)(17)

If you’re already considering a stronger pre-workout as your go-to for pre-training benefits, it helps to take into consideration the other benefits associated with the supplement. Make sure your powder can provide additional support beyond just a jolt of energy — it can make the costs of these potent supplements all the more approachable (more on that in a bit).

Third-Party Testing

Having a strong pre-workout that’s also third-party tested can go a long way in ensuring your confidence in your product of choice. (19) After all, heightened dosages of key ingredients and the promise of maximum energy or muscle pumps can lead to some wiggle room for brands to skirt the lines when it comes to the actual potency of each formulation.

When looking for a worthwhile strong pre-workout, search for a makeup with either a stamped approval from an accredited third-party testing lab, or (at least) a quality layout of lab results from an independent testing center. This can prove especially beneficial for strength athletes that need to have a heightened awareness of their nutritional supplements in order to abide by their respective governing agencies.

Third-party testing also can help ensure a lack of banned substances and heavy metals in your product, as well as the peace of mind that comes from extra testing done on supps that are unregulated by the FDA.

Price

Given their heightened dosages and more potent formulations, you can expect to pay more for stronger pre-workouts than you would a normal stim-rich supplement. On average, the best strong pre-workouts will cost around $2.13 per serving.

In the end, though, it’s always recommended to take your personal budget into consideration. If your budget can’t stomach the price upfront, odds are that you’ll likely enjoy the physical powder less over a regular supplement regimen.

How Much Do the Strongest Pre-Workouts Cost?

Like any nutritional supplement — from the best BCAA supplements to creatine, protein, and more — high-stim pre-workouts can vary greatly in terms of cost. To paint a more accurate picture, it’s best to focus on the cost per serving rather than the cost of a given container, as this can provide a better illustration of how much each pre-training beverage will impact your weekly and monthly budget. On average, the strongest pre-workout supplements tend to cost roughly $2.13 per serving with (obvious) outliers both cheaper and more expensive than this median price tag. Below, we’ve compiled the price per serving of each strong pre-workout featured in this round-up.

Strongest Pre-Workout Overall	Transparent Labs BULK Black	$1.83
Strongest Natural Pre-Workout	Legion Pulse	$2.25
Strongest Pre-Workout on a Budget	Nutricost Pre-X	Starting at $0.63
Strongest Pre-Workout with Creatine	Gainful Pre-Workout (High-Intensity)	$2.06
Strongest Pre-Workout for Strength and Power	Jacked Factory Wick Mode	$1.50
Strongest Pre-Workout for Focus (Alpha-GPC)	Onnit Alpha Brain	$3.00
Strongest Pre-Workout for Blood Flow and Pump	Gorilla Mind Gorilla Mode	$3.00
Strongest Pre-Workout for Taste	Ghost Legend All Out	$2.75

Strongest Pre-Workouts FAQs

References

1. Hull, M., & Examine.com. (2023, August 21). How much caffeine is too much?. Examine. https://examine.com/articles/caffeine-consumption/ 
2. Gonzalez, A. M., & Trexler, E. T. (2020). Effects of citrulline supplementation on exercise performance in humans: A review of the current literature. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 34(5), 1480–1495. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31977835/
3. Neri, L. (2023, November 2). Citrulline benefits, dosage, and side effects. Examine. https://examine.com/supplements/citrulline/
4. Milioni, F., de Poli, R. A. B., Saunders, B., Gualano, B., da Rocha, A. L., Sanchez Ramos da Silva, A., Muller, P. T. G., & Zagatto, A. M. (2019). Effect of β-alanine supplementation during high-intensity interval training on repeated sprint ability performance and neuromuscular fatigue. Journal of applied physiology (Bethesda, Md. : 1985), 127(6), 1599–1610. https://doi.org/10.1152/japplphysiol.00321.2019 
5. Kasti, A., Nikolaki, M., Synodinou, K., Katsas, K., Petsis, K., Lambrinou, S., Pyrousis, I., & Triantafyllou, K. (2022). The effects of stevia consumption on gut bacteria: Friend or foe? Microorganisms, 10(4), 744. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9028423/
6. Gopukumar, K., Thanawala, S., Somepalli, V., Rao, T. S. S., Thamatam, V. B., & Chauhan, S. (2021). Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha Root Extract on Cognitive Functions in Healthy, Stressed Adults: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM, 2021, 8254344. https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/8254344 
7. Patel, K. (2023, January 31). What is creatine nitrate?. Examine. https://examine.com/articles/what-is-creatine-nitrate/
8. Murray, M., & Michaux, M. (2023, December 18). Alpha-GPC benefits, dosage, and side effects. Examine. https://examine.com/supplements/alpha-gpc/
9. Khemtong, C., Kuo, C.-H., Chen, C.-Y., Jaime, S. J., & Condello, G. (2021). Does branched-chain amino acids (bcaas) supplementation attenuate muscle damage markers and soreness after resistance exercise in trained males? A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Nutrients, 13(6), 1880. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34072718/
10. del Pozo, S., Gómez-Martínez, S., Díaz, L. E., Nova, E., Urrialde, R., & Marcos, A. (2022). Potential effects of sucralose and saccharin on Gut Microbiota: A Review. Nutrients, 14(8), 1682. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9029443/ 
11. MediLexicon International. (n.d.). How much caffeine in a cup of coffee. Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324986
12. Parker, A. G., Byars, A., Purpura, M., & Jäger, R. (2015). The effects of alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine, caffeine or placebo on markers of mood, cognitive function, power, speed, and agility. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 12(sup1). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4595381/
13. Lee, E. C., Maresh, C. M., Kraemer, W. J., Yamamoto, L. M., Hatfield, D. L., Bailey, B. L., Armstrong, L. E., Volek, J. S., McDermott, B. P., & Craig, S. A. (2010). Ergogenic effects of betaine supplementation on Strength and Power Performance. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 7(1). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20642826/
14. Kruszewski, M., Merchelski, M., Kruszewski, A., Tabęcki, R., Aksenov, M. O., & Pągowski, Ł. (2022). Effects of Multi-Ingredient Pre-Workout Supplement and Caffeine on Bench Press Performance: A Single-Blind Cross-Over Study. Nutrients, 14(9), 1750. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14091750 
15. Gann, J. J., McKinley-Barnard, S. K., Andre, T. L., Schoch, R. D., & Willoughby, D. S. (2015). Effects of a traditionally-dosed creatine supplementation protocol and resistance training on the skeletal muscle uptake and whole-body metabolism and retention of creatine in males. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 12(sup1). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4594933/
16. McLellan, T. M., Caldwell, J. A., & Lieberman, H. R. (2016). A review of caffeine’s effects on cognitive, physical and occupational performance. Neuroscience and biobehavioral reviews, 71, 294–312. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2016.09.001
17. Sandkühler, J. F., Kersting, X., Faust, A., Königs, E. K., Altman, G., Ettinger, U., Lux, S., Philipsen, A., Müller, H., & Brauner, J. (2023). The effects of creatine supplementation on cognitive performance-a randomised controlled study. BMC medicine, 21(1), 440. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12916-023-03146-5
18. Fazio, C., Elder, C. L., & Harris, M. M. (2022). Efficacy of Alternative Forms of Creatine Supplementation on Improving Performance and Body Composition in Healthy Subjects: A Systematic Review. Journal of strength and conditioning research, 36(9), 2663–2670. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000003873
19. Sirois, J., Reddy, S., Nguyen, T., Walker, H., Rendall, J., Bergen, G., Reimers, M., Cermak, E., Tiwary, A., Helmes, E., Palmer, J., Teo, S., Mackle, T., Park, M., & Wang, C. (2024). Safety considerations for dietary supplement manufacturers in the United States. Regulatory toxicology and pharmacology : RTP, 147, 105544. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.yrtph.2023.105544
20. Zhang, F. F., Barr, S. I., McNulty, H., Li, D., & Blumberg, J. B. (2020). Health effects of vitamin and mineral supplements. BMJ (Clinical research ed.), 369, m2511. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.m2511
21. Yeh, T.-S., Chuang, H.-L., Huang, W.-C., Chen, Y.-M., Huang, C.-C., & Hsu, M.-C. (2014). Astragalus membranaceus improves exercise performance and ameliorates exercise-induced fatigue in trained mice. Molecules, 19(3), 2793–2807. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24595275/
22. Commissioner, O. of the. (2024, August 28). Spilling the beans: How much caffeine is too much?. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/spilling-beans-how-much-caffeine-too-much