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April Edwards, MSc, PT, a licensed physiotherapist and Endomondo editorial team member, has reviewed this article. Her expertise ensures that our content provides reliable insights into our product recommendations.
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To get the most out of your training sessions, your nutrition in order is crucial. That’s where pre-workout supplements come in—they’re designed to give you the extra boost needed when motivation dips and fatigue sets in.
Among the most widely used products in fitness, the best pre workout supplements help enhance both mental sharpness and physical performance. Commonly packed with ingredients like caffeine, beta-alanine, and citrulline, these formulas are taken before training to maximize energy, focus, and endurance.
With so many options on the shelf, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve rounded up the 11 best pre-workout supplements to help you power through your next workout.
What Are the Best Pre-Workout Supplements?
- Transparent Labs LEAN – Best Pre-Workout Overall
- Crazy Nutrition Intensive Pre-Train – Top-Rated Multi-Ingredient Formula
- Legion Athletics Pulse – Best High-Stim Pre-Workout
- Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard – Best For Energy Boosts
- Jacked Factory Nitro Surge – Best Pump Pre-Workout
- Pre Lab Pro Pre-Workout – Best All-Natural Pre-Workout
- C4 Ultimate Shred – Best Pre-Workout for Fat Loss
- Naked Nutrition Naked Energy – Best Tasting Pre-Workout
- Nutricost Pre X – Best Budget-Friendly Pre-Workout
- Onnit Alpha-BRAIN – Best Plant-Based Pre-Workout
- Gorilla Mode – Best For Variety
Top 11 Pre-Workout Supplements For Every Training Goal
We’ve carefully reviewed the best pre-workout supplements available today to bring you 11 standout options. Each product is ranked based on criteria that matter most—ingredients, effectiveness, taste, and value.
Whether you’re following a weight loss workout plan or gearing up for a muscle-building session, there’s a pre-workout here that can help elevate your training and match your specific fitness goals.
Transparent Labs LEAN Pre-Workout
- Most ingredients are included near the research-backed doses.
- Excellent label transparency and third-party testing.
- Several flavor options.
- No artificial sugars.
- High price point.
- Moderate caffeine dose.
One serving includes 6 grams of citrulline malate and 2 grams of beta-alanine to aid performance and improve blood flow. The 180 milligrams of caffeine is about in line with the research-backed dose to give you an added energy boost.
What I particularly like about this pre-workout is that it includes three ingredients commonly used in most fat burners. This makes it one of the best pre-workout supplements if you’re looking for an extra fat-burning boost.
Alongside the clear labeling, the informed choice stamp is shown on the tub. This makes it suitable for tested athletes and offers peace of mind because you know what’s in each serving.
Transparent Labs offers nine different flavors and uses Stevia as a natural sweetener. Each serving costs $1.67, which is excellent value when considering the ingredients and testing used.
Overall, the Transparent Labs LEAN Pre-Workout is well-balanced for those seeking an added performance and fat-burning boost.
Specifications | Details |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | 6 grams of citrulline malate, 2 grams of beta-alanine, 1.8 grams of l-theanine, 1.5 grams of betaine, 1 gram of acetyl l-carnitine HCL |
| Caffeine | 180 milligrams (Green coffee beans) |
| Sweeteners | Natural flavors sweetened with Stevia |
| Flavors | Strawberry Lemonade, Blue Raspberry, Tropical Punch, Orange, Cherry Squash, Sour Grape, Green Apple, Fruit Punch |
| Third-Party Tester | Informed Choice Certified |
| Price Per Serving | $1.67 |
Crazy Nutrition Intensive Pre-Train
- Main ingredients are included at the scientifically proven doses.
- Several vitamins and minerals support health and wellness.
- Suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
- The subscribe and save option allows order customization.
- No mention of specific third-party testing on the product page.
- Uses sucralose as the added sweetener.
- Many reports of poor mixability.
True to its name, Crazy Nutrition’s Intense Pre-Train Pre-Workout is packed full of ingredients, many proven by scientific research. With 13 ingredients in each 20-gram serving, it gets our best multi-ingredient pre-workout award.
Crazy Nutrition has gone away and refined their previous pre-workout formulation to give you the one we’re reviewing. This one has more taurine, beta-alanine, and citrulline malate. A brand that can listen to feedback and improve its product is a huge plus in our books.
One serving contains 8 grams of citrulline malate, 3.5 grams of beta-alanine, and 200 milligrams of caffeine. These are the main ingredients, each included in the research-backed dose.
Crazy Nutrition has added 2 grams of taurine for exercise performance and 10 milligrams of piperine for better absorption rates. You also have added vitamins and minerals to support general health and wellness. It’s one of the most comprehensive pre-workouts we’ve come across.
Unfortunately, we couldn’t find any mention of third-party testing. While the tub uses transparent labelling, this is something to bear in mind for tested athletes.
At USD 2.17 per serving, it’s a mid-range pre-workout that contains a heap of beneficial ingredients. If you’re looking for a strong boost, this is a great option.
Specifications | Details |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | 8 grams of citrulline malate 2:1, 3.5 grams of beta-alanine, 200 milligrams of caffeine, 2 grams of taurine, 10 milligrams of piperine |
| Caffeine | 200 milligrams |
| Sweeteners | Sucralose |
| Flavors | Fruit Punch |
| Third-Party Tester | Not stated on the product page |
| Price Per Serving | $2.17 |
Legion Athletics Pulse Pre-Workout
- The main ingredients are included in the research-backed doses.
- 21 flavor choices.
- Option to purchase with and without caffeine.
- Third Party Tested.
- Pricey per serving.
In terms of ingredients, the Legion Athletics Pulse Pre-Workout packs a punch. Each serving contains 8 grams of citrulline malate, 3.6 grams of beta-alanine, and 2.5 grams of betaine. This makes it a great option to increase your energy levels and pumps in the gym.
With 350 milligrams of caffeine anhydrous, it’s the best caffeine pre-workout option in our top 10 list. The 350 milligrams of l-theanine helps to balance out this high dose, providing a sustained energy release.
Legion products are arguably on par with the transparency offered by Transparent Labs. The type and amount of each ingredient are clearly shown, with the pre-workout Labdoor Tested For Purity. This is one of the better testing organizations available, which is a huge plus in our books.
At $2.02 per serving, it is slightly pricey. However, the ingredient doses and third-party testing make it worth the money. It’s a solid choice if you’re happy to spend a little more.
Specifications | Details |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | 8 grams of citrulline malate, 3.6 grams of beta-alanine, 2.5 grams of betaine, 350 milligrams of l-theanine |
| Caffeine | 350 milligrams (Caffeine anhydrous) |
| Sweeteners | Uses stevia leaf extract and erythritol |
| Flavors | Arctic Blast, Blood Orange, Blue Raspberry, Blueberry Lemonade, Cherry Limeade, Cotton Candy, Frosted Cranberry, Fruit Punch, Grape, Green Apple, Lemon Lime, Mojito, Peach Ring, Pina Colada, Pink Lemonade, Rainbow Sherbet, Sour Candy, Strawberry Kiwi, Strawberry Margarita, Tropical Punch, Watermelon |
| Third-Party Tester | Labdoor Tested For Purity. |
| Price Per Serving | $2.02 |
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Pre-Workout
- 3 grams of creatine monohydrate for muscle strength and performance.
- Good value for money.
- Informed choice certified.
- The beta-alanine and l-citrulline doses are below the research-backed amounts.
- Sucralose is used as a sweetener.
Optimum Nutrition is another brand with an excellent track record in the supplement industry. Their Gold Standard Pre-Workout remains a crowd favorite and is our option for energy boosts.
Each serving contains 3 grams of creatine monohydrate, around the research-backed dose. Its inclusion makes it well-suited for those looking for more energy when performing high-intensity exercise.
Optimum Nutrition has also included 1.6 grams of beta-alanine, 750 milligrams of l-citrulline, and 175 milligrams of caffeine. These are a little on the low side, which is something that could be improved on.
As with all Optimum Nutrition products, their pre-workout is Informed Choice certified. This makes it perfect for tested athletes looking for something from a well-respected brand.
There are four flavors, which is normal for most pre-workouts. However, the use of sucralose as an artificial sweetener means we’ve marked it down slightly.
At just $0.97 per serving, the Gold Standard Pre-Workout offers excellent value for money. It comes from a proven brand and is designed to give you a great energy boost. It’s a solid choice for tested athletes looking to improve their performance.
Specifications | Details |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | 3 grams of creatine monohydrate, 1.6 grams of beta-alanine, 750 milligrams of l-citrulline, 385 milligrams of l-tyrosine, 375 milligrams of acetyl l-carnitine HCL |
| Caffeine | 175 milligrams |
| Sweeteners | Sucralose |
| Flavors | Arctic Blast, Blood Orange, Blue Raspberry, Blueberry Fruit Punch, Blueberry Lemonade, Green Apple, Watermelon Candy |
| Third-Party Tester | Informed Choice Tested |
| Price Per Serving | $0.97 |
Jacked Factory Nitro Surge Pre-Workout
- Includes ingredients catered towards muscle growth.
- Great value for money.
- Several flavors to choose from.
- Two scoops are needed for the research-backed doses.
- No third-party testing.
While most pre-workouts are focused on energy and performance, Nitro Surge is designed for muscle-building. Each serving has 3 grams of l-citrulline, 1.6 grams of beta-alanine, and 1.25 grams of betaine anhydrous. It’s our best pre-workout for muscle gain.
If you double the dose, this would put them at the research-backed amounts. However, this would mean you’re getting 360 milligrams of caffeine, which is quite high for a single dose.
Each tub is well-labeled, with ingredient amounts specified for one and two servings. Jacked Factory also states that they use zero fillers and dyes but use sucralose as a sweetener. The brand offers 14 flavors to choose from.
Unfortunately, the Nitro Surge does not undergo third-party testing, This is something to consider if you’re a tested athlete or want to know exactly what’s in each serving.
At just $0.93 for the single serving, it’s a good muscle-building pre-workout that offers great value for money. Whether you’re doing a push pull legs routine or a full-body workout, it can help give you an extra edge.
Specifications | Details |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | 3 grams of l-citrulline, 1.6 grams of beta-alanine, 1.25 grams of betaine anhydrous, 90 milligrams of l-theanine |
| Caffeine | 180 milligrams (caffeine anhydrous) |
| Sweeteners | Sucralose |
| Flavors | Swoleberry, Green Apple, Cherry Bomb, Blue Raspberry, Cherry Limeade, Arctic White, Pineapple, Watermelon, Fruit Punch, Grape, Sour Peach Rings, Blueberry Lemonade, Black Cherry, Cotton Candy |
| Third-Party Tester | None |
| Price Per Serving | $0.93 |
Pre Lab Pro Pre-Workout
- Informed Sport Certified.
- Uses natural ingredients.
- Includes added micronutrients.
- Very expensive price per serving.
- Low caffeine dose.
- Only one flavor choice.
The Pre Lab Pro Pre-Workout doesn’t use your typical pre-workout formulation. Alongside helping to improve energy and focus, the added micronutrients may help to plug potential nutritional gaps. It’s our best natural pre-workout pick for those who prefer natural ingredients.
Each serving contains 4 grams of l-tyrosine, 2.2 grams of a Setria Performance Blend, and 1.6 grams of l-theanine. It uses a great blend of nootropics (substances intended to improve cognitive function). Alongside the added vitamins and minerals, this should give you a smooth increase in performance.
The 80 milligrams of added caffeine is on the smaller side. However, this may make it better suited for those who prefer a smaller boost.
Pre Lab operates with full transparency, clearly showing the amount and type of each ingredient on the tub. Alongside this, the pre-workout is Informed Sport Certified, which makes it suitable for tested athletes. This is perhaps the gold standard in terms of testing organizations.
With no artificial ingredients, the Pre Lab Pro Pre-Workout offers an excellent natural option. It focuses on multiple aspects of performance and comes in five flavors.
At $2.95 per serving, it is the most expensive pre-workout on our list. However, you’re paying for the added natural ingredients and overall quality increase compared to other options.
Specifications | Details |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | 4 grams of l-tyrosine, 2.2 grams of Setria Performance Blend (l-citrulline and l-glutathione), 1.6 grams of l-theanine |
| Caffeine | 80 milligrams (Natural caffeine) |
| Sweeteners | Xylitol, erythritol, monk fruit extract, stevia extract, Swerve |
| Flavors | Natural Berry |
| Third-Party Tester | Informed Sport Certified |
| Price Per Serving | $2.95 |
C4 Ultimate Shred Pre-Workout
- 300 milligrams of caffeine is above the scientifically proven dose.
- Several added fat-burning ingredients.
- Made by a brand with 20 years of market experience.
- Extremely high price per serving.
- Only 20 servings per container.
The C4 Ultimate Shred is one of the newer pre-workouts from a brand that has been operating for 20 years. Each serving offers 3.2 grams of beta-alanine and 3 grams of l-citrulline, which is near the research-backed amounts.
With 300 milligrams of caffeine and a fat-burning matrix mix, the C4 Ultimate Shred is catered towards fat-burning and endurance. It’s our best pre-workout for men and women wanting to improve their fat-burning potential.
The tub is well-labeled with the amount and type of each ingredient. However, the lack of third-party testing is something to improve on. This means it wouldn’t be suitable for tested athletes or those who prefer to know exactly what’s in it.
C4 has given you some nice flavors to choose from. However, they’re sweetened with sucralose and acesulfame potassium. These may negatively impact your gut health, with potential links shown in mice.
At $2.75 per serving, the price point is one of the highest on our list. Even with this, you are buying from a brand with proven market experience and an excellent track record. Therefore, it’s our best pre-workout for weight loss.
Specifications | Details |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | 3.2 grams of beta-alanine, 3 grams of l-citrulline,1.25 grams of betaine anhydrous, 1 gram of l-tyrosine |
| Caffeine | 300 milligrams |
| Sweeteners | Sucralose, acesulfame potassium |
| Flavors | Orange Creamsicle, Pink Lemonade, Frozen Bombsicle, Cherry Limade |
| Third-Party Tester | None |
| Price Per Serving | $2.75 |
Naked Nutrition Naked Energy Pre-Workout
- Uses natural ingredients and is vegan-friendly.
- Caffeine is included in the research-backed dose.
- All flavors have been reported to taste great.
- The main ingredients are included in low doses.
- No third-party testing.
If you’re looking for a pre-workout to enjoy, this is the one. Despite only having four flavors to choose from, it sits above the rest in terms of reported taste. It’s our best-tasting pre-workout if you’re looking for something enjoyable to drink.
Alongside this, it only uses natural ingredients to give you a high-quality pre-workout that comes at a great price.
Each serving contains 2 grams of beta-alanine, 1 gram of creatine monohydrate, and 1 gram of l-arginine. Each of these is below the research-backed amounts. However, you could double the dose if you can handle 400 milligrams of natural caffeine anhydrous.
While the label is well-organized and clearly shows each ingredient, there’s no mention of the third-party testing lab used. Future releases should show this so performance athletes can know if it’s suitable for them.
Overall, the Naked Nutrition Naked Energy Pre-Workout is great tasting and uses natural ingredients. However, it needs to be double-dosed if you want to get up to the research-backed amounts.
Specifications | Details |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | 2 grams of beta-alanine, 1 gram of creatine monohydrate, 1 gram of l-arginine |
| Caffeine | 200 milligrams (Natural caffeine anhydrous) |
| Sweeteners | None |
| Flavors | Unflavored, Fruit Punch, Citrus, Stim-Free |
| Third-Party Tester | Yes — Lab not specified |
| Price Per Serving | $0.90 |
Nutricost Pre X Pre-Workout
- Budget-friendly price point.
- Research-backed amounts of l-citrulline and caffeine.
- Added B vitamins.
- Made in a GMP-compliant, FDA-registered facility.
- Sweetened with sucralose.
- Third-party testing organization not specified.
Despite the low price point, the Nutricost Pre X Pre-Workout is well-formulated. Each serving includes 4 grams of l-citrulline, 2 grams of beta-alanine, and 300 milligrams of caffeine. Each is at or near the suggested research-backed doses.
In terms of brand transparency, the tub is well-labeled with each ingredient clearly shown. Nutricost also states that it’s made in a GMP-compliant, a Food and Drug Administration or FDA-registered facility. However, despite being third-party tested, they don’t specify the testing lab name.
With five flavor options, the brand offers a decent range to choose from. However, sucralose is used as an artificial sweetener. At just $0.70 per serving, it offers incredible value for money. Because of this, it’s our top-pick budget option.
Overall, Nutricost has made a well-formulated pre-workout. Future releases could aim to use natural flavors and specify the third-party testing organization.
Specifications | Details |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | 4 grams of l-citrulline, 2 grams of beta-alanine, 1.5 grams of betaine anhydrous, 250 milligrams of n-acetyl l-tyrosine |
| Caffeine | 300 milligrams (Caffeine anhydrous) |
| Sweeteners | Sucralose |
| Flavors | Blue Raspberry, Watermelon, Fruit Punch, Grape, Peach Mango |
| Third-Party Tester | Yes — Not Specified |
| Price Per Serving | $0.70 (60 servings) |
Onnit Alpha-BRAIN Pre-Workout
- Vegan friendly.
- No added sugar or gluten.
- Added ingredients to improve cognitive function.
- High price per serving.
- No third-party testing.
The Onnit alpha-BRAIN Pre-Workout focuses on improving both mental and physical performance. Each serving contains 2.4 grams of beta-alanine and 2.4 grams of l-citrulline for muscle pumps and performance. The 225 milligrams of ashwagandha is added to improve focus, with many users reporting exactly that.
While each tub is clearly labeled, there’s no mention of any third-party testing. Alongside this, you only have two flavors to choose from, which is quite limited. It’s gluten-free, sugar-free, and vegan-friendly.
At $2.55 per serving, it is on the more expensive side. However, the added ingredients to improve mental focus make it worthwhile. It’s an excellent hybrid option for vegan gym-goers.
Specifications | Details |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | 2.4 grams of beta-alanine, 2.4 grams of l-citrulline, 250 milligrams of African palm oil, 225 milligrams of ashwagandha |
| Caffeine | 200 milligrams of caffeine |
| Sweeteners | Stevia |
| Flavors | Tiger’s Blood, Yuzu Peach |
| Third-Party Tester | None |
| Price Per Serving | $2.55 |
Gorilla Mode Pre-Workout
- The main ingredients are included in research-backed doses.
- Third-party tested with published certificates.
- Several flavor choices.
- Contains creatine monohydrate.
- Uses artificial sweeteners.
- Customer reviews report issues when mixing.
If you’re looking for a pre-workout that hits all the research-backed doses, this is it. Each serving contains 5 grams of l-citrulline, 2.5 grams of creatine monohydrate, and 2.5 grams of l-tyrosine. Alongside this, it has 200 milligrams of caffeine anhydrous, 2 grams of betaine anhydrous, and 2 grams of HydroPrime glycerol.
In terms of the formulation, we’re impressed with the types and amounts of each ingredient. At just $1.50 per serving, you’re getting a lot of research-backed doses for your money. Because of this, it’s a great choice for those looking for a good pre-workout variety.
There are 13 flavors to choose from, with some names I would love to try myself. However, they do use sucralose and acesulfame potassium as artificial sweeteners. Gorilla Mind operates with full brand transparency. They’ve also included certificates of analysis showing the results from the third-party tester.
Overall, the Gorilla Mode Pre-Workout is well-formulated, offers an excellent range of flavors, and comes at a good price point. It’s our best pre-workout for women and men looking for something that does a bit of everything.
Specifications | Details |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | 5 grams of l-citrulline, 2.5 grams of creatine monohydrate, 2.5 grams of l-tyrosine, 2 grams of betaine anhydrous, 2 grams of HydroPrime glycerol, 400 milligrams of alpha-GPC |
| Caffeine | 200 milligrams (Caffeine anhydrous) |
| Sweeteners | Sucralose and acesulfame potassium |
| Flavors | Orange Rush, Cotton Candy Grape, Strawberry Kiwi, Bombsicle, Volcano Burst, Sour Gummy Worms, White Gummy Bear, Fruit Punch, Cherry Blackout, Tiger’s Blood, Mouthwatering Watermelon, Jungle Juice, Blackberry Lemonade |
| Third-Party Tester | Yes — Dyad Labs |
| Price Per Serving | $1.50 |
Benefits Of Taking Pre-Workout
Pre-workout supplements may offer a wide range of benefits depending on their formulation. These can vary based on your tolerance, fitness level, and training goals.
Increases Energy Levels
One of the most recognized ingredients in the best pre-workout supplements is caffeine. This well-known stimulant supports the central nervous system and may significantly enhance energy, mental focus, and physical endurance—making it a staple for many lifters.
Caffeine works by blocking the activity of adenosine, a neurotransmitter that promotes relaxation and sleep. In doing so, it helps delay fatigue while increasing the release of norepinephrine and dopamine—two chemicals associated with improved energy and motivation during workouts.
Improves Muscular Strength
Many of the best pre-workout supplements include ingredients like creatine, one of the most widely researched and effective compounds for enhancing strength. As a naturally occurring amino acid in muscle cells, creatine plays a vital role in generating adenosine triphosphate (ATP)—the primary source of energy for muscular contractions.
While the body does produce creatine on its own, it’s often not enough to meet the demands of intense training. That’s why supplementation can help boost muscle creatine levels and support higher ATP availability.
This added energy can improve muscle performance, aiding in improving muscular strength over time. For those following a PHUL workout, where strength and hypertrophy are key focuses, creatine can be especially useful.
Enhanced Muscle Pumps
Most high-quality pre-workout supplements contain nitric oxide boosters, such as citrulline or beetroot extract. These ingredients help promote vasodilation, the widening of blood vessels, which improves circulation during workouts.
Nitric oxide (NO) is a naturally produced gas in the body that relaxes the blood vessels, increasing blood flow. With more oxygen and nutrients delivered to working muscles, you may experience fuller, more pronounced muscle pumps and improved workout endurance.
Because of the enhanced blood flow, NO-boosting ingredients are especially effective when used in a hypertrophy workout, where volume and muscle stimulation are high.
Supports Better Cognitive Function
Caffeine is a staple in many of the best pre-workouts for its ability to enhance alertness and cognition. By stimulating the central nervous system, it helps you stay focused and engaged throughout your session.
Additionally, some pre-workouts include nootropics like tyrosine and theanine. These compounds may help optimize neurotransmitter function, potentially supporting improved reaction time, memory, and decision-making. Combined, they help sharpen your mental edge when performance matters most.
Better Exercise Performance
Each of the points discussed above can contribute to better exercise performance when the pre-workout is correctly formulated. This includes increased energy levels from caffeine and enhanced muscular strength from creatine.
Furthermore, the increased delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the working muscles from NO boosters may improve exercise performance.
Beta-alanine is commonly added to most pre-workout supplements. This combines with histidine in the body to make carnosine. This molecule acts as a muscle buffer, meaning it reduces the muscles’ acidic environment during high-intensity exercise.
Higher carnosine levels mean the muscles can better manage the lactic acid build-up. With this, adding beta-alanine can further help to enhance exercise performance. Whether you’re doing an Arnold split or a normal routine, pre-workouts can improve your performance.
All the benefits discussed—higher energy from caffeine, improved muscular output from creatine, and increased blood flow from NO boosters—combine to support better exercise performance. When your pre-workout formula is dialed in, it can help you train harder and recover faster.
One of the most widely used ingredients for enhancing performance is beta-alanine. This non-essential amino acid teams up with histidine to create carnosine, which acts as a buffer against acid build-up in the muscles. That buffering effect helps delay fatigue during high-intensity sets.
Elevated carnosine levels can help you squeeze out extra reps, whether you’re following an Arnold split or a full-body routine. When included in a well-rounded pre-workout, beta-alanine adds another layer of support for serious gains in endurance and performance.
How To Choose The Best Pre-Workout
When selecting the best pre-workout supplement, there are five key factors to consider. These were also the core criteria we used when evaluating the products on our top 11 list.
Ingredients And Dosages
Among all the components found in pre-workouts, a few ingredients consistently show the strongest scientific support. These are the ones to prioritize. With each one, you’ll want to consider the research-backed doses to ensure the product delivers real benefits:
- Caffeine: 200 milligrams.
- Creatine: 3–5 grams.
- Beta-Alanine: 4–6 grams.
- Citrulline: 3–6 grams.
- Citrulline Malate: 6–8 grams.
If your supplement doesn’t meet these clinical ranges, you may be better off adding standalone ingredients to reach the ideal dose. Products that already use these scientifically validated amounts tend to deliver more consistent and noticeable performance improvements.
Brand Transparency And Third-Party Testing
Since dietary supplements aren’t regulated by the FDA, it’s up to brands to ensure safety and accuracy. One of the best ways to do that is through third-party testing. This verifies that each ingredient listed is actually present—and at the stated dose.
Pre-workouts that have passed third-party testing typically display a certification stamp from the testing agency. Some may also provide a certificate of analysis, confirming the product’s claims.
For athletes, this is even more important. Products tested by high-quality labs can often be used in tested sports with confidence. In fact, the usage rate of pre-workout supplements in high school football players alone is estimated at 29.4%, making trust and transparency a top priority.
Also, try to avoid proprietary blends. This term means the brand has chosen not to disclose how much of each ingredient is included. Without that transparency, there’s no way to tell whether you’re getting an effective dose.
Different Flavors And Taste
While taste might not be the most critical factor when choosing the best pre-workout, it still matters—especially if you’re taking it consistently. A supplement you enjoy drinking is one you’re more likely to stick with.
Check the available flavors to find ones that appeal to your preferences. If multiple flavors are offered, it’s a bonus—you can rotate to keep things fresh.
Customer reviews can help you assess how the flavors actually taste and whether the powder mixes smoothly in water.
Value For Money
Getting value from your pre-workout means balancing ingredient quality, effectiveness, and price. Prioritize options with high-quality testing and scientifically backed dosages over flashy marketing.
Compare the number and quality of ingredients across products relative to their cost. Generally, higher-priced pre-workouts should offer better formulations and third-party testing.
Before purchasing, be clear on what benefits you expect—whether it’s increased strength, energy, or endurance. Choose a product that aligns with those goals and fits your budget.
Customer Reviews
Each brand will highlight its own benefits, but nothing beats real-world feedback. Genuine customer reviews provide real-world accounts from people who have tried the product. These help you understand how well the pre-workout performs across different users and workouts.
Use customer feedback to verify whether the product lives up to its claims and delivers noticeable results in energy, endurance, or recovery.
Potential Side Effects
Pre-workouts are generally considered safe when used as directed. However, everyone’s body responds differently, so it’s recommended to start with a lower dose to assess your tolerance. Avoid exceeding the recommended serving.
If you have pre-existing medical conditions or concerns about specific ingredients, consult a qualified healthcare provider before use. They can help you determine whether a pre-workout is safe based on your individual needs.
These are some of the common side effects that users may experience:
- Headaches.
- Nausea.
- Dehydration.
- Skin Reactions.
- Digestive Issues.
- Stomach Upsets.
- High Blood Pressure.
- Jitters.
- Insomnia.
- Tingling Sensations.
- Heart Abnormalities (Self-Diagnosed).
Most side effects are mild and tend to subside when use is discontinued or dosage is adjusted. Your experience will depend on factors like ingredient types, total dosages, and personal sensitivity.
Conclusion
If you’re looking to boost your physical and mental performance, pre-workout supplements can offer the edge you need. Depending on the formula, they may help increase energy, strength, muscle pumps, focus, and endurance—making them a powerful addition to your training routine.
Our curated list of the best pre-workout supplements highlights the top options available in 2025, based on ingredient quality, effectiveness, and user feedback. Review the picks, match them to your fitness goals, and always stick to the recommended servings. With the right choice, you’ll feel the difference from your very next session.
Frequently Asked Questions
A pre-workout is worthwhile for those looking for an added performance boost. However, the exact benefits given depend on the ingredients and dosages used. This is why it’s important to review each one carefully.
Many bodybuilders use pre-workouts to boost their energy levels, enhance their strength, and improve exercise performance. Pre-workouts tend to make up a small part of their overall supplement routine.
Taking a pre-workout every day is generally considered safe when following the suggested doses. However, the effectiveness of some ingredients may decrease over time if breaks are not used. A good example would be caffeine.
A beginner can take pre-workout if they want. However, the most important thing at this stage of training is to develop a solid diet and training routine. Once these are done, a pre-workout can be used as a training aid.
Resources
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Chris Marshall, MSc, PT Personal Trainer
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