10 Best Caffeine Pills, Capsules and Tablets Tested & Compared
If you find yourself needing a little boost in the middle of the day or halfway through your workout, or if you find that that extra coffee just doesn’t do it for you anymore, it might be worth looking into a caffeine supplement. Hopefully, using our recommendations and custom criteria, we can help you find the best caffeine pill for you and your lifestyle.
Check out our list of the top 10 best caffeine pills!
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Use
Okay, so the effectiveness of a caffeine pill makes sense. But what exactly does the ‘usefulness’ of a caffeine pill refer to? In this case, we mean its practicality, its additional benefits, and the number of adverse symptoms you might experience. Therefore, usefulness simply means its usefulness relative to your lifestyle and how well it fits into it, as well as what it can offer you. Like we mentioned above, some of the caffeine pills on our list were made to be used specifically by athletes and gym-goers. These caffeine pills will typically take effect very quickly, with a much stronger initial release of caffeine and energy. Other caffeine pills are intended to be used by anyone who needs consistent energy and mental acuity for several consecutive hours at a time.
The best, and most useful products though, will offer the consumer multiple uses and multiple benefits. There are several options on our list that are great for taking either before a workout, mid-morning to help you stay focused, when you hit the 3 pm slump and need a boost to get you through the end of the day but not keep you awake all night, and/or just a general aid in keeping you focused to get your to-do list done. As a general rule of thumb, it is a wise decision to opt for a pill that also contains L-Theanine in addition to caffeine. This is because L-Theanine has been proven to help reduce and avoid some of the negative side effects of caffeine – particularly overall jitteriness and the “caffeine crash” that some users experience. Speaking of negative side effects, another metric we used to gauge the usefulness of the product was the number of adverse side effects that consumers experienced.
A caffeine pill can work wonders in helping your mental functioning, but it does not do much good to swap energy and alertness for a whole list of other physical problems. Caffeine has been known to cause (in some cases) serious gastrointestinal issues because it is a diuretic, as well as general insomnia, nervousness, and elevated blood pressure levels. However, it also has many positive side effects aside from increased energy levels, including help in weight control and weight loss, use in asthma and other respiratory issues where difficulty breathing has occurred, and in some instances may help reduce headaches and migraines.
Some of the products on our list come loaded with other healthy micronutrients other than caffeine, which will fit nicely into a holistically healthy lifestyle. For example, Weyland Energy tablets also contain an adequate source of B Vitamins, and the Suntheanine L- Theanine tablets have coconut oil for an added dose of healthy fats. A good caffeine pill will do less of the “bad stuff” (i.e. diarrhea, gas, bloating, high blood pressure, etc.) and more of the “good stuff”. Overall, caffeine pills can be a very useful option for getting in caffeine because they are easy to take, fast, simple, and fit practically into most people’s lifestyles.
Product Purity
We know how important it is to know what we are putting into our bodies nowadays--which is why we took an extra list at the ingredients on each of the caffeine pills we chose for our list. While some are organic, non-GMO, etc. there are some that are not--and you will see that reflected in their overall rating. Some of us are adamant against specific ingredients, and we made sure to provide options for everyone.
So, make sure to take a look at the ingredient list of each product featured on our list and make sure that it is within your own personal preference guideline. It is important to make sure the stuff we put into our bodies are designed to be safe and effective and easy to use. Many people look to supplements like caffeine pills to give them that extra boost to get them through the hardest part of their day. We understand how important these kinds of products are and we also understand how important it is to know that the products we use are pure and accurate and will do what they claim.
That is why the RunnerClick team spent so much time reviewing each product we featured on our guide here. We want to make sure we are presenting the best products available and that you are getting accurate and up to date information. Our goal is to help you determine what caffeine pills are best suited for your unique wants and needs and lifestyle. We made sure to include several different types and formulations so you can have plenty of options to choose from!
Effectiveness
The effectiveness of each product on this list is determined by a few factors. For example, many of these supplements contain additional ingredients that either provide additional boosts of energy or help their core ingredient, caffeine, in being more effective. Another way that the effectiveness of each product can be defined has to do with dosages since a product that requires fewer servings to provide the same amount of caffeine is clearly more effective.
There is little point in buying a supplement if it is not going to be effective and if it does not do what it claims it will do. So of course, you will want to be sure any caffeine pill you choose to use will be safe and effective and that it will give you the boost of energy you want and need without the nasty side effects of some other supplements out there.
Here at RunnerClick we made sure to find the best caffeine supplements to present to you on our list. Our review team tested each product and made sure to focus on how effective they were and how well they delivered on their promise of additional energy and stamina. We made sure to compare every product so only the best of the best made it onto our list!
Taste
One thing any user needs to be mindful of when choosing any supplement to add to their heath and wellness plan is what it will taste like. Many supplements do a great job at delivering what they promise but one of the biggest complaints many users have is that they often have a bad taste or leave a bad after taste once they are taken. When the taste is really off-putting it can make it difficult to take the supplement. While this is not as big of a concern with an occasional supplement like a caffeine pill, it is still something worth considering as you look at your options.
As we reviewed the various caffeine pills we tested we made sure take the taste into account. While most pills have some sort of taste some are much worse than others and we did our best to include the supplements that have the least offensive taste. Because much of this comes down to personal preference and individual levels of tolerance, it is hard to say all of the pills featured on our list are free from a bad after taste, they are some of the ones that had the least complaints of the products we tried and tested.
10 Best Caffeine Supplements Reviewed
1. Smarter Vitamins
These are organic and all-natural caffeine pills that are a great substitute for other forms of caffeine--especially for those of you who are sensitive to it and have to deal with the jitters or crashing. If you want to know why these natural caffeine supplements are no. 1 on our list, read more below.
Read moreEffectiveness
These FDA certified organic caffeine pills boost your mental focus and help you stay alert to the task at hand. The L-Theanine in the product also eliminates the jitters and keeps you calm without taking away from your focus.
Utility
Backed up by Navy Seals, these caffeine pills have proven to be long-lasting and highly effective. You can take 1 soft gel and, boom you're ready to go.
Value
This product comes averagely priced and is a great alternative to harsher caffeine products.
2. Zhou Energy
The Zhou Energy caffeine pills will provide you with long-lasting energy that won't make you crash and will ensure you don't get the jitters when you take it. If you want something all natural that provides long-lasting focus then this is a great pick for you!
Read moreEffectiveness
These caffeine capsules provide mental focus and alertness without the jitters--so you can even take them to get through your social occasions without crashing in the middle of the event.
Utility
This product comes in caffeine capsules and you only have to take one to fill its effects--although you can take a maximum of 4 a day.
Value
While priced a little above average, it's definitely great caffeine capsules if you want an all-natural option that won't make you crash or leave you feeling jittery and anxious.
3. Kaged
Kaged muscle performance caffeine capsules are another organic product that is also a certified banned substance free--so you can use it for your competition or races if you need to.
Read moreEffectiveness
The supplement uses an organic form of caffeine and boosts your energy and focus for those events that are designed to test your endurance and push you to the limit.
Utility
You just need to take on easy to swallow the caffeine capsules and you will have all of the focus and energy you need.
Value
Really affordable
4. ProLab
ProLab caffeine tablets is the bestseller on the list. Made in the United States, this formula was designed as a pre-workout energizer that was specifically designed to complement your dietary goals.
Read moreEffectiveness
Each caffeine pill comes packed with 200mg of caffeine to keep you focused and energized throughout your day. The ProLab formula boosts your metabolism for weight loss without the added sugar and calories.
Utility
The ProLab caffeine tablets are great for pre-workouts and obtaining your dietary goals. It suppresses your appetite and boosts your metabolism while maximizing your focus and energy throughout the workday.
Value
As mentioned earlier, ProLab caffeine tablets are the bestseller on the list. Compared to other caffeine pills, this gives quality energy at an affordable price. People use this for a variety of reasons, from pre-workout to an alternative for other caffeinated products with negative side effects. There are 100 tablets per container with a serving size of one to two pills per day.
5. Nutricost Caffeine
Nutricost Caffeine pills are an American made product that packs gluten-free, non-GMO caffeine into 250 separate capsules. Now you can have energy without the added sugar or calories that are commonly found in soda and energy drinks.
Read moreEffectiveness
Nutricost Caffeine capsules pack a punch when you need energy for an extended period of time. If you’re someone that exercises early in the morning and goes to work afterward, this product is for you.
Utility
These caffeine capsules have also been popular for weight loss. It suppresses your appetite and gives you energy throughout your workday to keep strong mental acuity.
Value
A popular product for its affordable price. The suggested serving size is one gel pill per day and contains 250 caffeine pills altogether.
6. Fused Focus
These caffeine pills from Fused Focus contain a blend of caffeine and teacrine for a serious brain boost. Although the cost of these caffeine capsules is a little high, these are a favorite for those who need just a little extra help throughout the day.
Read moreEffectiveness
Most users felt that this 150mg nootropic caffeine supplement was just enough caffeine to give them some extra energy without being overwhelming. It’s great for people who want a supplement to carry them through a workout or help them focus while at work. A small number of users reported feeling very sick and nauseous after taking one of these pills, so be wary if you are sensitive to caffeine or other supplements.
Utility
These pills come in a very convenient bottle that you can stash in your desk or your duffle bag. There are 30 caffeine pills in total, so you may have to restock frequently.
Value
It's definitely on the high end of our price spectrum, these caffeine pills may be a little out of reach for those on a budget. But the great combination of teacrine and caffeine are sure to give you that extra brainpower with your energy.
7. Jet Alert
Don’t let the packaging fool you; Jet-Alert caffeine tablets are one of the most sought-after caffeine pills. Simple, to the point, very affordable, small pills, and doesn’t contain any arbitrary medicinal ingredients.
Read moreEffectiveness
The ingredients in Jet-Alert caffeine tablets are few and simple. Its simplicity makes it non-habit forming. Each pill is packed with 100mg and is no larger than a tic-tac.
Utility
Jet-Alert works great for getting a quick jump of energy. These caffeine pills are most popular among the college community because it kicks in within 20 minutes.
Value
This is the most affordable caffeine pill on the market. The value you get for each pill is well worth the small investment. Potentially, if you were to only take one pill per day, it could last up to 4 months. Each package contains 120 tablets.
8. Bulk Supplements
These caffeine pills from Bulk Supplements are 100% caffeine in a fast-acting pill so they are great for when you’re on the go and need a boost.
Read moreEffectiveness
These caffeine capsules are fast-acting and you can expect results within about 20 minutes of taking a pill. With 200mg of pure caffeine, the dosage is more than most typical supplements, so if you’re one of those people who isn’t easily affected by caffeine or have a hard time getting that extra energy, these will probably work well for you.
Utility:
The quick-dissolving gelatin caffeine capsule that is easy to take before your workout or at the beginning of your day. Take it with your morning supplements or throw it in your meal prep bag for quick energy whenever you need it. The resealable bag isn’t super portable, so you will have to plan ahead or keep your pills in a separate, more convenient container.
Value:
The overall price for these caffeine pills is a little expensive compared to other caffeine supplements on our list, but the dosage and quantity of pills make it a great deal. Unfortunately, customers frequently report an issue with quality control and often receive an inconsistent number of pills in their order; missing pills, empty capsules, and bags covered with powder from crushed capsules are not uncommon. In spite of this, many people were willing to give the pills a high rating for their effectiveness and said they would still be purchasing from Bulksupplements. So, if you’re willing to put up with the unpredictable amount of caffeine pills and potentially messy packaging, they’re worth the investment.
9. Natrol High Caffeine
Natrol High Caffeine supplements are a very affordable caffeine supplement with a higher dosage. If you feel like most caffeine pills just don’t do it for you, give these a try.
Read moreEffectiveness
With 200mg of caffeine, these caffeine tablets offer plenty of extra energy. Each dosage should last about 3-4 hours, so you won’t need to worry about refueling or stalling halfway through a workout.
Utility
These caffeine pills come in tablet form instead of in capsules, so they are less likely to break apart and cause a mess. You could also split one of the tablets in half if you want a smaller dosage. The bottle is small enough to throw in your workout bag or purse on the way out the door and the pills are easy to fit into supplement cases.
Value
Each bottle of Natrol comes with 100 tablets and is about the same price as a coffee drink from your favorite corner cafe or chain. With all of the ingredients and effectiveness as most of the caffeine pills on our list, the low-cost of these supplements make them a go-to option for those on a budget.
10. NutraFX
NutraFX is a caffeine supplement that is anhydrous (pills that contain no water) and thermogenic (a metabolism enhancer). Both ingredients are ideal for exercise and weight loss.
Read moreEffectiveness
This product is great for those that exercise regularly. The ingredients' specific purpose is to act as a dietary supplement and boost your metabolism.
Utility
NutraFX contains 200mg of caffeine which provides four hours of energy, alertness, and brain focus. Ideal for those that want to maintain a certain weight or lose extra body weight.
Value
This is one of the most cost-effective caffeine pills on the list. NutraFX contains added ingredients that boost your metabolism and generate energy to get the most out of your workout. The bottle holds 200 capsules with a serving size of only one capsule per day.
Sources
- , Caffeine Informer, Article
- , May Clinic, Website
- , WebMD, Website
- , NPR, Article
- , American Pregnancy Association, Article
- , LiveStrong, Article
