Best Pre Workout Supplement Reviews
If you find yourself wondering how long you’ll be able to push yourself today and how it’ll affect tomorrow’s endurance, then you should definitely consider trying out one of the best pre-workout supplements.
These supplements help you put forth more effort and push yourself to the limit, which is important when you’re faced with a challenging workout.
The best part about the best pre workout supplements is that regardless of if you’re trying to lose weight or if you’re a seasoned athlete, everyone can benefit from them.
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Product Purity
Flavor and texture do not always weigh too heavily on intense athletes considering a pre-workout supplement. The raw ingredients do not have a pleasant natural flavor but many individuals prefer the bad taste of questionable additives and flavorings. With products that range from all-natural to super-sweet blue raspberry, there is something for everyone.
These products can be pricey and are most effective when used regularly, so, it's no use purchasing one you cannot tolerate. Most people seeking a supplement are seeking a significant “pump” or boost in energy to get them through their workout. We looked for products that'll provide this boost while limiting side effects of having too much caffeine, such as jitteriness, anxiety, and sleeplessness.
Separate from the caffeine, beta alanine, which is the other main component in any pre-workout, may cause paresthesias, or “pins and needles” sensation. Many users accustomed to supplements love this tingling as it helps them to feel something is working. For others, the feeling can be uncomfortable and they prefer supplements with a less intense sensation.
Effectiveness
All supplements on this list contain caffeine and beta alanine to some degree. to offer the best results possible along with other features. However, many contain additional supplements and vitamins that claim to boost performance. Testing through Labdoor revealed that many of these additional supplements have not been studied thoroughly enough to determine an effective dose.
Those that do have a recommended effective dose are often not represented highly enough in these supplements. Labdoor found that nearly all of the supplements tested had at least one active ingredient that fell below the effective dose. While these facts are somewhat disappointing, these supplements may still be beneficial when complemented by a healthy diet.
So, what does this tell you?
Well, this actually tells you that you need to make sure to look for a product that will fit your needs, and for some of you that may result in some trial and error. The great thing about our product reviews is that you have an outline of the best pre-workout supplements currently available, along with their Pros and Cons and what to look out for before you follow through with making your purchase.
That being said, it doesn't just matter that your product is effective-- there are plenty of options that will give you the energy punch you need. What is more important is that you end up with a product that you can easily use whenever you need to and still feel great while you workout. You shouldn't feel uncomfortable, instead of for it to be truly effective you should feel great and ready to take on the workout.
Potency
It is important to remember that supplements are not regulated in the same way that drugs or even food are. Companies are not required to reveal how much of any supplement is in each product and sometimes when they do put an amount on the label, it does not accurately reflect the real amount of the product.
By creating “proprietary blends of ingredients” they are able to protect their recipe and exact contents of the product as a company secret. The best supplements are the ones that do tell you what is in them and have been tested by an independent third party to confirm the accuracy. Labdoor releases its test results so we looked for products that had been tested by them and had reliable label amounts.
The one caveat to these reviews is that companies may change their formulas, so the product you are getting may not be the same exact blend that was tested by Labdoor. In fact, our list actually also contains products that are completely free of caffeine and other stimulants that some users may be too sensitive to.
Regardless of what you are looking or, you don't need to worry because there is something on our list that is perfect for your needs and preferences. If you need something that is more potent than the others, we have a supplement that will give even you the boost you need. On the other hand, if you are sensitive to many ingredients, we also have gentler options for you to choose from
Responsiveness
Responsiveness results from research and testing for safe use.
It is often best to pay a little bit more for a reliable company and to seek blends that have undergone unbiased third party testing. Again, as supplements are not highly regulated, it is easy for companies to add controversial or even dangerous additives and fillers without revealing them to buyers.
All products tested by a laboratory were reviewed for purity by testing for 4 heavy metals: lead, arsenic, cadmium, and arsenic. Additionally, lab door checks for ingredients that have been flagged as controversial. Many of these ingredients are considered safe by the FDA but are still undergoing testing for potentially harmful effects.
In addition to these additives, the active ingredients in these supplements may carry risks of their own. Unless you have a preexisting condition, having too much caffeine will not likely cause any health problems but it is likely to cause adverse side effects. Moderate levels of caffeine have been shown to improve athletic performance.
However, once you reach a recommended amount, there is very little return for increasing the caffeine content. Consuming too much caffeine may cause side effects such as jitteriness that may actually detract from your workout. Many supplements do have unnecessarily high levels of caffeine but even the highest doses should not be dangerous when taken properly.
That being said, if you are already drinking multiple cups of coffee or soda a day, you may want to opt for a supplement with relatively lower levels. In fact, if you want a supplement that is completely caffeine-free so you don't have to add more of it to your daily intake, you should check out our number one pick because it is a caffeine free option.
Use
Your supplement will likely also contain other ingredients to prolong muscle use and reduce your chance of cramping or injury. It is fairly typical for supplements to contain caffeine as a way to boost energy levels before you get started. You will see the best results when using a pre-workout regularly rather than sporadically, which is also a great incentive to keep your workout on a schedule.
We have sifted and sorted to put together our list of the top 10 pre-workout supplements for you. We know that you all have busy schedules and unplanned emergencies. That’s life. We want you to have the opportunity to get the most out your exercise and with a reliable pre-workout supplement that is more than possible, its a standard.
Caffeine has not been found to be dangerous for healthy individuals. However, people with pre-existing heart conditions and pregnant women should monitor their intake. Additionally, caffeine can interact with medications, so you should check with your doctor and pharmacist about any contraindications.
Click here to see more 10 Top Pre-Work Out Supplements
1. Performance Lab Pre Workout
Prior to an intensive work-out, it is good to prime the body and this supplement is the way forward. Right from your first try, the benefits will start and gradually build up each time you use this before your regular work-outs. This has been tried out by many users and its resulting popularity places this supplement at number 1 in our guide. If you are looking for benefits via a supplement which is known to come up with the required results, this is your first choice. This supplement is a double-edged sword, great for pre-workouts and equally good for promoting recovery.
Read morePurity.
Packed with probiotic plant-based ingredients this supplement will be absorbed naturally and effectively into the body. The ingredients work naturally in harmony with the body so that you get the best results without any none natural boosting. Each time this is used, it builds up positively in the body to enhance performance during training and works as a natural recovery agent.
Effectiveness
Because the ingredients have probiotic qualities, they work the way nature intended, and this means they are absorbed effectively and naturally work at a beneficial level for and with the body.
Potency
The potency level is set to work with the body, from the first dose the benefits will start to kick in, as you continue the course of supplements there is a positive built-up balance of the ingredients within your bodies performance systems. This covers the more effective use of muscles and the cardio system. Your body will be tuned and ready before you start a workout and the level of potency is consistent enough to assist recovery after training.
Safety
This supplement can only offer safety because the ingredients are plant-sourced with probiotic qualities. Our bodies are naturally tuned to work in harmony with nature and this includes what we consume. All the ingredients are natural therefore the body easily works with them.
Use
Take this supplement before you start training so that the ingredients can fuel and balance the body for enhanced use. While running or training we require higher performance from our muscles and our cardiovascular systems and the natural ingredients in this supplement are blended together to enable the body to meet the higher demands of training. But, the value does not stop at pre-workout because this supplement is equally good for post-recovery. As you continue to use this, the benefits build up in the body naturally and as time progresses you will notice that you perform better and recover easily.
2. Jacked Factory Pump Surge
If you are looking for a pre-workout that is free of stimulants, then this is the way to go. With no caffeine, this supplement is able to provide you with the energy you need to push yourself to the limit so you get the best workout possible each and every time.
Read moreProduct Purity
The best part about this company is that they are completely transparent when it comes to their ingredients—absolutely everything in the product is on the label. If you know you are sensitive or allergic to certain ingredients make sure to take a close look before you buy. This is supplement is also produced in a cGMP facility, so safety and quality are of utmost importance to the brand.
Effectiveness
This product is effective at giving you the energy boost you need to get started and push through. However, this supplement differs in that it does not use caffeine to do so. Instead, it uses nootropics and nitric oxide to give you that push without the use of caffeine.
Potency
As far as potency, this is a great product for users who are not already used to heavily caffeinated pre-workout supplements. If you use one of those you may find that this supplement won’t do much for you with its recommended serving size.
Safety Hazards
This supplement is completely free of caffeine—so if you have a low tolerance or are sensitive to caffeine, you will find that this is the perfect option for you. With effective nootropics, this pre-workout will get you moving so you get a quality workout every single time.
Use
Since you can easily store this supplement in your gym bag, you can take it with you wherever you go so it is always on hand—just mix it with some water in your blender bottle and you are good to go.
3. Vintage Blast
This product provides a balanced boost through your workout with a little bit of the tingling sensation that many gym rats love. In addition to caffeine and beta-alanine, this supplement has arginine and acetyl tyrosine to improve blood flow and neurological performance. Third party testing showed some variance in label accuracy but it does not contain any harmful additives.
Read moreProduct Purity
This pre-workout supplement provides a balanced boost with a recognizable tingling sensation within 5 minutes of drinking it. Most users love the steady amount of energy provided with no sugar crash following it.
Effectiveness
In addition to caffeine and beta-alanine, this product contains acetyl tyrosine to maintain neurological performance and arginine. While the research is still out on the efficacy of arginine supplementation, it may increase blood flow, mitochondrial respiration, and platelet function.
Potency
This product was given a score of 85 when tested by labdoor. Labdoor reports caffeine, beta-alanine and arginine differed from the label claim by over 10% while acetyl tyrosine was fairly accurate.
Safety HazardsUse
The flavor is sour and sweet giving it a depth of flavor that many other supplements are lacking. Most people prefer this to unflavored brands but some find a bit overpowering.
The price per serving is more expensive than many others but many find the significant boost and reputable brand making paying extra well worth it. If you want a quick and easy way to boost your workouts this supplement is a great place to start!
4. DO Vitamins Pure Pump
DO Vitamins totes itself as “the clean energy drink” and independent testing by multiple third parties seem to agree. Without artificial flavors or sweeteners this is certainly not the best tasting option but it provides steady energy for your workout with no crash.
Read moreProduct Purity
Void of any artificial flavorings or sweeteners, the consensus among users is that this clean product tastes pretty bad. Without any additives to mask the taste, many users combine this with juice or just add a small amount of liquid to take it like a shot. Despite the bad taste, this is still a highly regarded product for those seeking transparency in their supplements.
Effectiveness
Unlike many energy drinks, this formula provides a steady boost rather than a sharp, jittery peak. Most users prefer this feeling of consistency and do notice a crash as they do with other drinks.
Potency
This simple and clean formula features caffeine, niacin, and beta-alanine. These have all been shown to boost energy and metabolism and can help give you an edge in your workouts to get you to that next level.
Safety Hazards
This clean formula is very safe to use and has been tested by multiple third parties. It received top marks from Labdoor for safety and purity meaning there are no flagged ingredients. Like most of these supplements, the caffeine in 2 scoops will exceed the daily recommended dose of 400 mg but not by much.
Use
Price per serving is mid-range when compared to others on this list. It's a smart choice for those new to supplements who want something that will work without wasting their money trying a lot of products beforehand.
5. Citadel Nutrition Tier 1 Plus
This supplement is very highly rated among users as it packs a lot of caffeine as well as beta alanine, L tyrosine and creatine into just one scoop. The sweet lemonade taste is enjoyable to most and it provides a nice level of energy without jitteriness or anxiety.
Read moreProduct purity
It does contain sucralose as an artificial sweetener which is considered to be safe but may trigger migraines in those who already are prone to them. It tested well on product purity, however, with 318 mg of caffeine in each serving, 2 scoops would exceed the recommended limit by over 200 mg.
Effectiveness
The Tier 1 plus formula provides the same amount of energy in 1 scoop that most brands produce in 2. Users note a level boost in energy without jitters or anxiety.
Potency
Due to the higher caffeine content, 1 scoop of this will go a long way, making it a bit more affordable than some of its competitors.
Safety Hazards
Third party testing by Labdoor showed fairly good label accuracy with no measured ingredients exceeding 10% difference from the label claim.
Use
This supplement has a lemonade flavoring that most users find enjoyable. Some may not be thrilled with the lemon flavor and like that there are not many other flavor choices.
6. Legion Pulse
This pre-workout supplement is highly rated by users and third party testers. It provides a significant boost in energy without causing jitteriness and features some additional supplements to aid performance and muscle growth. It is also free from artificial dyes and ingredients that have potential to be detrimental.
Read moreProduct Purity
In addition to caffeine and beta-alanine that is common to most pre-workout supplements, this formula also provides citrulline malate, ornithine, betaine, and theanine. All of these ingredients aim to improve performance, aid muscle growth and increase alertness. According to the company, the benefits of all ingredients are backed by and dosed based on peer-reviewed studies.
Effectiveness
Taste does not seem to be the main selling point of this supplement. Most reviewers find it to be okay but not great. It is sweetened using only natural sweeteners so people accustomed to artificial sweeteners tend to find the flavor a bit lacking. Available in 5 flavors: grape, green apple, watermelon, fruit punch, and blue raspberry. This product is on the more expensive end when priced out per serving.
Potency
Legion pulse held up well to testing by Labdoor. The sugar content per serving is very low and caffeine and beta-alanine content were just slightly below the label claim at 330 mg and 4800 mg respectively.
Safety Hazards
This supplement is free of controversial artificial sweeteners and dyes. Testing by Labdoor showed heavy metal levels well below the daily limit. Overall, this is a pretty safe and natural bet compared to many supplements on the market. The only questionable risk is that 2 servings of this powder will exceed the daily recommended limit of caffeine.
Use
Most users agree 2 scoops gives a significant boost of energy and a bit of a tingling sensation without making them feel anxious or overwhelmed.
7. Red Leaf
Pleasant cranberry lime flavor with green tea and cranberry extract for added energy and antioxidants. With about a quarter of the caffeine, this is a great option for those seeking a small boost before a workout. It will not give the same intense pump typical to many other pre-workout supplements.
Read moreProduct Purity:
Testing by lab door showed pretty poor label accuracy with caffeine, beta alanine and arginine exceeding label claims by 47%, 20%, and 29% respectively.
Effectiveness:
This product has less caffeine than most so it provides a much milder boost in energy than some of the other supplements.
Potency
This product contains 40-50mg of caffeine which is quite a bit less than the 2.5 mg/ kg of body weight (around 170mg caffeine for a 150 lb individual) recommended for effectiveness during exercise. It does feature an effective dose of beta-alanine and arginine which is currently being studied as a vasodilator to improve performance.
Safety Hazards
With lower caffeine content, this is the safest option for staying under the daily recommended caffeine limit. It tested well for product purity and does not contain any controversial fillers or additives.
Use
Pleasant lime cranberry flavor that is not overly sweet and generally well received. It might not be a favorite for some but most tend to like the taste.
Price per serving is relatively inexpensive. Its a great option for those who do not want to spend a lot on a supplement and who want just a little added edge to their workouts.
8. Evlution Nutrition ENGN
Evlution provides a powerful energy boost that is well received by heavy lifters and high intensity athletes. The taste is good but the label does not describe the amounts of each ingredient. Third party testing was fairly good but this product does contain sucralose and blue dye 1 which are currently being studied for health risks.
Read moreProduct Purity
This product does not list the content of all ingredients such as caffeine and L-tyrosine. The ingredients it does list were found to be 6 to 12% different from the label claim.
Effectiveness
This supplement provides an intense pump with no crash. The ingredients are pure and selected to enhance your overall energy and performance with each and every workout.
Potency
In addition to caffeine and beta-alanine, this product contains L tyrosine which may improve neurological performance and creatine which improves muscle performance. Additionally, the producer lists Huperzine A, Alpha Glycerylphosphorylcholine, Infinergy (Ionically bonded molecules of caffeine and malic acid), Choline Bitartrate, Agmatine Sulfate, Niacin, Vitamin B12, Vitamin B6.
Safety Hazards
This supplement has been tested by labdoor for product purity. It does have sucralose as an artificial sweetener which may trigger in migraines in individuals who are predisposed to them. It also has some Blue No 1. Which has been linked to allergies and hypersensitivities.
Use
Most users enjoy the 6 flavor options with blue raspberry seeming to be the most popular. Although it is sweeter than some options, people do not seem to find it overly sugary.
The price per serving is relatively low compared to others on the market. This supplement is a wonderful way to enhance your daily workouts and improve your outputs.
9. Sheer Strength Labs
This is a good tasting product that provides a significant kick and classic tingling sensation within 10 minutes of taking. This product provides a significant pump with safer ingredients and less caffeine content. It does not have the best label accuracy but it tested well for product purity and has no controversial additives.
Read moreProduct Purity
Testing by Labdoor shows this supplement has fairly good label accuracy. The caffeine and creatine content was roughly 5% higher than the label claim while beta-alanine was over 12% higher than the claim.
Effectiveness
Within 10 minutes of drinking, this product provides a tingling sensation with a significant kick in energy. Users report no crash or jitters with this supplement.
Potency
This product has a particularly high L citrulline content which can improve blood flow and improve performance. Additionally, it features caffeine, beta alanine, creatine, and Ornithine which has been linked to burning fat and reducing exercise fatigue.
Safety Hazards
This product had very good product purity and no flagged ingredients when it was tested by Labdoor. The caffeine content per serving is much lower than many other brands so you would be less likely to exceed the daily intake limit.
Use
This supplement tastes a bit sugary but most users enjoy the cotton candy and fruit punch flavors. It may be a little too sweet for some who are not used to flavored or sweet drinks and supplement powders.
The price per serving size is on the lower end of average when compared to others on the market. Its not the fanciest choice on our list but it is a good one to use for an added boost.
10. Optimum Nutrition Platinum
This pre workout supplement provides a milder energy boost and has a more sweetened and fruity taste than the more natural competitors. The addition of chili powder extract increases metabolism and gives this supplement a spicy kick.
Read moreProduct Purity
Highly rated on Labdoor for label accuracy with slightly higher caffeine content and slightly lower beta alanine of 217 mg and 1591 mg respectively.
Effectiveness
This gives a mild boost without making users jittery or causing a post-workout crash. You get all the good things with none of the bad when you use this supplement for a workout boost.
Potency
In addition to the standard caffeine and beta alanine, this formula contains citrulline to increase blood flow as well as chili powder extract to boost metabolism.
Safety Hazards
This product is rated as very safe by Labdoor, with no heavy metals exceeding the daily intake limit. Every ingredient has been approved for use by the FDA but there is some controversy surrounding two of them. Acesulfame Potassium is an artificial sweetener that is currently being tested for effects on cognitive function, prenatal development, and carcinogenicity. Sucralose has not been shown to have an effect in these areas but it may trigger migraines in individuals who already suffer from them.
Use
This powder mixes well without leaving behind a gritty residue. Most people agree the flavor is sweet and fruity with a surprisingly spicy kick from metabolism-boosting cayenne pepper. It is available in 3 flavors: raspberry lemonade, twisted apple, and fruit punch.
Price per serving is mid-range and while it is not the most potent or well-known brand on this list it is still a popular one that will give you visible results and help you take your workout to the next level.
11. Total War
The Total War pre workout supplement is a large dose of get up and go. Many supplements contain quantities of caffeine and other stimulants in order to help you get started but the Total War is a whole different level. Don’t just greet the day, tackle it head-on.
Read moreProduct Purity
The Total War has not been reviewed by labdoor. There is some question about the accuracy of the ingredient lists but consumer reviews seem satisfied with the content and their results and that has earned it a spot here at number ten on our list.
Effectiveness
The boost from the Total War is quite strong. The instructions and most of its user base recommending to only use a half dose as you are starting out because it takes a bit of getting used to.
Potency
Total War is all about having optimized energy and performance at the start of your exercise routine and that is exactly what this supplement will help you do. On top of standard energy increase, Total War promises an increase in focus and drive.
Safety Hazards
Total War is reported as having few or no side effects and does not have any questionable or flagged ingredients. It is a good choice for someone looking for an occasional addition to their workout and dietary routine.
Use
The reception for Total War’s flavors vary. The Rainbow candy is said to be very good whereas the sour gummy bear is considered pretty unpalatable.
The price for Total War is relatively comparable to other supplements. There is the added benefit in that most people report that they can get an effective boost from a half dose. So you may be receiving double your investment depending on how it affects you.
