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Best Pre-Workout Powders of 2024
Winner - Nutricost Pre-Workout Blue Raspberry
Are you having trouble staying consistent at the gym? Skipping sessions and generally feeling ‘blah’? You, my friend, may be dealing with physical fatigue. It’s okay, we all deal with it. But there is a simple solution that can help combat fatigue and improve your overall fitness: pre-workout powder.
The reason so many benefit from pre-workout powders is that they generally include a blend of energy-boosting, focus-enhancing, and performance-supporting ingredients to help you overcome fatigue. Looking for consistency? Pre-workout can help reduce physical fatigue before, during, and after your workout.
There are literally so many pre-workout options out there. You can pick between tons of different flavors, formulas, servings per container, price points, and more. It’s hard to know which pre-workout powders will actually work for you and which ones you can skip.
Well, I’ve researched, ordered, and tried a LOT of pre-workout powders so that you can easily determine the best one for you. I considered formula, price, brand experience, and flavor. I tried 10 different pre-workout powders and made this list just for you.
Please note that ALL 10 of these pre-workout supplements are great options, and I’ve ranked them according to my criteria (read about that here).
What I loved:
- Price: $37.95 or 63¢ per scoop
- High Stim Formula includes caffeine, l-citrulline, l-tyrosine, taurine, and beta-alanine
- Great Blue-Razz Flavor
- 60 servings per tub
- High Quality: 3rd-party tested and manufactured in a GMP-compliant facility
- Non-GMO, gluten-free
What could be better:
- 300 mg caffeine per serving
What I loved:
Nutricost Pre-X stood out for several reasons, making it my #1 choice. It is a great option for those looking for a high-stim pre-workout. The price point is truly excellent, just $37.95 for one tub. That breaks down to about 63 cents per scoop, one of the lowest on this list.
The High Stim Formula, which includes 300 mg of caffeine, also includes the following ingredients: l-citrulline, l-tyrosine, taurine, beta-alanine, and more. I also really enjoyed the Blue Razz flavor, which has an easy-drinking, berry-forward taste.
Pre-X undergoes third-party testing and is manufactured in a GMP-compliant facility, ensuring high quality and safety standards. It is also non-GMO and gluten-free.
Overall, its unbeatable price, potent formula, great flavor, and quality assurance make this product a top choice for those seeking a tasty pre-workout powder.
What could be better:
My only caution about Pre-X is that it is high-stim and has 300 mg of caffeine per scoop. That may be too much for some people. However, if you’re looking for high-stim, you’ve found it with Nutricost Pre-X.
*Individual Results May Vary - Ratings are based on Society Health Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. We encourage consumers to research by visiting each product's website for more information.
What I loved:
- Price: $29.99 or $1.07 per scoop
- Formula includes natural caffeine, l-citrulline, arginine, beta-alanine, and an electrolyte blend
- Go-To Flavor: Blue Razz
- 150 mg natural caffeine per serving
- High Quality: 3rd-party tested and manufactured in a GMP-compliant facility
What could be better:
- 28 servings per tub
What I loved:
First, Transform HQ has a reasonable price of $29.99, which averages about $1.07 per scoop and offers good value considering its quality and formulation.
The formula, which includes natural caffeine, l-citrulline, arginine, beta-alanine, and an electrolyte blend, provides a comprehensive mix to help enhance performance and endurance. The Blue Razz flavor is a favorite, adding to the enjoyment of Transform HQ’s pre-workout.
Each serving contains 150 mg of natural caffeine to help with energy. Finally, the product undergoes third-party testing and is manufactured in a GMP-compliant facility, ensuring high quality and safety standards.
What could be better:
So, this tub only has 28 servings, which is not as long of a supply as my #1 pick on this list. However, 28-30 servings per tub is not unusual at all. Plus, the formula, flavor, and price are great with Transform HQ, which is why this is still a highly recommended option for me!
*Individual Results May Vary - Ratings are based on Society Health Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. We encourage consumers to research by visiting each product's website for more information.
What I loved:
- Clean Formula: Organic caffeine, GABA, l-citrulline, l-arginine, taurine, and beta-alanine
- Made with stevia and zero sugar
- 200 mg organic caffeine per serving
- Great Flavor: Blackberry Lemonade
- High Quality: 3rd-party tested and manufactured in a GMP-compliant facility
- Non-GMO, gluten-free
What could be better:
- Price: $35.99 or $1.71 per scoop
- Only 21 servings per tub
What I loved:
Type Zero offers several compelling features that make it stand out. As a brand, Type Zero has super clean ingredients - no fillers, zero sugar, and “no bs” (from their website).
Its formula is impressive, containing organic caffeine, GABA, l-citrulline, l-arginine, taurine, and beta-alanine, providing a comprehensive blend for assisting gym performance. The use of stevia and the absence of sugar make it a great option without sacrificing flavor. It offers a quality energy boost with 200 mg of organic caffeine per serving.
The Blackberry Lemonade flavor adds to its appeal, making it enjoyable to consume. It was more berry-flavored than lemonade but did have a hint of lemony citrus, which was nice.
Moreover, the product undergoes third-party testing and is manufactured in a GMP-compliant facility, ensuring high quality and safety standards. It is also non-GMO and gluten-free, accommodating various dietary preferences and restrictions.
What could be better:
The price is slightly higher than others on this list, at $35.99 per tub or $1.71 per scoop. Since there are only 21 servings per container, the price per serving is a bit high. However, this product is still rater higher than others because of the formula. Not only is the organic caffeine unique, but the formula is super clean with no sugar and no fillers.
*Individual Results May Vary - Ratings are based on Society Health Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. We encourage consumers to research by visiting each product's website for more information.
What I loved:
- Price: $25.50 or 85¢ per scoop
- Formula: Caffeine, l-citrulline, l-tyrosine, taurine, and beta-alanine
- 220 mg caffeine per serving
- High Quality: 3rd-party tested and manufactured in an NSF and GMP-compliant facility
What could be better:
- Watermelon Candy flavor is not for everyone
What I loved:
This product caught my attention for several compelling reasons. Its price point is reasonable, offering good value at $25.50, which averages out to about 85 cents per scoop, considering its quality and formulation.
This unique formula contains caffeine, creatine monohydrate, l-citrulline, and beta-alanine. I like the convenience of taking creatine with my pre-workout. With 220 mg of caffeine per serving, it can help with focus and energy.
Moreover, the product undergoes third-party testing and is manufactured in an NSF and GMP-compliant facility, ensuring rigorous quality and safety standards are met.
What could be better:
The flavor tastes exactly like a watermelon Jolly Rancher. Which, for some, might be too sweet. However, it is still a very watermelon-y flavor, which I enjoyed. If you love watermelon candies, this is for you!
*Individual Results May Vary - Ratings are based on Society Health Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. We encourage consumers to research by visiting each product's website for more information.
What I loved:
- Formula: Natural caffeine, l-tyrosine, DMAE, and beta-alanine
- 175 mg natural caffeine per serving
- Great Berry Melon flavor with fizz
- Non-GMO, gluten-free
- No artificial flavors, colors, or sweeteners
What could be better:
- Price: $29.69 or $1.48 per scoop (20 servings)
What I loved:
Boost pre-workout has one of my favorite flavors - Berry Melon Fizz. The formula includes sodium bicarbonate, which gives it some fizz (see the photo).
The formula has 175 mg of natural caffeine per serving and also includes DMAE, an ingredient which has been studied in association with memory and cognitive function.
Also, no artificial flavors, colors, or sweeteners here. But really I just love the taste!
What could be better:
Boost has a slightly more expensive option, especially considering the price per serving. It’s $29.69 or $1.48 per scoop for only 20 scoops. However, that may not be an issue if you love the fizz and the flavor like I do.
*Individual Results May Vary - Ratings are based on Society Health Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. We encourage consumers to research by visiting each product's website for more information.
What I loved:
- Price: $28.49 for a tub or 94 cents per serving
- Unique formula: Caffeine and vegan amino acids
- Pink Lemonade Flavor
- 125 mg of natural caffeine per serving
- 30 servings per tub
- Gluten-free, no added sugar
What could be better:
- Includes weight management blend
What I loved:
Amino Lean stood out to me for several compelling reasons. Firstly, its price point is reasonable, offering good value at $28.49 or 94 cents per serving.
I also liked the unique formula including caffeine and vegan amino acids. The Pink Lemonade Flavor enhances its appeal – the flavor was light and refreshing.
With 125 mg of natural caffeine per serving, it provides a more moderate amount of caffeine per serving than other options, which is appealing to me at times. Also, I liked that no sugar was added to this powder and it is gluten-free.
What could be better:
Amino Lean’s powder includes a weight management blend, including extra ingredients that some consumers may not be interested in (like CLA). However, if you want a versatile powder that can function as a pre-workout and energy booster while supporting a weight management journey, Amino Lean is here for you.
*Individual Results May Vary - Ratings are based on Society Health Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. We encourage consumers to research by visiting each product's website for more information.
What I loved:
- Price: $28.95 per tub or 96¢ per scoop
- Formula: BCCA blend, plus caffeine, l-citrulline, l-tyrosine, and beta-alanine
- Watermelon Flavor
- High Quality: 3rd-party tested and manufactured in a GMP-compliant facility
What could be better:
- 350 mg caffeine per serving
What I loved:
Animal pre-workout has several features that make it a standout choice. Firstly, I really liked this watermelon flavor. It is not too sweet, but still a nice watermelon taste.
Its price point is affordable at $28.95, averaging to about 96 cents per scoop, which offers good value. The formula includes a BCAA blend along with caffeine, l-citrulline, l-tyrosine, and beta-alanine.
What could be better:
This is a high-stim powder because it has 350 mg of caffeine per serving, which may be too much caffeine for some people.
*Individual Results May Vary - Ratings are based on Society Health Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. We encourage consumers to research by visiting each product's website for more information.
What I loved:
- Price: $24.99 or $1.24 per scoop
- Caffeine, l-citrulline, l-tyrosine, and beta-alanine
- Classic Blue Razz Flavor
- High Quality: 3rd-party tested
What could be better:
- Only 20 servings
What I loved:
Kaged has a great tasting Blue Razz flavored pre-workout powder. The formula includes caffeine, l-citrulline, l-tyrosine, and beta-alanine. Moreover, the product undergoes third-party testing, ensuring high quality and safety standards.
The price is average, definitely in the affordable range at $24.99 for a tub of Kaged pre-workout.
What could be better:
This tub only has 20 servings, which is lower than many others on this list. However, there are still great features like flavor and formula, which make this a great option.
*Individual Results May Vary - Ratings are based on Society Health Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. We encourage consumers to research by visiting each product's website for more information.
What I loved:
- Formula includes creatine, caffeine, l-citrulline, and beta-alanine
- Price: $37.99 per tub or $1.26 per scoop
- Great Strawberry Lemonade Flavor
- 250 mg caffeine per serving
- Recognizable brand - sold at GNC
What could be better:
- Only 30 servings
What I loved:
Beyond Raw is a recognizable brand and sold at GNC stores, which is known for quality. Their pre-workout powder has a great flavor and a formula. The Strawberry Lemonade is delicious and the formula includes creatine, which is a perk for some consumers.
The price per serving is comparable with other brands - $1.26 per serving or $37.99 for a tub of 30 servings.
It also has 250 mg of caffeine, which is not as high-stim as some, but not low stim either, so it’s the best of both worlds.
What could be better:
While not unusual, this tub only has 30 servings and costs the same as our #1 pick. So, while 30 servings is NOT a dealbreaker, it increases the overall cost and won’t last as long. However, this is a great flavor with a highly reputable brand, so you’re still getting a great product with Beyond Raw.
*Individual Results May Vary - Ratings are based on Society Health Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. We encourage consumers to research by visiting each product's website for more information.
What I loved:
- Price: $29.99 or $1 per scoop
- Formula: creatine, caffeine, l-citrulline, and beta-alanine
What could be better:
- Not my favorite flavor
What I loved:
The price is right for Cellucor’s pre-workout. Just $29.99 for a tub of 30 servings, or about $1 per serving! The formula includes creatine, caffeine, l-citrulline, and beta-alanine.
What could be better:
The flavor here is Fruit Punch, but it was not my favorite. It was just a bit too sweet for me. However, the price is right on this one and you may totally enjoy this Fruit Punch flavor!
*Individual Results May Vary - Ratings are based on Society Health Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. We encourage consumers to research by visiting each product's website for more information.
Ranking Criteria
Based on the research, it’s clear pre-workout can help with fitness goals. However, I wanted to find which options are the best depending on you personal needs and goals with a pre-workout powder.
I checked out 10 pre-workout options, including some big-name brands, some up-and-coming brands, and maybe some you’ve never heard of before. All 10 on this list are GREAT options.
For the sake of this review, I also considered the following criteria to help take the guesswork out of it for you:
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Formula: The biggest thing I was looking at was the amount of certain ingredients in the powder, like caffeine, l-citrulline, or l-arginine.
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Price: Let's be realistic. No one wants to spend a fortune on supplements. That's why I heavily prioritized the overall price of the supplement in my rankings. This also includes how many servings come in each tub, which affects the pre-per-serving.
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Flavor: It’s gotta taste good, especially if I’m going to take this every day. So I used my best judgment for what I like and considered what others tend to prefer.
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Brand Recognition: The last factor I considered was how reputable the brand was to me. The more products the brand offered, the higher quality and the number of Amazon reviews, the more assured I felt about that brand.
- Mixability: How easy was mixing up each pre-workout powder? I considered if there were any clumps or settling. SPOILER: All 10 of these were super easy to mix!
Why do people take pre-workout? What are the benefits of pre-workout?
Pre-workout is a powdered, multi-ingredient supplement that gym-goers and fitness enthusiasts take right before working out.
Most people take pre-workout because they want to feel great during their workout and it can help increase strength while exercising.
The main benefits come from a range of ingredients designed to help with:
How do I take pre-workout?
Pre-workout is a powder and easily mixed with water. Most people put one scoop of pre-workout in a shaker bottle with water and drink it on their drive to the gym.
How much pre-workout should I take each day?
This is sort of personal, but here are the main ingredients that you’re going to see offered, and the ones I look for when I’m researching a brand.
What general ingredients should I look for in a pre-workout?
This is sort of personal, but here are the main ingredients that you’re going to see offered, and the ones I look for when I’m researching a brand.
Caffeine: Some people take this by itself, but taking a pre-workout with caffeine can give you the caffeine jolt, plus other potential benefits from the ingredient line up.
Nitric Oxide Boosters: These are your l-arginine and l-citrulline, which work as vasodilators and can help improve blood flow.
Creatine: Some people want to add a little pump to their pre-workout, which creatine can help with as well as help increase high-intensity training performance.
Beta-alanine: This is a supplement that can help increase strength, but does give some users the tingles. Just FYI!