When I create these articles, I commit to ensuring the highest quality and accuracy of my writing, as well as the research behind it.
However, on some days, my focus dwindles, and my energy gets drained. In those situations, I usually reach for energy pills, as they relieve my headaches and provide a much-needed energy boost.
Having tried many of these energy pills, I decided to do an in-depth review, so I designed a 6-week study with the help of my dietitian and a few clients to evaluate and rank the best energy supplements currently on the market.
The Best Energy Pills
- Best Overall Energy Pills: Performance Lab® Caffeine Plus
- Cheapest Energy Pills: Transparent Labs Vitamin D3
- Best Natural Energy Supplement: Double Wood Supplements Tongkat Ali Extract
- Best Energy Supplement for Focus: Performance Lab® Caffeine Plus
- Best Energy Pills for Fatigue: Performance Lab® Caffeine Plus
- Best Energy Pills for Women: Nature Made CoQ10
- Best Energy Pills for Vegans: Garden of Life MyKind Organics Men’s Multi Tablets
- Best Non-GMO Energy Pills: Transparent Labs Vitamin D3
- Energy Tablets With Most Caffeine: Natrol High Caffeine Tablets
- Best Energy Pills With CoQ10: Nature Made CoQ10
Our Top 10 Energy Pills (April 2024)
1 - Performance Lab® Caffeine Plus (Best Overall & for Focus)
- Caffeine : 50mg
- L-theanine : 100mg
- L-tyrosine : 250mg
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Scientifically-backed combination of ingredients
- Minimal side-effect probability
- 30-day money-back guarantee and worldwide shipping
- Reasonable price
Cons
- Only available on their website
At the top of our list is the energy pill with finely balanced doses of caffeine and nootropic amino acids, supported by a B-vitamin complex to boost users’ energy and concentration and decrease fatigue.
Each capsule contains 50 mg of caffeine and 100 mg of L-theanine to diminish potential side effects of caffeine overstimulation, such as jitters and crashes.
It also has L-tyrosine, which according to the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences helps to support and improve cognitive functions [1].
“Studies with L-tyrosine show some benefit on mental functions, such as memory and alertness during times of physical stress, like when people are exposed to extreme cold or are sleep-deprived.”
- Isabel Maples, MEd, RDN
In my experience, it’s much better than regular black coffee because it helps you stay motivated for work and exercise, reducing fatigue and increasing focus, but without the crashes.
I feel confident saying it’s one of the top energy supplements I’ve tried so far.
Supplement Facts:
2 - Global Healing CoQ10 & BioPQQ
- CoQ10 : 150 mg
- BioPQQ : 10 mg
- Organic Shilajit : 85 mg
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Trusted brand
- Unique Ingredients
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- A bit on the expensive side
Global Healing CoQ10 & BioPQQ with pure Himalayan organic Shilajit claims to provide customers with a synergistic blend of antioxidants that protect your mitochondria - the powerhouse of the cell.
CoQ10, as some studies suggest, can act as an anti-aging agent for neurological dysfunction in brain mitochondria and might aid in converting energy from carbs and fats, according to research by the Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology [2].
BioPQQ similarly contributes to mitochondria function and cell energy production, supporting normal brain aging [3].
One of our testing team reported he felt a steady energy level throughout the day with less brain fog in the morning.
My dietitian and I agreed that it could probably benefit the elderly population the most, as mitochondria produce less energy as we age.
Supplement Facts:
3 - Double Wood Supplements Tongkat Ali Extract (Best Natural)
- Tongkat Ali Extract : 1000 mg
- Tribulus Terrestris Fruit Extract : 20mg
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Ingredients are extracts - completely natural
- An affordable product made to last for two months
- Positive reports about libido boost
Cons
- Geared toward men
Appropriate testosterone production will keep stress hormone (cortisol) levels low, leading to better sleep, energy production, and libido.
Double Wood’s Tongkat Ali Extract, as the name suggests, is a product with herb extract that might impact men’s T-level production and affect body composition, fertility, and stress [4].
To further improve the testosterone boost, the company reinforced the formula with another plant called Tribulus Terrestris, which some studies from the Journal of Ethnopharmacology suggest could also impact testosterone [5].
My testing team experienced a slight improvement in libido with a noticeable rise in energy levels.
Supplement Facts:
4 - Lotus Blooming Herbs Authentic Shilajit
- Purified Hymalaian Shilajit : 10 g
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Contains only purified Himalayan Shilajit
- Can help reduce fatigue
- Rice grain size portions are easy to consume
Cons
- Delivery and shipping issues
Shilajit, an aforementioned substance that may aid in the absorption of CoQ10, is a decomposed plant substance found mainly in the rocks of the Hymalaians that’s been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine to support overall health.
Some studies suggest Shilajit may aid in the fight against chronic fatigue syndrome by preventing mitochondrial dysfunction, and Ayurveda medicine claims it may also help with proper hormonal balance [6].
Many users claim this energy supplement improved their energy and mental performance, whereas my experience showed enhanced strength and endurance during weight-lifting.
Supplement Facts:
5 - Garden of Life MyKind Organics Men’s Multi Tablets (Best Vegan Option)
- Vitamin B12 : 500% Daily value
- Vitamin C : 110% Daily value
- Zinc : 100% Daily value
- Chromium : 200% Daily value
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Whole food natural ingredients to boost energy levels
- Vegan-friendly
- Convenient dose of one tablet a day
Cons
- A bit pricey
Garden of My Life MyKind Organics Men’s Multi tablets is a long name for a multivitamin supplement made from more than 30 certified organic real foods - fruits, vegetables, and herbs.
When you look at the ingredients list, you can see a serving contains over 100 percent of the daily value for almost every micronutrient.
This supplement, reinforced with vitamin B12, chromium, and selenium, is formulated for men to boost energy levels and support heart and prostate health [7].
One of our testers has been using this supplement for a few months. He says it’s the first multivitamin that doesn’t change his urine color, meaning the liver metabolizes each vitamin.
Supplement Facts:
6 - Transparent Labs Vitamin D3 (Cheapest & Non-GMO)
- Vitamin D3 : 5000 UI
- Vitamin K2 : 100 mcg
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Scientifically proven dose of vitamin D
- Free from artificial sweeteners and GMO
- 60-day money-back guarantee assured
Cons
- Free shipping is available only on bulk orders
Vitamin D3 is a micronutrient our skin produces in contact with sunlight. Still, about 75 percent of Americans are sun-deprived, so it’s often recommended to take vitamin D as a supplement.
Transparent Labs Vitamin D3 supplies 5,000 IU to the body to aid testosterone production, boost immunity, and improve muscle recovery and bone health [8].
This product also provides 100 mcg of vitamin K2 to aid calcium metabolism and further support bone density [9].
Using it earlier during my strength training, I remember that vitamin D helped a bit with my physical fatigue and muscle recovery. Some studies suggest vitamin D deficiency may impact mitochondrial function, hence the body’s energy output [10].
Supplement Facts:
7 - Life Extension Vitamins D and K
- Vitamin D3 : 5000 UI
- Vitamin K2 : 2100 mcg
- Iodine : 1000 mcg
Pros and Cons
Pros
- An effective dose of vitamin D
- Easy to swallow tiny-sized energy pills
- Contains no GMO ingredients
Cons
- Elevated doses of Vitamin K2 and Iodine
Another vitamin supplement with the same doses of D vitamin as Transparent Labs but with higher amounts of vitamin K enriched with iodine.
Life Extensions Vitamins D and K daily dose contain 125 mcg (5000 UI) of vitamin D, 2100 mcg of vitamin K, and 1000 mcg of iodine. This vitamin and mineral combination plays a crucial role in brain, bone, and thyroid health [11].
Also, this combo might aid in fighting fatigue and increasing the body’s energy capacity [12].
We got reports from our testers that this supplement helped improve their essential vitamin deficiency and enhanced their bone density and overall physical health.
Take a look at our list of the best vitamin D3 and vitamin K2 supplements.
Supplement Facts:
8 - Nature Made CoQ10 (Best for Women)
- CoQ10 : 200 mg
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Nature Made is one of the few supplements that carry the United States Pharmacopeia Certification
- Contains no added color, artificial flavors, and no preservatives
- Has a typical daily dose of 200 mg of CoQ10
Cons
- No money-back guarantee
Nature Made CoQ10 is another notable energy supplement containing nothing but Coenzyme Q10, a compound that generates energy in your cells.
Studies showed that CoQ10 might aid in oxidative stress decrease and improve mitochondrial function leading to optimal energy production [13].
Some of my testers who use this particular supplement reported having more power during workouts and less time needed for recovery.
Supplement Facts:
9 - Zhou Energy + focus
- L-theanine : 200 mg
- Caffeine : 100 mg
- L-leucine : 10 mg
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Scientifically-backed L-theanine + Caffeine combination to boost energy
- Good customer service with the 60-day refund policy
- FDA-certified for safe buying
Cons
- It may not provide long-lasting effects like similar energy supplements
This is one of few energy caffeine-based supplements supported with amino-acid L-theanine. Zhou Energy + focus has a 2:1 ratio of L-theanine and caffeine, which can diminish physical and mental fatigue and prevent potential jitters and crashes.
Caffeine is an energy booster and cognitive performance enhancer - no wonder why coffee is America’s favorite drink [14].
However, too much caffeine from energy drinks may lead to unwanted adverse effects, but that’s when L-theanine comes to the scene. L-theanine is caffeine’s friend that helps calm stress response down without limiting the energy metabolism, thereby helping acquire the best of caffeine [15].
Some of my novice clients use it as a pre-workout substitute 30-45 minutes before exercise. They say it gives them smooth and clean energy throughout the workout without any anxiety triggers.
Supplement Facts:
10 - Natrol High Caffeine Tablets (Best With Most Caffeine)
- Caffeine : 200 mg
Pros and Cons
Pros
- A reasonable price for a bottle that may last the entire year
- High dose of caffeine
- Long-lasting energy boost
Cons
- Energy pills are hard to swallow due to the unpleasant taste
The last product we reviewed is an energy supplement containing caffeine again but as the only potent ingredient.
As mentioned earlier, caffeine is the most common ingredient in energy supplements as it stimulates the central nervous system to increase energy levels, reduce fatigue and maintain mental clarity.
This caffeine supplement may help you overcome morning grogginess and spare you the trouble of using the coffee maker.
My clients said that this energy supplement provided a good energy boost, and one reported it helped him meet project deadlines.
I also recommended using it only in the morning as it has a long-lasting effect that may disturb sleep.
Supplement Facts:
How We Selected the Best Energy Pills
To test and research the top energy pills on the market, we took into account several pivotal factors.
Recognizing that energy needs and preferences differ among individuals, our criteria aimed to cater to a broad spectrum of requirements, focusing on the enhancement of natural energy levels.
Ingredients
The ingredient list in energy pills can be extensive and ever-evolving. Yet, our focus remained on both innovative and trusted ingredients.
Our selection process meticulously ensured that both new and time-tested ingredients were scrutinized for their proven impact on boosting energy and overall vitality.
Price
Most energy pills typically range between $1.50 and $2.50 per pill. Those containing a blend of ingredients like caffeine, ginseng, and other specialized elements often command a premium, surpassing $2.50 per pill.
Our curated list leans towards the $1.50 to $2.00 range, ensuring a blend of potent, high-quality ingredients without compromising on affordability. We are of the firm opinion that a reliable energy pill is worth a reasonable financial outlay.
Effectiveness
The potency of energy pills is paramount. We prioritized products backed by solid scientific evidence and real-world results. Moreover, we validated these findings with a dedicated panel of testers who shared their direct experiences.
Our list is rooted in tangible evidence, assuring consumers that they can expect a discernible boost in energy and overall wellness, particularly when complemented with a balanced diet and regular exercise.
Buyer’s Guide - How to Choose the Best Energy Pills?
Choosing the right energy supplements may be a challenging task considering the market is overflowing with products that have so many potent ingredients and dosages.
Therefore, we would like to help you choose energy supplements for your needs by keeping your attention on the essential features.
What Are Your Goals - How to Select the Most Suitable for You?
Do you need more energy to enhance your workout performance, or do you want to improve your focus and alertness to tackle your daily tasks?
If you want to use a pill to boost energy for your gym performance, you may need to look for energy pills with high doses of stimulant ingredients like caffeine.
However, if your goal is to get energized enough to handle your everyday duties, you should opt for energy pills with ingredients that support energy production in a steady, unaggressive way but are noticeable enough to feel the difference.
If these goals overlap, you should pick a caffeine-based energy pill reinforced with ingredients that have a nootropic effect to support both occasional weight-lifting sessions and cognitively demanding tasks.
Scientifically Proven Ingredients
Another thing you should always look for is scientifically-proven ingredients in energy pill products, as many supplements contain doubtful or inefficient compounds.
If there are no studies or only a few with unclear results in terms of the ingredient impact, especially if it may cause potential side effects, we advise you to steer clear of these products. This is often the case with proprietary blends.
Caffeine, L-theanine, CoQ10, and “energy” vitamins like vitamin B12 and its cousins have a solid scientific background and are the go-to ingredients of energy supplements.
The only thing you should do when buying them is to keep an eye on the appropriate dosage, as too much can cause more problems than benefits.
Brand Reputation
In the end, you should always investigate the company behind them when buying energy pills. Is it a reputable one or a new one?
Renowned companies would never play with their customers’ trust and place a doubtful product on the market.
Those prominent companies opt to make products that are FDA-approved or at least strive to use trusted and tested ingredients that don’t clash with FDA regulations.
Another thing trusted brands offer is appropriate customer service with a money-back guarantee to ensure you don’t feel scammed.
Even after you choose your preferred brand, you still need to find a reputable source. Ideally, you would want to buy directly from their website to ensure you don't receive fake or expired products.
Who Should Take Energy Pills?
Anyone with a higher demand for energy throughout the day, whether physical or mental, should take energy pills, as well as people that fight chronic fatigue or concentration issues.
An energy pill is designed mainly for people in a constant hurry, with a time restriction, or people who work stressful, energy-demanding jobs.
This energy supplement may help you have better mental energy and clarity during the days without enough sleep or rest, so your cognitive functions don’t suffer.
Energy supplements also are a healthier alternative to energy drinks, as energy pills usually don’t have empty calories, artificial flavors, or colors that are commonly present in these drinks.
Who Shouldn’t Take Energy Pills?
People with certain health issues, medical treatments, or a previous bad experience with pre-workouts and stimulants should not take energy pills.
Considering that most energy supplements contain some stimulant (caffeine mainly), sensitive people should avoid them, no matter the dosage.
However, some energy supplements don’t include stimulants but still have some herbs extracted or that contain uncommon substances.
In that case, we recommend testing your body’s reaction to those ingredients and then deciding if it fits you.
How Important Active Ingredients Affect Energy Production
Let's do a deeper dive into some of the most important active ingredients in energy pills and how they affect energy production.
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and Its Vital Role in Energy Production
Coenzyme Q10, commonly known as CoQ10, is a naturally occurring enzyme found within our bodies, playing a pivotal role in the energy production process. It's integral to the functioning of our cells, particularly in the powerhouse known as the mitochondria.
Research has consistently shown a direct correlation between decreased levels of CoQ10 and feelings of fatigue [16].
This suggests that maintaining optimal levels of this enzyme is crucial for sustaining energy and combating tiredness. As such, understanding and harnessing the benefits of CoQ10 could be a game-changer for those seeking a natural boost to their vitality.
Vitamin D's Crucial Role in Combating Muscle Fatigue
Vitamin D, often dubbed the "sunshine vitamin," is essential for maintaining bone health and calcium absorption. However, its significance extends beyond bones.
A deficiency in vitamin D has been directly linked to muscle fatigue, affecting one's physical performance and overall energy levels [17]. Natural sources of this vital nutrient include sunlight exposure, fatty fish, and fortified foods.
Ensuring adequate intake is paramount, not just for bone health but also for optimal muscle function. Recognizing the importance of vitamin D and its role in muscle efficiency can be a stepping stone to enhanced physical well-being and endurance.
The Vital Interplay of Vitamin B-12 and Energy Production
Vitamin B-12 stands out among the B vitamins for its indispensable role in cellular energy production. It's a key player in converting the food we consume into glucose, which our cells then use for energy.
A deficiency in this essential vitamin can manifest as fatigue, making individuals feel constantly drained and lethargic. This is because the body struggles to produce energy efficiently without adequate B-12 levels [18].
Ensuring a sufficient intake of B-12, found predominantly in animal products, is crucial. Highlighting the significance of B-12, understanding potential deficiencies, and their repercussions on energy levels is vital for holistic health awareness.
FAQs
What Gives You Energy Fast?
Carbohydrates give you energy fast, representing the quickest energy source among the macronutrients (compared to proteins and fats).
Carbohydrates are the body’s favorite energy source, especially simple carbs with a high glycemic index, which raise insulin levels quickly.
Does Vitamin B12 Give You Energy?
Vitamin B12 gives you energy, as it’s considered the best vitamin for that, along with vitamin B6.
Nearly every cell in the body uses B12, an energy booster vitamin that converts proteins and fats to energy.
A deficiency in this B vitamin can cause anemia and tiredness.
How Do I Increase My Energy Levels and Reduce Chronic Fatigue?
You can reduce chronic fatigue and increase energy levels with a diet rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats while also low in saturated fats and refined carbohydrates.
Something akin to the Mediterranean diet, with smaller meals throughout the day that will help you continually produce energy.
Our Verdict on Best Energy Pills
After carefully reviewing and testing the best energy supplements on the market, one of them stood out both for me and the team the most, and that is Performance Labs Caffeine Plus.
I found this renowned company’s energy pill to have an overall beneficial effect for boosting energy levels, whether it's having good athletic performance or sharpening your cognitive abilities.
It has a strategically chosen combination of scientifically proven ingredients, an appropriate dosage for each, and a reasonable price with a money-back guarantee.
Our #1 Recommendation
Performance Lab® Caffeine Plus (Best Overall & for Focus)
Rated With Total Shape's Scoring System
- Scientifically-backed combination of ingredients
- Minimal side-effect probability
- 30-day money-back guarantee and worldwide shipping
- Reasonable price
- Get the BEST PRICE until the end of April
- Only available on their website
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