Choosing the right supplement can make a big difference in the fitness world. As a certified personal trainer who has spent years studying and testing various products, I'm here to share my findings on the Cellucor C4 range.
I teamed up with 5 fitness experts and 10 clients to test this product and provide an unbiased review.
Cellucor C4 isn't just another pre-workout option. It's a carefully designed series to support different fitness goals and workout intensities. Each product in this range has been made with clear goals in mind, backed by science.
If you're serious about your fitness journey and want to know more about what C4 can offer, this review will give you a clear and detailed look at its benefits and how it stands out.
5 Top Cellucor C4 Pre-Workouts (February 2025)
1 - C4 Original
- Price per serving : $1.17
- Key ingredients : Caffeine, CarnoSyn® Beta-Alanine, Creatine Nitrate
- All flavors : Icy Blue Razz, Watermelon, Rainbow Blast
- Third-party tested : No mention
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Explosive energy blend ingredients are reportedly effective for power and endurance
- Contains added vitamin C and B vitamins for lean muscle mass repair
- 150mg of caffeine to boost focus and motivation
- Good selection of flavors to choose from
Cons
- Slightly low on the creatine side
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Athletes needing balanced energy and endurance
- Those looking for a variety of flavor options
Who is it not for?
- High-intensity athletes needing more creatine
Final Verdict
C4 Original is versatile and popular, ideal for regular workouts. It supports energy and endurance but may fall short for intense training regimes.
This is probably one of the most popular and versatile pre-workouts in the Cellucor C4 supplement range.
With a formula that contains creatine that claims to make you experience more strength and better pumps, I have seen this make quite a difference to the average athlete.
Just keep in mind that if you regularly do high-intensity workouts, the amount of creatine in this C4 Original Pre-Workout may not be quite enough.
However, it has vitamin C and B vitamins to help with faster muscle recovery.
If you like C4, you can also check out our list of the recommended pre-workouts for better pumps.
2 - C4 Sport
- Price per serving : $0.73
- Key ingredients : Caffeine, CarnoSyn® Beta-Alanine, Creatine HCL, Arginine AKG
- All flavors : Watermelon, Blue Raspberry, Fruit Punch
- Third-party tested : Yes
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Contains beta-alanine that has been shown to support endurance
- Sugar-free option to avoid messing up your diet efforts
- The small amount of creatine may support physical performance levels
- Good value for money
Cons
- It’s only really suitable for less intense workout sessions
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Beginners and casual gym-goers
- Those needing a sugar-free pre-workout
Who is it not for?
- Athletes seeking high performance boost
Final Verdict
C4 Sport is best for light workouts and offers good value for money. It lacks the potent ingredients necessary for more demanding physical activities.
The C4 Sport Pre-Workout option is the cheapest in the range. It’s most suitable for less intense workouts like running as it doesn’t contain the more powerful ingredients like creatine and theacrine.
However, you could still get a boost from the beta-alanine, which could help in your average cardio session.
Here you can find other recommended pre-workouts tailored for runners.
If you need maximum energy and performance, this is not going to be your top choice.
3 - C4 Ripped
- Price per serving : $1.33
- Key ingredients : Caffeine, CarnoSyn® Beta-Alanine, Capsimax
- All flavors : Icy Blue Razz, Cherry Limeade, Raspberry Lemonade, Fruit Punch
- Third-party tested : No mention
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Formulated to support cutting and body weight loss
- Combination of L-carnitine, green coffee bean extract, and cayenne may boost thermogenesis
- The reported explosive energy boost from beta-alanine to allow you to complete more reps
- Comes in a nice selection of flavor options
Cons
- Might not have a strong enough fat-burning effect
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Individuals focusing on fat loss and muscle definition
- Users who prefer thermogenic supplements
Who is it not for?
- Those looking for a strong muscle mass enhancer
Final Verdict
C4 Ripped is designed for cutting phases, providing energy and support for fat loss. It's not suitable for those primarily interested in muscle mass gain.
A lot of newcomers to pre-workouts often mistake C4 Ripped as the product they need for increased muscle mass.
What it actually aims to do is provide a blend that supports fat loss to gain more muscle mass definition.
It means that this pre-workout supplement doesn’t contain creatine to give you a strength boost. Instead, beta-alanine does the job to push you to complete more reps.
The only thing I would say is that there might be more powerful fat burners out there to consider.
This product is also featured in our article: The Best Pre-workout for Crossfit.
4 - C4 Ultimate
- Price per serving : $2.50
- Key ingredients : Caffeine, TeaCrine®, Dynamine™, CarnoSyn® Beta-Alanine, Creatine Nitrate
- All flavors : Frozen Bombsicle, Icy Blue Razz
- Third-party tested : No mention
Pros and Cons
Pros
- The strong formula makes this more suitable for performance athletes
- Contains 3.2 g of beta-alanine per serving to maximize endurance
- 6 g of L-citrulline malate per serving is the strongest we’ve found
- Highly stimulating allowing for greater focus
Cons
- The 300 mg of caffeine may be too much for some folks
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Professional athletes and bodybuilders
- Those requiring maximum endurance and pump
Who is it not for?
- People sensitive to high caffeine doses
Final Verdict
C4 Ultimate offers a high-intensity formula with maximum ingredient doses for serious athletes. It is not recommended for casual users due to its potent energy boost.
This is by far the strongest pre-workout supplement for each one of the ingredients.
It doesn’t just provide creatine nitrate and beta-alanine, but also has a large dose of L-citrulline [1].This is known to boost levels of arginine alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG), which in turn increases nitric oxide.
The end result is a reported energy boost and improved pumps.
See also this article about another C4 Ultimate Shred Pre-workout.
Just keep in mind that a large amount of caffeine could cause jitters and insomnia.
5 - C4 Extreme
- Price per serving : $1.83
- Key ingredients : Caffeine, CarnoSyn® Beta-Alanine, Creatine Nitrate (NO3-T), NitraMax (NO3-C)
- All flavors : Fruit Punch, Sour Batch Bros, Icy Blue Razz, Watermelon, Ultra Frost, Midnight Cherry
- Third-party tested : No mention
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Good option due to extra stimulants compared to Original
- 2 g of beta-alanine claims to be enough to improve stamina
- 1 g citrulline malate could result in better pumps and blood flowF
- Available in large tubs of 60 servings
- No artificial flavors
Cons
- The price difference to Original for added caffeine is a bit high
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Regular gym-goers seeking extra stimulants
- Users who prioritize stamina and blood flow
Who is it not for?
- Those looking for a significantly different formula from C4 Original
Final Verdict
C4 Extreme provides a slight upgrade from the Original with added caffeine, suitable for regular use but not dramatically different. It offers consistent performance enhancements.
Despite the name, C4 Extreme is actually not stronger than the Ultimate option.
What it actually provides is a blend that is similar to the Original, but with some extra caffeine.
The big question is whether the added caffeine is actually worth it when the Original has you pretty much covered.
What Are The Common Ingredients?
Each product in the Cellucor C4 range shares common ingredients such as amino acid, caffeine, beta-alanine, creatine, L-carnitine, and L-citrulline. Let’s take a look at their benefits below:
1 - Caffeine
Caffeine comes with the commonly known benefit of providing mental energy and motivation. According to a study found on the National Center for Biotechnology Information website, it may also help you succeed in your fitness journey by triggering thermogenic effects [2]. This may cause additional fat oxidation to get you to a leaner appearance.
2 - Beta-Alanine
You probably won’t find any serious bodybuilders who don’t take beta-alanine. One study found on the BioMed Central website has shown that beta-alanine may improve weight training performance energy when taken in concentrated supplement form [3].
3 - Creatine
Creatine is an ingredient that has been shown to impact muscle mass power and pump [4]. Based on all the review comments that we saw, this is one area where all the Cellucor C4 supplement options have a supportive formula.
Creatine nitrate is one of the newer supplement forms showing up in pre-workouts. Manufacturers claim that by binding the creatine molecule to a nitrate molecule, people will receive equal benefits from a smaller dose of creatine nitrate compared to creatine monohydrate.
- Nick Coker, Sports Nutritionist
4 - L-carnitine
The interesting thing about this ingredient is that studies have shown that it plays a key role in transporting energy stored in fat to muscles [5].
5 - L-citrulline
Benefits Of Using C4 Supplements
Our team here at Total Shape got together after 6 weeks of testing with clients, and we found some important benefits to highlight with the Cellucor C4 range.
First of all, we had some athletes on a daily training program who said that they had no issues taking it every day.
This may not be important for most folks, but it’s reassuring that daily use didn’t trigger negative effects.
Secondly, the powder dissolves quite easily, and you just need a mixer to create a tasty experience. That’s not the case with a lot of other pre-workouts, so it’s a plus from our perspective.
No other pre-workout supplements brand on the market has such a diverse ingredient range to cover different types of athletes. No matter what your fitness level is, you should find the right supplement for your needs.
How Long Does C4 Supplement Take To Work?
C4 supplements take about 20-30 minutes to work. This may depend on your digestive system, but we found that users report times between 20 and 40 minutes based on review comments.
I would suggest that you drink it before you leave home, aiming for that half-hour mark before you actually hit the gym for your warm-up routine. It may take a couple of days to fine-tune the timing, and I would suggest making 5-minute adjustments to get the perfect timing.
Can You Stack The C4 Supplements?
Yes, you can stack C4 supplements, as the company has modified the formula of each version to allow for easier stacking. Cellucor also has other well-known supplements on their website that may help you achieve your goals faster.
It would certainly be a good idea to stack your pre-workout with a recovery shake.
One thing I would say though, is that if you’re planning a cutting phase, then rather than stacking the C4 Ripped, you may want to consider some of the other fat burners available that I have recommended before.
Other reviews on popular pre-workouts on the market:
Testimonials
"Excellent pre-workout for muscle growth and weight reduction. Including creatine moderates the taste, ensuring it's not too overpowering. I've purchased this multiple times and will continue to do so! I've lost approximately a total loss of 15 pounds so far! Cheers!" - Faith, from Kansas
"Reasonably priced. The pre-workout's potency seems to have diminished over time." - Dogparkdutch, from Florida
FAQs
What is the strongest Cellucor C4 Pre-Workout?
The strongest Cellucor C4 Pre-Workout is C4 Ultimate. For the main energy-boosting ingredients, it has the strongest dose, making it one of the favored options for professional athletes and bodybuilders.
Does Cellucor C4 Pre-Workout increase testosterone?
Cellucor C4 Pre-Workout does not increase testosterone. Only one version called C4 Ultimate Power contains ingredients that may boost testosterone levels.
Is Cellucor C4 Pre-Workout considered a steroid?
No, Cellucor C4 Pre-Workout is not considered a steroid. It contains natural amino acids to support an improved gym workout, making it an organic pre-workout supplement.
However, some versions may contain ingredients like Synephrine HCL, which would be classed as an adrenergic stimulator, which is banned in many sports.
What Are the Long-Term Effects of Regular Pre-Workout Usage Like Cellucor C4?
Regular use of pre-workout supplements, including Cellucor C4, may lead to tolerance, requiring higher doses for the same effect. Long-term usage could also potentially impact heart health and sleep patterns, necessitating careful moderation.
What Is the Environmental Impact of Producing Pre-Workout Supplements Like Cellucor C4?
The production of supplements like Cellucor C4 can have environmental impacts, including the carbon footprint from manufacturing and packaging waste. Sustainable sourcing and eco-friendly packaging practices can help mitigate these effects.
How Does Cellucor C4 Affect Users Beyond Gym Performance?
Beyond enhancing gym performance, Cellucor C4 can impact daily energy levels and mood, providing a boost that extends throughout the day. However, it's important to note that it might also affect sleep patterns if taken late in the day due to its caffeine content.
Our Verdict on Cellucor C4 Pre-Workout
Based on our team’s test results, I think that in most cases, you will be best off with the C4 Original Pre-Workout.
Yes, it’s not the strongest one available, but unless you’re constantly doing high-intensity training or you’re a professional athlete, the blend will be strong enough for optimum results, like noticeably increased blood flow and power output.
Our #1 C4 Supplement
C4 Original
Rated With Total Shape's Scoring System
- Explosive energy blend ingredients are reportedly effective for power and endurance
- Contains added vitamin C and B vitamins for lean muscle mass repair
- 150mg of caffeine to boost focus and motivation
- Good selection of flavors to choose from
- Slightly low on the creatine side
About The Author
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Which one do you like better: C4 Original vs C4 Ultimate?
I use the blue raspberry c4, and I love it. For me, I have never had any tingling feelings or anything like that. It works great for me and gives me a bit of pep when working out
Does C4 have creatine?
It’s great to see that companies are taking into account the needs of their customers when it comes to performance. Can’t wait to try these products.