As a personal fitness coach, I’ve worked with many amateur and professional athletes. And while a regular pre-workout can work fine for most people or light cardio sessions, the bigger and stronger the athlete is, the more they’ll rely on a strong pre-workout formula.
So, our team got together with 16 clients and a dietitian to do extensive research and testing of over 40 different pre-workouts.
And after seven weeks of testing, we now have a list of the strongest pre-workout supplements that we would recommend to readers.
Strongest Pre-Workout Supplements
- Best Overall Strong Pre-Workout Supplement: Gorilla Mode
- Cheapest Strong Pre-Workout Powder: C4 Original
- Most Potent Vegan Pre-Workout Supplement: REDCON1
- Powerful Pre-Workout Powder for Pump: Transparent Labs Bulk Black
- Strongest Pre-Workout Without Caffeine: Gorilla Mode
- Strongest Pre-Workout Powder With Most Creatine: Pre-Kaged Elite
- Most Potent Pre-Workout Powder for Bulk Order: Pre Lab Pro
- Most Powerful Pre-Workout for Focus: C4 Original
- High Potency Pre-Workout for Muscle Recovery: Bucked Up
- Strongest Pre-Workout for Endurance: NitroSurge
Our Top Pre-Workouts (July 2024)
1 - Gorilla Mode (Best Overall & With Caffeine)
- Price per serving : $0.97
- Key ingredients : L-Citrulline, Creatine Monohydrate, Beta-Alanine
- All flavors : Piña Colada, Spiked Cider, Volcano Burst, Krush, Sour Candy Apple, Bombsicle, Orange Rush, Mouthwatering Watermelon, Tiger's Blood, Cherry Blackout, Fruit Punch, Cotton Candy Grape, Blackberry Lemonade
- Third-party tested : Yes
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Great dose of creatine for more muscular endurance
- Can provide high energy in about 20 minutes
- One of the most natural-tasting pre-workout products
- Mixes fast with water and doesn’t require a shaker
Cons
- You only get free shipping on orders over $100
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Athletes seeking strong creatine and caffeine doses
- Those needing enhanced endurance and strength
Who is it not for?
- People sensitive to stimulants
Final Verdict
Gorilla Mode is ideal for serious athletes looking for comprehensive performance enhancement. Highly recommended for those who engage in intense training sessions.
Out of all the strongest pre-workout supplements that we tested, Gorilla Mode came out on top for overall testing results.
The main ingredient contributing to this is the amino acid creatine, shown by one of the studies found on the National Center for Biotechnology Information website to have a significant positive effect on resistance training [1].
And we saw in our training sessions that the strong dose of creatine was helping with both lifting performance and endurance.
The other important thing to note is that it doesn’t contain caffeine, which means you can use it for workout sessions in the evening without impacting your sleep and recovery time.
Quick Facts:
2 - Transparent Labs BULK BLACK (Best for Pump)
- Price per serving : $1.83
- Key ingredients : Citrulline Malate, Beta-Alanine, Betaine
- All flavors : Blue Raspberry, Black Cherry, Sour Gummy, Peach Mango, Cherry Kiwi, Watermelon Peach, Blueberry Pomegranate
- Third-party tested : Yes
Pros and Cons
Pros
- One of the best options for maximum blood flow and pumps
- Provides intense energy and reduced fatigue for strength training
- Great subscription discounts are available
Cons
- Only available on the official website and not in sports nutrition stores
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Bodybuilders and strength athletes
- Those looking for a clean, no-artificial pre-workout
Who is it not for?
- Individuals who prefer low-stimulant formulas
Final Verdict
BULK BLACK is perfect for athletes who want a scientifically-backed, potent pre-workout. Great for maximizing muscle pumps and endurance during heavy workouts.
Transparent Labs Bulk is another great option for athletes who are looking for the strongest pre-workout supplements.
Based on our tests, it can significantly help with giving you maximum muscle pumps as it has one of the highest doses of citrulline [2].
It’s also one of the strongest pre-workouts when it comes to the amino acid beta-alanine, which may help improve your stamina and strength to allow you to push that bit harder.
Just keep in mind that Transparent Labs Bulk is currently only available on the official website.
Quick Facts:
3 - Pre Lab Pro (Best for Bulk Order)
- Price per serving : $1.97
- Key ingredients : Red Beetroot Powder, Setria® Gluthathione, L-Citrulline
- All flavors : Natural Berry
- Third-party tested : Yes
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Ideal caffeine dosage for athletes who are sensitive to stimulants
- Combines l-theanine into the formula to provide a better brain stimulation
- Great option for bulk ordering with significant discounts
Cons
- I’d like to see more flavor options to avoid getting tired of the same one
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Fitness enthusiasts needing sustained energy
- Those who prefer natural ingredients with nootropics
Who is it not for?
- Caffeine-sensitive individuals
Final Verdict
Pre Lab Pro offers a balanced blend of energy and mental clarity, making it suitable for both high-intensity training and endurance activities. A top choice for health-conscious users.
Here is another potent pre-workout supplement, and what we like is that the company didn’t go overboard with just a strong dose of caffeine.
Based on another study found on the National Center for Biotechnology Information website, what you get is a focus on the amino acid l-tyrosine, which has been shown to improve exercise performance under high intensities [3].
Pre Lab Pro pre-workout also has some added l-theanine, which, together with caffeine, can provide a much smoother mental focus [4]. What we experienced in training sessions was great motivation without the jitters.
It’s just a shame that there aren’t more flavor options available.
Quick Facts:
4 - Pre-Kaged Elite (Best Amount of Creatine)
- Price per serving : $3.00
- Key ingredients : Creatine Nitrate, ElevATP, Beta-Alanine
- All flavors : Fruit Punch, Orange Mango, Glacier Grape, Caribbean Sunrise, Strawberry Lemonade
- Third-party tested : Yes
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Pre-Kaged Elite delivers a strong dose of creatine and betaine
- Delivers great mental focus thanks to a high dose of caffeine
- Has a very refreshing and tasty flavor from a powder that mixes easily
Cons
- Some people find the caffeine is too strong, making them jittery
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Elite athletes and professionals
- Users seeking high-intensity workout support
Who is it not for?
- Beginners or casual gym-goers
Final Verdict
Pre-Kaged Elite is designed for top-tier athletes needing comprehensive workout support. It delivers exceptional energy and focus for demanding fitness routines.
Pre-Kaged Elite is another highly effective pre-workout supplement that we have noted as one of the strongest pre-workouts in terms of creatine.
This is a proven ingredient for muscle growth and is something you always want to look out for in a pre-workout supplement [5].
And if you can tolerate a strong dose of caffeine, then the mental boost you get from this pre-workout can be pretty impressive.
It’s also a pre-workout supplement with a good dose of taurine, which scientists have shown to have a positive impact on brain performance [6].
“Taurine is a sulfur-containing amino acid that is not involved in protein synthesis but is essential to cardiovascular function and the development and function of the brain, retina, and skeletal muscle.”
- Mike Murray, RDN, CISSN at Examine.com
Quick Facts:
5 - C4 Original (Cheapest & Best for Focus)
- Price per serving : $1.17
- Key ingredients : Caffeine, CarnoSyn® Beta-Alanine, Creatine Nitrate
- All flavors : Icy Blue Razz, Watermelon, Rainbow Blast, Hawaiian Punch
- Third-party tested : Yes
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Good combination of moderate caffeine dose with added l-theanine
- Seems to work great for both mental and physical energy boosts
- The available flavors are very tasty and refreshing
Cons
- You won’t find bulk-order discounts available at the moment
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Regular gym-goers and fitness enthusiasts
- Those needing a reliable energy boost
Who is it not for?
- People new to pre-workouts
Final Verdict
C4 Original provides a solid foundation for energy and performance, making it a favorite in the fitness community. It's versatile and reliable for a variety of workout intensities.
This pre-workout supplement comes from another well-known brand in the supplement space, and I’ve been using a lot of C4 products.
Our testing group reported a positive impact on stronger body composition, which is most likely due to a good dose of betaine [7].
And we also liked the fact that it doesn’t go overboard with caffeine.
That would make it suitable for taking before an afternoon or early evening training session.
Our experience was that it didn’t have a negative effect on sleep.
Quick Facts:
6 - NitroSurge Pre-Workout (Best for Endurance)
- Price per serving : $1.00
- Key ingredients : L-Citrulline, Beta-Alanine, Betaine Anhydrous
- All flavors : Swoleberry, Green Apple, Cherry Bomb, Blue Raspberry, Cherry Limeade, Arctic White, Pineapple, Watermelon, Fruit Punch, Grape, Sour Peach Rings, Blueberry Lemonade, Black Cherry, Cotton Candy
- Third-party tested : Yes
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Comes with a good dose of beta-alanine for improved endurance
- Available in a great selection of flavors that are tasty and not too sweet
- Positive results for strength and cardio training
Cons
- Not available through subscription service or bulk order discount
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Athletes focused on muscle pumps and endurance
- Those looking for fast-acting energy
Who is it not for?
- People who prefer creatine in their pre-workout
Final Verdict
NitroSurge is excellent for athletes who want noticeable pumps and sustained energy without creatine. It's a powerful formula for enhancing gym performance.
This NitroSurge pre-workout supplement is another one that our team had some impressive results with. We measured a good increase in weight loads and reps compared to training without a pre-workout.
It’s not one of the strongest pre-workouts for beta-alanine, but we did notice a significant impact on muscle pumps.
This seems to be due to a solid dose of citrulline, which has been shown to boost blood flow to muscles [8].
I just wish this company had some sort of subscription service with discounts on their products.
Quick Facts:
7 - Huge Supplements Wrecked Pre-Workout
- Price per serving : $1.50
- Key ingredients : L-Citrulline Malate, Beta-Alanine, L-Tyrosine
- All flavors : Raspberry Mojito, Peach Rings, Rainbow Burst, Bombsicle, Orange Juice, Watermelon Lemonade
- Third-party tested : Yes
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Excellent strong dose of citrulline to give you some great pumps
- Added beta-alanine to deliver good endurance and strength boosts
- Comes with added black pepper extract to speed up the nutrient absorption
Cons
- Some of the flavors are a bit artificial and very sweet tasting
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Experienced lifters looking for high stimulant levels
- Users aiming for maximum pumps and focus
Who is it not for?
- Beginners due to its potent formula
Final Verdict
Wrecked is suitable for seasoned athletes wanting a high-impact pre-workout. It's particularly effective for long, strenuous workouts demanding high energy.
This pre-workout supplement is another one of the products we found with a very high dose of citrulline.
Out of the strongest pre-workouts we tested, this one seems to be the one that delivers maximum pumps during weight training.
The Huge Supplements pre-workout also seems to be a pretty fast-acting pre-workout due to the added black pepper extract for nutrient absorption [9].
During our testing phase, we found that it does tend to kick in after about 15 minutes, which is faster than most other pre-workouts.
Quick Facts:
8 - Bucked Up - Woke
- Price per serving : $1.50
- Key ingredients : L-Citrulline, Beta-Alanine, Caffeine
- All flavors : Rocket Pop, Blood Raz, Blue Raz, Grape, Watermelon Lemonade, Killa OJ
- Third-party tested : Yes
Pros and Cons
Pros
- High-stimulant pre-workout for good mental focus and motivation
- Measured improvement in endurance during high-intensity training
- Supports faster muscle recovery and bulking
Cons
- There are only limited flavors available that take a bit of getting used to
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Bodybuilders and serious trainers
- Individuals needing strong mental and physical stimulation
Who is it not for?
- Those sensitive to high caffeine doses
Final Verdict
Bucked Up Woke is tailored for intense training sessions requiring sharp focus and high energy. It’s ideal for athletes who engage in complex and challenging workouts.
This pre-workout from Bucked Up is another one that is popular with bodybuilders due to the high dose of citrulline for pumps.
And what sets it apart from other pre-workouts is the added theobromine.
And studies have shown that it can have positive effects during endurance and resistance training [10].
Our team found that Bucked Up Woke pre-workout does help you to do cardio for longer or to add a few extra pounds during weight exercises. And those small improvements can have a big impact over the months ahead.
Quick Facts:
9 - ALPHA LION Superhuman Pre-Workout Powder
- Price per serving : $1.66
- Key ingredients : L-Citrulline, L-Taurine, L-Tyrosine, Caffeine
- All flavors : Hulk Juice, Unicorn Juice, Orange Gainsicle, Cherry Popper
- Third-party tested : Yes
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Excellent dose of tyrosine to help boost your mental performance
- Contains a good amount of taurine, which can help improve brain energy and focus
- Decent amount of citrulline for boosted blood flow
Cons
- It contains artificial flavors, and quite a few of them don’t taste great
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Users seeking strong cognitive boosts
- Athletes in need of high-energy workouts
Who is it not for?
- Those who prefer a less intense flavor profile
Final Verdict
ALPHA LION Superhuman excels in delivering intense energy and focus, ideal for high-stakes training environments. Its unique formulation supports both mental and physical demands.
Alpha Lion Superhuman is one of the strongest pre-workout options available for tyrosine and caffeine.
That seems to be a combination that has a significant impact on mental strength while also helping you stay focused and motivated [11].
The one thing I have to highlight about this pre-workout is that it does contain artificial flavors and sweeteners.
And compared to other pre-workouts, you can tell that it’s a bit artificial and overly sweet.
Quick Facts:
10 - REDCON1 Total War Pre-Workout (Best Vegan-Friendly)
- Price per serving : $1.60
- Key ingredients : Citrulline Malate, Beta-Alanine, Taurine, Caffeine
- All flavors : Blue Lemonade, Tiger's Blood, Strawberry Kiwi, Pineapple Juice, Watermelon
- Third-party tested : Yes
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Pre-workout effects start to kick in after less than 20 minutes
- You can buy it in large tubs of 50 servings for bulk discounts
- Certified vegan-friendly option for athletes on a plant-based diet
Cons
- The flavor options can be very sweet, and you might need to add more water
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Competitive athletes and high-intensity trainers
- Those who benefit from quick pre-workout onset
Who is it not for?
- People looking for a caffeine-free product
Final Verdict
Total War is designed for athletes who need peak performance on demand. It provides rapid energy boosts and is highly effective for both strength and endurance training.
And to finish off our recommendations for the strongest pre-workouts, we have this Redcon1, which also contains effective ingredients to help you achieve some more impressive pumps.
And our testing results show that the effects kick in after just 20 minutes.
You can also buy it in larger tubs that will keep you going for about two months and can save you quite a bit of money.
Quick Facts:
How We Tested the Strongest Pre-workouts
At Total Shape, we take our product recommendations seriously. To determine the strongest pre-workout supplements on the market, we conducted rigorous testing and evaluation based on three key criteria:
Effectiveness
Effectiveness is at the core of what makes a pre-workout supplement stand out. Our testing process involved a diverse group of athletes, including amateur and professional trainers, who engaged in various training routines.
We assessed the impact of each pre-workout on workout performance, endurance, and overall effectiveness. Factors such as improved muscle endurance, strength gains, and enhanced mental focus were carefully considered.
Ingredients
The ingredients within a pre-workout supplement play a pivotal role in its performance-enhancing capabilities. We thoroughly examined the ingredient profiles of each product, taking into account the presence and dosage of key components.
Ingredients like creatine, beta-alanine, caffeine, and amino acids were scrutinized for their scientific backing and their ability to contribute to a successful workout experience.
Our evaluation also considered the presence of alternative ingredients for users with specific preferences, such as caffeine-free options.
Price
While quality and effectiveness are paramount, we also understand the importance of affordability. Our team assessed the pricing of each pre-workout supplement in relation to its ingredient quality and overall performance.
We considered whether bulk ordering, subscription discounts, or other cost-saving options were available. Our goal is to provide recommendations that balance high-quality products with reasonable pricing, ensuring that our readers receive great value for their investment.
Brand Reputation
All of the strong pre-workouts above come from reputable brands. What I mean by that is they come from companies that don’t just spend money on advertising and marketing but instead heavily invest in researching the best formulas.
There are too many companies that overpromise with celebrity endorsements but simply don’t deliver on the actual results.
Some of these brands we chose come at a higher price, but we have made sure that it’s a justified price based on the formula and quality of the ingredients.
Buyer’s Guide for the Strongest Pre-Workout Supplements
Before you make a final decision from our list of pre-workout supplements, let me show you some factors you need to consider before making a commitment.
Who Should Take A Strong Pre-Workout?
Athletes and bodybuilders who want to get the most out of their training sessions should consider taking pre-workout supplements.
Even a small boost of 5% more endurance or weight loads can add up to a lot faster progress.
If you’re training three or more days a week, then lots of small increments will bring you to your strength and fitness goals a lot sooner.
Also, many of my clients with weight loss goals find that they can burn off some extra calories by adding a few more minutes to each training session.
Who Shouldn’t Take A Strong Pre-Workout?
People who only exercise once a week probably shouldn’t be taking one of our strongest pre-workout recommendations.
It’s also not recommended for people with high blood pressure, as many of these pre-workouts have caffeine that can have a negative effect [12].
It’s also a good idea to check with your doctor if you’re taking any kind of medication long-term, as you don’t want to run into problems where amino acids or stimulants might interact with the medicines.
Key Ingredients
My dietitian did extensive research into the primary ingredients to look out for in the best pre-workout supplements.
Here’s what she found out.
Creatine
During our research for the strongest pre-workouts, there was one ingredient that stood out as one of the most effective. Research has shown that creatine has a significant impact on exercise performance [13].
“Creatine is among the most well-researched and effective supplements. It can help with exercise performance by rapidly producing energy during intense activity.”
- Antonis Damianou, MSc at Examine.com
And what you want to look for are pre-workouts like Gorilla Mode, which have at least 2 grams of creatine. Just be aware that some people find it causes a tingling sensation, but that only lasts a short while and is a good indication that you’re getting that boost.
Betaine Anhydrous
You should also look out for betaine on a strong pre-workout nutrient label. There have been several studies on this ingredient, and the most interesting one looked at the effect it has on trained students [14].
The researchers were able to show that it can have a particularly good effect on exercises that involve heavy loads and lower reps.
Caffeine
A typical strong pre-workout should contain at least 150 mg of caffeine. Some of the strongest products we’ve tested had almost 400 mg of caffeine. That’s about the full daily recommended intake and would require some more careful planning [15].
Now, some people don’t have trouble with caffeine disturbing their sleep, but it could still have a negative impact on how rested you are.
My general recommendation is that 150–200 mg of caffeine is plenty for a pre-workout.
L-Theanine
One way to boost the strongest pre-workouts without going overboard with caffeine stimulants is by checking the label for some theanine.
The interesting thing is that multiple studies have shown that combining these two ingredients can improve mental alertness and stamina effect [16].
Beta-Alanine
Some of the strongest pre-workouts we tested with great results also included a great dose of beta-alanine.
One of the interesting things about beta-alanine is that some studies have looked at both the effect of it during and after exercising.
One such study found a significantly lower lactate accumulation after a high-intensity workout [17].
Citrulline
Citrulline is an ingredient that most bodybuilders will find interesting, and I would recommend it if you want to achieve massive pumps.
What it has been linked to is an improved blood flow to muscles, which can then help them to swell up.
When you take over five grams of it, then it can boost your nitric oxide levels, which can help to dilate blood vessels and allow more blood to get into your muscles [18].
Some of the strong pre-workouts we tested had over six grams, and we saw some great results with them.
“L-Citrulline, or simply just citrulline, is a nonessential amino acid. It is efficiently turned into L-arginine in the kidneys after supplementation, which makes it a good choice for increasing nitric oxide synthesis in the body.”
- Peter Woznik, ND, MSc at Examine.com
L-Tyrosine
The other thing we looked out for in the strongest pre-workouts was tyrosine.
Researchers have shown that regular tyrosine can impact your cognitive abilities without also triggering that jittery feeling you might get from other pre-workout products that contain stimulants [19].
And our testing did show that we could focus better on each set to improve the quality of the workout.
Theobromine
This is an ingredient that you don’t find that often in pre-workout supplements, but my dietitian highlighted it as one that is gaining more attention in the pre-workout scene.
What studies have shown is that it can have a positive impact on endurance training, which could make it particularly interesting for cardio workouts [20].
The other thing that this study highlighted was that the researchers found no side effects.
Taurine
Taurine has gotten some negative press over the years because it’s one of the ingredients you’ll often find in energy drinks like Red Bull.
Scientists still don’t fully understand how it interacts with neurotransmitters, but there is plenty of evidence that it can help you remain more focused and motivated on anything from work tasks to a particularly difficult set of exercises.
We also found that it doesn’t tend to cause any issues like jitters, which would make it a good alternative to caffeine.
Incorporating Pre-Workouts Into Different Training Routines
As we delve into the world of the strongest pre-workout supplements, it's crucial to recognize that these formulations aren't one-size-fits-all. They can be tailored to suit various training goals and fitness routines. Whether you're looking to bulk up, shed those extra pounds, or improve endurance, there's a pre-workout solution for you.
Bulking Up with Pre-Workouts
If your goal is to pack on muscle mass, consider a pre-workout that emphasizes ingredients like creatine and betaine. Creatine, in particular, has been extensively studied for its muscle-building benefits. It provides the extra energy needed for those heavy lifting sessions and supports muscle endurance.
Cutting and Lean Muscle Building
On the flip side, those on a cutting journey can benefit from pre-workouts that focus on fat burning and maintaining lean muscle. Look for products that include thermogenic ingredients like green tea extract or theobromine. These can help you burn calories more efficiently during workouts.
Endurance and Cardiovascular Workouts
For individuals prioritizing endurance and cardiovascular fitness, pre-workouts containing citrulline and taurine can be game-changers. Citrulline has been shown to enhance blood flow, aiding in oxygen delivery to muscles during endurance activities. Taurine, while often associated with energy drinks, can support endurance without the jitters.
FAQs
Which Is The Most Powerful Pre-Workout?
Gorilla Mode is the most powerful pre-workout available based on our real-life test results.
It contains a formula of proven ingredients, and in side-by-side test comparisons, it looks like it delivers significantly more performance than other pre-workouts.
What Pre-Workout Has The Most Amount Of Caffeine?
Pre-KAGED Elite is possibly the pre-workout with the most amount of caffeine. It has a total of 388 mg of caffeine, which is almost the same amount as four cups of coffee. It can deliver a lot of focus but could also make you jittery.
Is Pre-Workout Stronger Than Red Bull?
Yes, pre-workout is stronger than Red Bull. More importantly, it contains several other ingredients that have a positive effect on your muscle strength and endurance as well as improved muscle growth.
What In Pre-Workout Gives You A Pump?
Citrulline is the best ingredient in pre-workouts that gives you a pump. Some of the strongest pre-workout products will deliver six grams of citrulline, which can significantly improve blood flow and muscle pump.
Our Verdict on the Strongest Pre-workout Supplements
Out of all the strongest pre-workout supplements that we tested over the past couple of months, there is one that has consistently given us better results than all the others.
Our Gorilla Mode test results showed both an improvement in strength and endurance. And we also showed that it worked very well for both strength exercises and cardio sessions.
That makes it probably the most suitable for most athletes, whether you’re a bodybuilder or just want to lose a few pounds and become leaner.
Our #1 Recommendation
Gorilla Mode (Best Overall & With Caffeine)
Rated With Total Shape's Scoring System
- Great dose of creatine for more muscular endurance
- Can provide high energy in about 20 minutes
- One of the most natural-tasting pre-workout products
- Mixes fast with water and doesn’t require a shaker
- Get the BEST PRICE until the end of July
- You only get free shipping on orders over $100
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