Whether you’re starting your fitness journey or you’re a weightlifting junkie, there are several supplements that should be staples in your stack. As a certified personal trainer and nutrition coach, I’d put a high-quality whey protein powder and one of the best creatines at the top.
Not far behind would be another supplement that can help you achieve your muscle-building and weight-loss goals: pre-workout.
However, just like not all barbells are created equal, neither are supps. The strongest pre-workouts stand out from the pack because they are formulated with research-backed doses of four key ingredients — caffeine (at least 200 milligrams), L-citrulline (at least 4,000 milligrams), beta-alanine (at least 3,200 milligrams), and betaine (at least 2,500 milligrams) — for physical and mental performance enhancement.
To save you the trouble of sipping on something that won’t give you an effective muscle pump, our team of expert product testers tried more than 80 pre-workouts and reported which supplements delivered the most focus, power, and tingles. Then, with some guidance from a few other experts, our squad of CPTs, CNCs, CrossFit enthusiasts, and dedicated weightlifters narrowed down the list to the eight strongest pre-workouts so you can select the perfect match for your goals and preferences.
Medical disclaimer: This content is meant to be informative, but should not be taken as medical advice. It is not intended for use as diagnosis, prevention, or treatment of health problems. Always speak with your doctor before starting any new supplement or exercise regimen.
Our Picks for the Strongest Pre-Workouts of 2025
- Strongest Pre-Workout for Power: Transparent Labs BULK BLACK
- Strongest Natural Pre-Workout: Legion Pulse
- Strongest Budget Pre-Workout: Nutricost Pre-X
- Strongest Pre-Workout for Taste: Jacked Factory NitroSurge
- Strongest Pre-Workout for Pump: Gorilla Mode
- Strongest Pre-Workout for Tingles: Crazy Nutrition Intensive Pre-Train
- Strongest Pre-Workout for Focus: Onnit Alpha Brain Pre-Workout
- Strongest Pre-Workout With Creatine: C4 Ultimate
Strongest Pre-Workout for Power: Transparent Labs BULK BLACK
- Number of servings: 30
- Cost per serving: $1.83
- Amount of caffeine per serving: 275 milligrams
- Flavors: Blue Raspberry, Black Cherry, Cherry Kiwi, Peach Mango, Sour Gummy
- Third-party tested: Yes, by independent labs
Pros
- No artificial sweeteners, coloring, or preservatives
- Third-party lab tested and Informed Choice Certified
- Subscribe and save option
- Available in eight flavors
Cons
- 350 mg of caffeine may be too intense for some people
- Mixed reviews on taste
If your goal is to improve your athletic performance and power output in the gym, then we recommend Transparent Labs BULK BLACK. This supplement contains a potent combination of 4,000 milligrams of beta-alanine, 2,500 milligrams of betaine anhydrous, and 10 other active ingredients. Beta-alanine, a nonessential amino acid, may improve potential power output by reducing muscle fatigue, allowing you to push out a few more reps while you exercise. And studies show betaine anhydrous may improve muscular endurance. These ingredients work together to enhance your training, paving the way for strength gains over time.
Each serving of BULK BLACK also contains 350 milligrams of caffeine, which is close to the recommended daily limit of 400 milligrams. Overall, the impressive formulation earns 4 out of 5 stars from our team, as we docked a point for the high caffeine content since it may be too intense for some people.
However, this high-stim pre-workout is certainly effective.
Cory Kessler, C.P.T., C.F.N.C., has tried more than 25 pre-workouts. He tested the Blue Raspberry flavor of BULK BLACK before a cardio workout, noting that he felt more energized and focused throughout his workout. “I started sweating almost immediately, and within five to 10 minutes, I had a boost of energy, a massive pump, and felt like I could lift harder and stronger,” he says. Cory also experienced the tingling sensation common with high doses of beta-alanine.
Cory also enjoys using BULK BLACK before bodybuilding workouts since it contains 8,000 milligrams of citrulline malate. While more research is needed, some studies suggest citrulline malate may boost exercise and muscular performance.
Two other areas where BULK BLACK stands out: solubility and taste. Our team gave Transparent Labs perfect scores in both categories.
“BULK BLACK completely dissolved in my shaker bottle in only a few seconds with no clumps, grittiness, or residue,” Cory says.
Available in eight flavors ranging from Black Cherry to Watermelon Peach to Strawberry Mango, one of our other product testers chose the Blue Raspberry option, giving it 5 out of 5 stars for taste. However, there are some mixed reviews on Amazon about the taste, depending on which flavor you choose.
“It’s hard to describe the taste of Blue Raspberry, but that’s exactly what it tastes like. Not too sweet, which is a good thing,” he says.
Related: Transparent Labs BCAA Glutamine Review
Strongest Natural Pre-Workout: Legion Pulse Pre-Workout
- Number of servings: 10 to 20
- Cost per serving: $2.25 to $3.00
- Amount of caffeine per serving: 350 milligrams
- Flavors: Apple Cider, Arctic Blast, Blood Orange, Blue Raspberry, Blueberry Lemonade, Cherry Limeade, Frosted Cranberry, Fruit Punch, Grape, Green Apple, Mojito, Piña Colada, Peach Ring, Pink Lemonade, Rainbow Sherbert, Sour Candy, Strawberry Kiwi, Strawberry Margarita, Tropical Punch, Watermelon
- Third-party tested: Labdoor
Pros
- All natural pre-workout formula contains six active ingredients and three mineral electrolytes
- 22 different flavor options
- Available in caffeinated and non-stim versions
- Free from artificial sweeteners, flavors, and colors
- Third-party tested by Labdoor for potency and purity
Cons
- Two-scoop serving size contains 350 mg of caffeine, which may be too much for beginners or caffeine-sensitive individuals
- Only 20 servings per tub
- Contains erythritol, which can cause digestive discomfort in some people
Legion Pulse is our pick for the strongest natural pre-workout because it’s free from artificial sweeteners, flavors, and colors and contains six active ingredients that support enhanced energy.
As a CPT and CNC, I look for four main ingredients in a high-quality pre-workout supplement: caffeine, beta-alanine, betaine anhydrous, and L-citrulline. Each plays a key role in enhancing athletic performance. Research shows:
- Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system
- Beta-alanine may boost muscular endurance
- Betaine anhydrous can improve strength
- L-citrulline enhances oxygen and nutrient delivery to the muscles.
Legion Pulse contains all four, including 350 milligrams of caffeine per serving, which is particularly close to the recommended daily limit of 400 milligrams. Keep in mind that if you decide to try Pulse, it’s a good idea to monitor your caffeine intake from other sources like coffee or tea.
“To get the most out of pre-workout supplements without stomach issues, start with a lower dose to see how your body reacts,” says Dr. Christopher Mohr, Ph.D., RD. “Choose supplements with fewer stimulants if caffeine bothers you, or go for stimulant-free options.”
Luckily, if you’re new to pre-workout or are caffeine-sensitive, you can also choose the non-stim version of Pulse. So, even though we’d like to see creatine in the formulation, we still give this a strong score of 4 out of 5 stars, especially since there’s a caffeine-free version.
One of our product testers has tried five different brands of pre-workout and puts Pulse atop her list because of its effectiveness.
“I’ve been using Pulse three times a week for six months, and it always makes me feel energized and focused,” our tester says. “My goal is to improve my personal records and lift harder, so Pulse is my go-to when I train.”
She reports that it typically takes 15 minutes for this high-stim pre-workout to kick in, and while it does give her tingles, it’s not overwhelming. “I never feel a drop-off, but rather a slow energy release,” she says.
Pulse comes in 22 flavors, including Pink Lemonade, Cherry Limeade, and Strawberry Kiwi, so there’s something to satisfy everyone’s taste buds. That said, one of our testers gave Pulse 4 out of 5 stars for taste, noting that while it tastes sweet, there’s a “weird aftertaste.”
While the formulation and flavor options make this a top-rated pre-workout, Pulse is by no means a budget-friendly option. At around $45 for a 20-serving tub, it earns the lowest score of 1 out of 5 stars for price per serving.
Strongest Budget Pre-Workout: Nutricost Pre-X
- Caffeine: 300mg
- Other Key Ingredients: L-citrulline, beta-alanine, betaine anhydrous, taurine, L-tyrosine, alpha-GPC, theobromine, Nitrosigine, Huperzine A, niacin, vitamin B6, vitamin B12
- Sweeteners: Sucralose
- Flavors: Blue Raspberry, Watermelon, Fruit Punch, Grape, Peach Mango
- Certifications: Third-party tested
- Servings per Container: 30 servings
- Price per Serving: $1.00
Pros
- Third-party tested, gluten-free, non-GMO, and vegetarian-friendly
- Budget-friendly price point
- Testers gave it high marks for taste
- Includes ingredients that promote mental focus and cognition
Cons
- Contains sucralose
- Limited flavor options
- Some users report post-workout “crash”
While many strong pre-workouts cost around $2 per serving, Nutricost Pre-X is our pick for the strongest budget pre-workout because it costs less than half of that. At about $0.93 per serving, one tester called it “the best value on the market,” and I agree, giving this a perfect score of 5 out of 5 for price per serving.
Although some budget pre-workouts lack key ingredients, Pre-X contains the four main ones we like to see in a pre-workout: caffeine, beta-alanine, betaine anhydrous, and L-citrulline. “The price is better than most other pre-workouts I’ve tried, especially for a supplement this good,” says one tester.
Each serving of Pre-X has 300 milligrams of caffeine and 4,000 milligrams of L-citrulline, so you should feel energized and get a good pump with this pre-workout. “I got a decent pump and had a calm focus without feeling overstimulated,” one tester says.
Some testers say Pre-X has a slightly lower dosage of beta-alanine than some other pre-workouts on our list, but others say they experienced noticeable tingles during their workout.
While testers did not experience any negative side effects when trying Pre-X, this pre-workout is made with the artificial sweetener sucralose. Some health experts have raised concerns about taking sucralose in high doses. As a CPT and someone who pays close attention to everything I put in my body, I tend to steer clear of artificial sweeteners. Because of this, we docked a point off the formulation score, giving Pre-X 4 out of 5 stars.
Nutricost Pre-X comes in five flavors, including Blue Raspberry, Peach Mango, and Watermelon. Collectively, our team gave this strong pre-workout 4.5 out of 5 stars for taste.
“This tastes great ice cold or at room temperature. I look forward to drinking it before my workouts,” says one tester who tried Blue Raspberry.
Another tester who tried Peach Mango also gave Pre-X his stamp of approval.
“No artificial sweetener taste at all. It has a nice flavor that’s not overly sweet.”
Strongest Pre-Workout for Taste: Jacked Factory NitroSurge Pre-Workout
- Number of servings: 30
- Cost per serving: $0.93
- Amount of caffeine per serving: 180 milligrams
- Flavors: 11 available
- Third-party tested: No
Pros
- 11 tasty flavor options
- Available in multiple sizes
- Budget-friendly price point
- Vegan
- 100 percent hassle-free money-back guarantee
Cons
- Uses the artificial sweetener sucralose
- Mixed reviews on effectiveness
- No third-party testing
Whether you like a strong pre-workout that’s sweet, sour, fruity, or tart, Jacked Factory NitroSurge has a fit for you. With 11 options, you can stick to your favorite or keep a few flavors in rotation to keep your taste buds on their proverbial toes. Between the deep lineup and satisfying flavors, NitroSurge earned a perfect score for taste.
One of our testers tried Strawberry Margarita, and let’s just say she was more than satisfied with her sipping experience.
“It’s wildly delicious. I’d drink this by the side of the pool over ice all day.”
Another tester prefers Jacked Factory NitroSurge to some other strong pre-workouts he’s tried. “I did not like the Pink Lemonade flavor of Legion Pulse, but I would definitely use the Grape NitroSurge again,” he says.
As for its effectiveness? For one of our product testers, it took about 20 minutes to feel NitroSurge kick in. At that point, he felt like he could lift harder.
“I usually work out in the morning because I feel most rested then, but even after taking this in the afternoon, I felt ‘jacked up’ and ready to go,” he says, adding that he experienced tingles and a slight drop off, but neither was overwhelming.
Another tester who regularly takes strong pre-workouts doubled the dosage. He said he got “a bit of a boost from it” but nothing like what you’ll get from other strong pre-workouts. Ultimately, this makes NitroSurge a solid choice for beginners, as you can see how you respond to a single serving before upping it to two scoops.
Besides the taste, I like that it’s budget-friendly while still including evidence-backed ingredients, like L-citrulline, beta-alanine, betaine anhydrous, caffeine anhydrous, L-theanine, theobromine, and AstraGin. AstraGin, also found in Transparent Labs BULK BLACK, is a plant-based compound formulated to enhance nutrient absorption. While AstraGin is safe at 0.5 milligrams per kilogram of body weight per day, more research is needed on the potential performance-enhancing benefits.
Like some of the other pre-workouts on our list, NitroSurge is made with the artificial sweetener sucralose, which some health experts have raised concerns about taking in high doses. Also, Jacked Factory supplements do not undergo third-party testing, which ensures products include the ingredients listed on the label and nothing else. This is especially important for athletes who undergo drug testing for banned substances. We only gave Nitrosurge 3 out of 5 stars in this category since it is made in a Current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP)-certified and FDA-registered facility.
Strongest Pre-Workout for Pump: Gorilla Mode
- Caffeine: 400mg
- Other Key Ingredients: L-citrulline, creatine monohydrate, L-tyrosine, betaine anhydrous, HydroPrime glycerol powder, malic acid, alpha-GPC, huperzine A
- Sweetener: Sucralose
- Flavors: Orange Rush, Mouthwatering Watermelon, Tiger’s Blood, Bombsicle, Cherry Blackout, Fruit Punch, Cotton Candy Grape, Blackberry Lemonade, Jungle Juice, Strawberry Kiwi
- Certifications: Third-party tested
- Servings per Container: 20 two-scoop servings
- Price per Serving: $3.00
Pros
- Multiple evidence-backed ingredients to enhance muscle pumps and focus
- Some of the ingredients are third-party tested
- Wide variety of flavors
- Subscribe and save option
Cons
- Expensive
- Artificial flavors, including sucralose
- Need two servings to get 5 g of creatine monohydrate
- 400 mg of caffeine (per two scoops) is the total recommended daily allowance
For bodybuilders, a “pump” is a sign of a successful training session. Increased blood flow to the muscles makes them feel fuller and appear larger and more vascular during and after a workout. A pump also promotes muscle growth by delivering essential nutrients and oxygen to the muscles as blood flow increases. While you can achieve a pump through high-rep sets, drop sets, and supersets, high-stim pre-workouts like Gorilla Mode are specially designed to improve your pump.
Gorilla Mode contains several pump-enhancing ingredients in each scoop, including 5,000 milligrams of pure L-citrulline (more per scoop than any other pre-workout on our list) and 2,000 mi
