There are lots of different supplements you can use that will help make your workouts more productive. Popular products include protein powders, creatine, and amino acids. However, one of the most widely used is pre-workouts.
Pre-workouts boost your energy so you can train longer and harder than usual. Longer, harder workouts mean better results and faster progress. Formulations vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, and some pre-workouts are stronger than others.
Mild formulas are ideal for pre-workout newbies. They are weaker, but you’ll still feel some noticeable effects because you aren’t used to the product. But, if you use a pre-workout regularly, you’ll probably become accustomed to the ingredients and will need something more potent to boost your energy.
The good news is that there are plenty of extra-strong pre-workouts explicitly designed for more experienced users. So, if your pre-workout is no longer producing the results you want, these are the supplements for you.
Be warned, even if you are a regular pre-workout user, these supplements may cause mild side effects, such as tingling, reddening of the skin, and even jitteriness and tremors. However, such side effects are temporary. So, if you are looking for the most potent pre-workout supplements, try one of the products in this review!
Strongest Pre-Workout Supplements
Jacked Factory makes a wide range of bodybuilding and sports supplements. Known for their potent formulas, Jacked factory pre-workouts are strong enough to keep even the most experienced user happy. If you want to take your workouts to the next level, NITRO SURGE will help.
Pros
- 180mg caffeine per serving
- Available in 13 refreshing flavors
- 30 servings per container
- Beta-alanine to reduce fatigue by providing a buffer against lactic acid
- L-theanine to minimize post-workout energy crashes
- L-citrulline to increase blood flow for a better pump and more energy
- Free from sugar, carbs, and calories
Cons
- Contains artificial colors and flavors
- Contains no creatine
2. Huge Supplements Wrecked
If we were giving an award for the most powerful pre-workout supplement, Huge Supplements Wrecked would probably be the winner. It contains large amounts of the most potent pre-workout ingredients available, including a whopping 350mg of caffeine. Rest assured, you’ll definitely feel this product working!
Pros
- 350mg of caffeine per serving
- 25 servings per container
- Available in four flavors
- Pink Himalayan sea salt for hydration
- L-tyrosine for increased focus and motivation
- Citrulline malate for a better pump and increased endurance
- Contains antioxidants including turmeric, tart cherry, kale, and broccoli
Cons
- May contain traces of allergens (milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, etc.)
- It could be too powerful for some users
- Quite expensive
- Not as many doses per container as other products
3. Transparent Labs BULK
The great thing about Transparent Labs products is that their labels are comprehensive and easy to read, so you know exactly what you are taking. Their pre-workout is powerful and well-formulated to provide a reliable boost in exercise performance.
Pros
- 180mg of caffeine per serving
- 30 servings per container
- Contains health-boosting vitamins and minerals
- Free from artificial flavors and sweeteners
- BCAA for energy, less muscle breakdown, and faster recovery from workouts
- L-tyrosine for increased focus and determination
- L-theanine to prevent post-workout energy crashes
- Carnosine to delay fatigue and increase workout capacity
- Betaine anhydrous for increased power output and endurance
Cons
- Only available in one flavor – orange
4. Onnit Total Strength + Performance
Most pre-workouts contain caffeine. That makes a lot of sense, given that caffeine is such a potent energizer. However, some people prefer non-stimulant pre-workouts as they tend to produce fewer unwanted side effects and won’t cause sleeplessness. Onnit Total Strength + Performance is a potent but caffeine-free pre-workout.
Pros
- Caffeine-free formula
- 30 servings per container
- 16 calories per serving
- BCAAs for energy, endurance, and faster recovery from intense exercise
- D-aspartic acid, Mucuna Pruriens, and stinging nettle extract for increased strength and power
- Red clover, resveratrol, and luteolin for a speedier recovery
- Black pepper extract to increase the bioavailability of the other ingredients
- Natural flavors and colors
Cons
- Some users may miss the energizing effect of caffeine
5. XWerks Ignite
Most pre-workouts are designed for gym-goers. Ignite by XWerks is a little different and is arguably the best choice for cardio and endurance-based workouts.
That’s not to say it won’t boost gym performance, but it’s definitely formulated to enhance endurance capacity rather than strength and power. Still, it’s a potent, powerful supplement!
Pros
- 150mg of caffeine per serving
- 30 servings per container
- Citrulline malate for a better blood flow and increased endurance
- Nootropic blend for enhanced focus
- Calcium and magnesium lactate to increase delay fatigue
- DMAE for improved mood and mental performance
- Vitamins B6 and B12 to enhance carbohydrate metabolism
- Beta-alanine for stamina
- Certified vegan-friendly
Cons
- Contains artificial flavors and sweeteners
- A large dose of beta-alanine may cause uncomfortable tingling
6. Cira Pre-Game
Most pre-workouts can be used by men or women; there are no ingredients that are deemed gender-specific.
That said, some women find large doses of caffeine and creatine hard to deal with and prefer products formulated specifically for female users. Cira Pre-Game is made for women who want to boost their exercise performance without unwanted side effects.
Pros
- 200mg of caffeine per serving
- 30 servings per container
- Available in two light, refreshing flavors
- L-citrulline for better blood flow and more energy
- Beta-alanine to ward off fatigue
- L-theanine for less of a post-workout energy crash
- Nootropic ingredients for enhanced focus
Cons
- Maybe too high in caffeine for some users
- Not marketed toward (but still can be used by) men
7. Transparent Labs LEAN
Transparent Labs LEAN is a pre-workout with a difference. As well as boosting workout performance, this product is designed to enhance fat metabolism for faster weight loss. It’s the ideal product for anyone who works out specifically to lose weight and burn fat.
Pros
- 180mg of caffeine per serving
- 30 servings per container
- Vitamins B6 and B12 for enhanced carbohydrate metabolism
- BCAAs for less muscle breakdown, increased energy, and faster workout recovery
- ElevATP for energy and endurance
- L-theanine to prevent post-workout energy crashes
- Sodium and potassium for better hydration
- Synephrine to increase calories burned per workout
- Taurine for enhanced focus
- Choline bitartrate for faster fat burning
- Black pepper extract for increased bioavailability of the other ingredients
Cons
- Only available in one flavor – orange
8. Transparent Labs Stim-Free
While it may be hard to believe, you don’t need a massive shot of caffeine to increase your energy or endurance. In fact, too much caffeine can cause a host of unwanted side effects, including stomach upsets, palpations, anxiety, and difficulty sleeping.
Transparent Labs Stim-Free Pre-Workout is free from caffeine which means fewer side effects and no problems sleeping, even if you take it late at night.
Pros
- Caffeine-free formula
- 30 servings per container
- Taurine for energy and focus
- BCAAs for less muscle breakdown and faster recovery from workouts
- L-tyrosine for increased focus and determination
- ElevATP stamina and power
- Mucuna Pruriens to a more stable mood and positive mental attitude
- Black pepper extract for increased bioavailability of the other ingredients
- Betaine anhydrous for increased endurance and less fatigue
Cons
- Some people may miss the stimulating effect of caffeine
9. Cellucor C4 Ultimate
If you want a big hit of caffeine from your pre-workout, Cellucor C4 Ultimate could be the product you’ve been waiting for. With 300mg of caffeine per serving, plus several other energy-boosting ingredients, you’ll definitely feel this supplement working. However, all that caffeine may mean this product is too stimulating for some users.
Pros
- 300mg of caffeine per serving
- 20 servings per container
- Creatine for muscle building and energy
- L-carnosine, citrulline malate, and citrulline nitrate for increased blood flow and better pumps
- Theacrine for less of a post-exercise energy crash
- Beta-alanine for more energy and less fatigue
Cons
- Quite expensive
- Only 20 servings per container
- It may be too intense for some users
- Artificially sweetened and flavored
10. 4 Gauge
4 Gauge pre-workout comes in a tub that looks a lot like a shotgun cartridge, which should give you an idea of just how potent this supplement is! Formulated to be both fast-acting and long-lasting, 4 Gauge is a very popular pre-workout that won’t fail to boost your workout performance.
Pros
- 150 mg caffeine for increased physical and mental energy
- 30 servings per container
- L-Theanine for better focus
- Creatine for more endurance
- Red beetroot extract and L-Citrulline for better blood flow and muscle pumps
- Acetyl-L-Carnitine for fat burning and increased energy
- Coconut water powder for hydration-boosting electrolytes
- No artificial sweeteners, colors, or preservatives
- Refreshing, fruit blast flavor
Cons
- Only available in one flavor
- Not as strongly caffeinated as some other pre-workouts
FAQ’s
Do you have questions about pre-workout supplements? We’ve got answers! Read on for the most common pre-workout FAQs…
What are the most common ingredients in pre-workout?
All pre-workouts are different, but most contain similar ingredients, albeit in differing amounts. The most common pre-workout ingredients and their basic functions are:
Caffeine – a potent and widely-used stimulant, caffeine has been shown to increase energy, ward off fatigue, and enhance fat burning. However, in large amounts, it can also cause unwanted side effects, including muscle tremors and insomnia. Not all pre-workouts contain caffeine, but most have at least a few cups of coffee worth.
Beta-alanine – this pre-workout ingredient helps increase workout capacity by reducing the fatiguing effects of lactic acid. It’s also responsible for most of the tingling and itchiness associated with pre-workout use.
Creatine – creatine is a widely used supplement that increases intramuscular stores of ATP, so you’ve got more energy for exercise. Creatine may also speed up recovery and enhance muscle growth. On the downside, it may cause water retention, which is why some users prefer creatine-free pre-workout supplements.
B-vitamins – the B vitamins play an essential role in the breakdown of carbs for energy. So, while they don’t have an energizing effect themselves, the B vitamins mean you can access your onboard energy stores more efficiently.
L-citrulline – this amino acid increases levels of nitric oxide in your blood. As a result, your blood vessels open up (vasodilation) to allow for easier and more plentiful blood flow.
This increases your energy while promoting a powerful pump effect that most bodybuilders and weightlifters welcome. On the downside, L-citrulline can cause skin flushing and redness.
BCAAs – short for branched-chain amino acids, BCAAs are a part of protein, and your body uses them for energy and muscle growth, and repair. Pre-workouts with BCAAs may help reduce muscle breakdown and speed up recovery.
However, if you eat a lot of protein, you probably have enough BCAAs in your diet already, and getting more will be of little benefit.
What are the benefits of pre-workout?
Pre-workouts are formulated to help you:
- Exercise harder than normal
- Exercise longer than normal
- Increase your focus and determination
- Recover faster from your workouts
- Burn more calories per workout
These factors combine to produce more effective workouts so that you get better results in less time.
What are the side effects of pre-workout?
While pre-workouts are mainly safe to use, they can cause side effects that may be less desirable. The main side-effects of pre-workouts include:
- Muscle tremors and anxiety
- Increased heart rate
- Tingling and redness of the skin
- Stomach upsets
These side-effects can often be avoided by using a smaller amount of pre-workout and only increasing the size of your dose as you get used to the effects of the ingredients.
When should I take pre-workout?
Most pre-workouts are formulated to start working quite quickly and usually last 2-3 hours.
As such, you should take your supplement 15-30 minutes before your workout.
That said, pre-workouts usually have instructions for use, and these should be followed to ensure you get the most from your chosen product.
Bottom Line
Energy is a valuable commodity, and everyone has days when they don’t have enough. Maybe you didn’t sleep as well as usual, or perhaps have been working harder than normal or have been feeling stressed. But, regardless of the cause, a pre-workout will ensure you have the get-up and go you need to power through your next workout.
That said, if you use the same pre-workout for more than a few consecutive weeks, it will start to lose some of its potency. Your body becomes accustomed to the ingredients, and you won’t feel as energized. Yes, you could use a larger dose, but then your product won’t last as long.
One of the best ways to ensure your pre-workout always delivers the results you want is to upgrade your supplement and buy something a little more powerful. In most cases, that’s all you need to get crank your energy levels to the max.
But, with so many pre-workouts to choose from, knowing which product is best can be hard. After all, the ingredients are often very similar, and most pre-workouts have the same basic effects.
Cut through the marketing hype with our review of the 10 strongest pre-workout supplements. Each one has been formulated to boost your energy and improve workout performance. Whatever you are looking for, you’ll find it in these reviews.
Strongest Pre-Workout Supplements
If you want to boost your energy, train longer and harder than usual. Here, we show you the best ones!
