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How We Choose the Best Pre-Workouts

We've been in the business of selling supps—and taking them—for the last 24 years, which means we know the best supps because our team members and athletes have tried them and put them to the test.

For this list, we took it a step further and used a rather comprehensive collection of data to help us make our decisions. Here is what we considered before finalizing the list:  

  • Formula: Today's pre-workout users are more discerning than ever. Our community knows a heck of a lot about the essential pre-workout ingredients and dosages and how they impact the body. We certainly took it all into account.  

  • Flavor: The formula might be great, but if the taste isn't, then you're probably not going to buy it again. Rest assured, flavor was a big part of how we made our decisions. And our customers and athletes don't just review products—they rate flavors like true connoisseurs. They know their stuff.  

  • Value: We care about the money our customers spend with us. So, you'd better believe the pre-workouts in this list are all of great value.

Best-Tasting Pre-Workout: Signature Pre-Workout

Signature Pre-Workout
  • Servings per container: 30
  • Price per serving: $1.17  
  • Caffeine level per serving: 200 mg   

Signature Pre Workout was formulated for those people needing a nice balanced ingredient profile to help give them energy, endurance, and pumps with 200 mg of caffeine, 5 grams of L-Citrulline, and 1500 mg of CarnosynⓇ beta-alanine. On top of that, it comes in mouth watering flavors like Sour Gummy, Rocket Pop, Watermelon Freeze, and Fruit Punch.

Best High-Energy Pre-Workout: Pre Kaged Elite

Pre Kaged Elite
  • Servings per container: 20
  • Price per serving: $3.00
  • Caffeine level per serving: 388 mg

Pre- Kaged Elite is a powerhouse pre-workout loaded with not only quite a bit of caffeine but other ingredients like AmaTea®, Alpha-GPC, L-Tyrosine, and Huperzine A to help with the energy and focus during the hardest workouts. On top of that, you have 10,000 mg of L-Citrulline and NO3-T (Creatine Nitrate) to provide a massive pump with a plethora of ingredients to help prime you for your workout. This is definitely a fully-loaded Pre you want to check out if you’re looking for that high energy kick.



Best Pre-Workout for Overall Training: Elite Ultimate Pre

Elite Ultimate Pre
  • Servings per container: 24
  • Price per serving: $2.08
  • Caffeine level per serving: 300 mg

Elite Ultimate Pre is designed for any athlete and training modality out there with its 5 trademarked ingredients and Informed Sport Certification meaning it is tested for banned substances. If you’re looking for energy and focus (300 mg of caffeine, 1 g Tyrosine, 50 mg Cognizin and 20 mcg Huperzine A), pump and increased blood flow (6 g of citrulline and 1.5 g of Nitrosigine®), endurance and power (3.2 g of CarnoSyn® Beta-Alanine, 450 mg PeakATP® and 2.5 g Betaine), and hydration (1 g GlycerSize® Glycerol and 1 g Taurine), This is the pre-workout for you.

Best Pre-Workout for Cardio Training: 6AM Run Marathon Pre-Workout

6AM Run Marathon Pre-Workout
  • Servings per container: 40  
  • Price per serving: $1.37
  • Caffeine level per serving: 175 mg (Energy Blend which includes Caffeine, Green Tea Extract, and Theobromine)

6AM Run Marathon was specifically designed for those doing cardio training. They not only combined Caffeine, Green Tea Extract, and Theobromine from an energy aspect, but also included 12 unique Amino Acids (including BCAAs) aimed to to help with your post run recovery.

Best Stimulant-Free Workout: Elite Ultimate Pre Stim-Free

Elite Ultimate Pre Stim-Free
  • Servings per container: 24
  • Price per serving: $1.67
  • Caffeine level per serving: 0

Most stim-free pre-workouts out there are only providing you with ingredients that increase your blood flow and pump, but not the Elite Ultimate Pre Stim-Free. This pre-workout has 3 trademarked ingredients and is Informed Sports certified. It has 6 g of citrulline and 1.5 g of Nitrosigine® to enhance blood flow and pump, 3.2g Beta-Alanine & 2.5g Betaine to boost power and endurance, 2 g of GlycerSize® Glycerol to promote hydration, and 400 mg of PeakATP® to boost Performance.

Best for Women: Cira Nutrition Pre-Game

Pre-Game
  • Servings per container: 30
  • Price per serving: $1.33
  • Caffeine level per serving: 200 mg

Pre-Game gives you the energy to go harder, better, faster, stronger. No sweat. It helps increase energy, endurance, focus, and strength. Whether you’re running 10 miles or hitting a personal best in the gym, don’t sweat it, you’re covered with this. 1600 mg Beta Alanine and 200 mg Caffeine Anhydrous will get you amped up for your workout.

Best Mental Focus: R1 PreLift Pre-Workout

R1 PreLift Pre-Workout
  • Servings per container: 30
  • Price per serving: $1.33
  • Caffeine level per serving: 330 mg (between Caffeine Anhydrous and Di-Caffeine Malate)

R1 PreLift is loaded not only with the different types of caffeine to help provide lasting energy and focus, but also has 200 mg of Alpha-GPC, 75 mg of lion’s mane mushroom, and 50 mcg of huperzine A. All of these ingredients together may provide you with the best mental focus yet!

Best Ready-to-Drink: Bucked Up Energy Drink

Bucked Up
  • Servings per container: 12 cans
  • Price per serving: $2.50
  • Caffeine level per serving: 300 mg

No shaker needed. No powder spills. Just a strong energy push for pre-workout or energy throughout the day in the Bucked Up Energy Drinks. Not only do they have 300 mg of natural caffeine, but each can also has Dynamine and TeaCrine to help prolong that energy and focus for the toughest workouts.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.



About the Author

Contributing Writer

Bodybuilding.com

Bodybuilding.com’s authors consist of accredited coaches, doctors, dietitians and athletes across the world.

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