7 Strongest Pre-Workouts to Try in 2024 (June Update) | BarBend (2024)

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If you’re regularly turning to your best pre-workout for a much-needed energy boost before training, odds are that you can develop a tolerance to the formulation. Rather than accepting defeat or trying to double up on dosages (do NOT do that), opting for a new formula may be all you need to keep your performance primed for success. The strongest pre-workouts can provide hearty servings of trusted ingredients like caffeine, citrulline, and other common pre-workout ingredients to help your engine stay running at max effort while keeping your pre-training consumption in check.

Of course, when you’re talking about high-octane workout supplements, you need to be mindful of how much you’re taking in of these ingredients. There’s no need to overindulge on a good thing if it’s going to wreck your health in the long run. To help you toe the line between efficiency and excessiveness, we’ve gotten hands-on with dozens of premium-grade pre-workouts and consulted with our in-house experts to assemble our picks for the best strong pre-workouts. Ready your shaker cups and let’s get fueled up for an intense training routine.

The 7 Strongest Pre-Workouts of 2024

• Strongest Pre-Workout Overall: Transparent Labs BULK Black
• Strongest Pre-Workout for Blood Flow and Pump: Kaged Pre-Kaged Elite
• Strongest Pre-Workout for Focus: Jacked Factory Nitrosurge Max
• Strongest Pre-Workout for Taste: Legion Pulse
• Best Budget Strongest Pre-Workout: Gorilla Mind Gorilla Mode
• Strongest Pre-Workout with BCAAs: JYM Pre-JYM
• Strongest Pre-Workout with Creatine: Kaged Pre-Kaged Elite

Editor’s note: The content on BarBend is meant to be informative in nature, but it should not be taken as medical advice. The opinions and articles on this site are not intended for use as diagnosis, prevention, and/or treatment of health problems. It’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor before beginning a new fitness, nutritional, and/or supplement routine. Individual needs for vitamins and minerals will vary.

Strongest Pre-Workouts Video Review

Join BarBend expert tester Jake Herod, NASM-CNC, and registered dietitian and nutritionist Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, MS, RDN, LD, as they walk through some of the strongest pre-workouts on the market.

How We Tested and Chose the Strongest Pre-Workouts

The BarBend team is made up of competitive athletes, certified personal trainers, and lifelong fitness enthusiasts. To determine the strongest pre-workouts available today, we tested over 70 different profiles from the industry’s best brands, using a multi-point methodology to rate each profile on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest). Below are some of the categories and components that played into our rankings.

Proper Dosing

The strongest pre-workout supplements, naturally, feature formulations that take the dosing of each ingredient to the extreme. However, there is such a notion as too much of a good thing, so we looked for powders that pushed the limit as far as possible while still remaining safe or within recommended daily dosages.

For example, studies report that the maximum daily caffeine intake for athletes should not exceed 400 milligrams. (1) As such, we looked for pre-workouts offering a decent serving that didn’t surpass this recommended limit. All of the pre-workouts in this guide feature a listed caffeine content between 275 and 400 milligrams.

[Related: Dr. Jim Stoppani on the Pros and Cons of Caffeine, Coffee, and Alcohol]

We also examined ingredients that could be dosed beyond their daily recommendations, as they’re more tolerable by most athletes. L-citrulline, for example, can be very helpful for nitric oxide production, blood flow, and power output. (2)

Additionally, research states that an effective dose for boosted athletic performance sits somewhere between 6,000 and 8,000 milligrams. (3) All of the pre-workouts included in this guide feature citrulline servings within or beyond this limit, as studies suggest the dietary amino acid is fairly tolerable by most athletes.

Of course, we always recommend taking your personal sensitivities into question before signing up for a high-quality pre-workout powder. Every athlete’s response to these ingredients can be different, so while we may feel that a powder is worthwhile, it could be too powerful for some.

Ingredient Transparency

When you’re looking through pre-workout formulas to try and find a suitable makeup for boosted energy levels and exercise performance, you want to ensure that the ingredients and dosages listed on the tub are actually present in the mixture itself. This means that pre-workouts featuring one or multiple proprietary blends leave much to question when it comes to the potency and performance of the powder itself.

We looked for transparent ingredients lists when compiling this round-up of the strongest pre-workouts, placing an emphasis on powders that clearly outlined their per scoop dosages and servings. While some of the pre-workouts in this guide do feature blends, we made sure that the servings were also listed rather than hidden under the guise of a marketing label like “ultra focus” or “hydration mix.”

[Related: The Complete Guide to Pre-Workout Supplements]

Third-Party Testing

Regardless of a pre-workout’s potency, most athletes would like to consume a dietary supplement that’s free of any banned substances or heavy metals. Thankfully, many brands employ third-party testing to give some reassurance to their products. Independent labs including Informed Choice, Informed Sport, NSF, and Labdoor analyze each formulation and ultimately certify that the makeup is factual and free of any contaminants or unwanted parcels.

We looked for strong pre-workouts offering at least some verification of third-party testing. While some may showcase a stamp of approval across the container from one of the aforementioned labs, others may include their third-party findings right on the product page. This can be especially helpful for strength athletes that need to abide by governing athletics agencies like the International Weightlifting Federation, International Powerlifting Federation, and others.

[Related: How Long Does It Take to Get Good at Strength Sports? A Newbie’s Guide]

Taste

Hitting your sports nutrition goals is made all the more easier if your supplements actually taste good. While we understand that every palate is different from athlete to athlete, we included strong pre-workouts in this guide that we actually preferred when it comes to taste. After all, if one of your colleagues enjoys the flavor of a pre-workout powder, it can go a long way in helping you muster up the confidence to give it a whirl.

Additionally, we examined pre-workouts that offered a bit of variety across their flavor profiles. This can be a good notion to think through, especially if you find a formulation and ingredients list that aligns with your preferences. All of the strong pre-workouts included in this round-up feature multiple available flavors, with some rosters including as many as 20 different tastes to choose from.

[Related: Pre-Workouts: They’re Not Overhyped, But Are You?]

Strongest Pre-Workout Overall: Transparent Labs BULK Black

Transparent Labs BULK Black

Transparent Labs BULK Black

Transparent Labs BULK Black is one of the strongest pre-workout supplements on the market. This product comes in five delicious flavors and has high levels of must-have pre-workout ingredients, like caffeine, citrulline, and beta-alanine.

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As BarBend expert reviewer Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, MS, RDN, LD puts it, “When you take BULK Black, you better have your game face on.” While this high-stim pre-workout doesn’t feature as much caffeine as other powders in this guide — which commonly feature caffeine content over 350 milligrams — this Transparent Labs offering is our favorite high-octane supplement thanks to its robust formulation, enjoyable flavor variety, and impressive transparency and third-party certification.

In addition to the 275 milligrams of caffeine, we also appreciated the 8,000 milligrams of citrulline malate per serving. This dietary amino acid has been linked to improved strength, muscular endurance, and aerobic performance — all helpful benefits when trying to transition into training mode. (2)

Additionally, each serving of BULK Black features 4,000 milligrams of beta alanine, which can help bolster high-intensity training. (4) However, this higher dosing can lead to more unwanted “tingles” that may be more of a distraction than a welcomed sensation.

[Related: The 8 Best Pre-Workouts for Men, CSCS-Tested, RDN-Approved]

We rated Transparent Labs BULK Black a perfect 5 out of 5 for the taste. “When trialing the Peach Mango offering, I was so impressed by the flavor that I actually wanted to sip it rather than gulp it down,” said our tester, a certified personal trainer. “It’s that good.” The solubility of this pre-workout powder also scored highly at 5 out of 5, as it blended easily in our shakers with no residue or gritty texture left over post-mixing.

BULK Black also left our tester with no undesirable side effects, leading to a 5 out of 5 rating for the category. However, this product is sweetened with stevia, and while this ingredient does help Transparent Labs maintain its, well, transparent makeup free of any artificial dyes, flavors, sweeteners, or preservatives, it can lead to some GI distress in some athletes. (5) Be sure to take your own stomach sensitivities into question before ordering a tub for yourself.

Lastly, we do appreciate how Transparent Labs keeps this BULK Black pre-workout reasonably priced at $1.83 per serving. Other potent pre-workouts can often cost over $2 per serving, so finding a formulation that’s well-rounded and affordably priced is always a perk worth noting.

Read our full Transparent Labs BULK Black Pre-Workout Review.

Strongest Pre-Workout for Blood Flow and Pump: Kaged Pre-Kaged Elite

Kaged Pre-Kaged Elite

Kaged Pre-Kaged Elite

Pre-Kaged® Elite provides nine patented ingredients with 35 milligrams of vitamin B6 and 1,000 micrograms of vitamin B12 in a single 36-gram scoop. Each serving is 25 calories and includes caffeine, taurine, l-citrulline, beta-alanine, l-tyrosine, and two types of creatine.

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Looking for a strong pre-workout to make those veins practically pop right out of your skin? Kaged Pre-Kaged Elite boasts an impressive formulation with heightened doses of key ingredients to help bolster blood flow and nitric oxide production to give your muscle pumps between sets that extra-swole aesthetic.

Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, MS, RDN, LD states that this pre-workout makeup is a great multitasker thanks to its included 388 milligrams of caffeine, 10,000 milligrams of citrulline malate, 3,200 milligrams of beta-alanine, and 3,000 milligrams of creatine monohydrate to target energy, strength, endurance, and pumps in one fell swoop.

We rated the formulation at 4.5 out of 5, though, because the 388 milligrams of caffeine may be too much for some athletes — it’s near the recommended daily limit and could leave you more jittery and uncomfortable than focused and energized. (1)

[Related: Different Pre-Workout Formulations Explained and How to Choose the Right One For You]

In terms of taste, our tester, a Level-2 USA Weightlifting coach, rated Pre-Kaged Elite at 4 out of 5. “You definitely notice the citrus base of this powder, but it’s an enjoyable sip nonetheless,” they added. Plus, we found that this Kaged pre-workout mixes exceptionally well in water. Despite the larger 35-gram scoop size, the powder required minimal blending to achieve a worthwhile mix that was free of any floating residue or grit.

Our tester also noted that Pre-Kaged Elite left them with no unwanted side effects despite the heavier dosages of ingredients. “I felt like I had a constant supply of energy throughout my training, and I felt no crashing sensation once the effects began to dwindle after my workout,” they stated. As such, we scored Kaged Pre-Kaged Elite at 5 out of 5 for its effects.

Unfortunately, though, the potency of this pre-workout comes at a (literal) price. Kaged Pre-Kaged Elite costs $2.70 per serving, making it one of the most expensive pre-workouts we’ve tested. Many powders we tested came in at less than $2.50 per serving.

This is partly due to Kaged only including 20 servings per tub — there aren’t as many servings to help share the load of the higher price tag. Oh well, if you’re looking for a supplement that can really give your workouts the juice, this is one worth your attention.

Read our full Kaged Pre-Kaged Elite Pre-Workout Review.

Strongest Pre-Workout for Focus: Jacked Factory Nitrosurge Max

Jacked Factory Nitrosurge Max

Jacked Factory Nitrosurge Max

Nitrosurge Max is packed with massive doses of all your favorite pre-workout ingredients. For every two-scoop serving you’ll receive 9,000mg of citrulline, 2,500mg of betaine, 2,000mg of tyrosine, 350mg of caffeine, 250mcg of huperzine A, and more.

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Admittedly, taking a high-stimulant pre-workout can leave you somewhat unfocused and scatter-brained, especially if you’re more susceptible to caffeine. Thankfully, Nitrosurge Max combats these effects with a blend of nootropics — including 300 milligrams of alpha-GPC — to help you reel in your thoughts. Studies indicate that alpha-GPC can influence the synthesis and release of acetylcholine in the brain, which is vital in memory, motivation, arousal, and attention. (8)

I’ve used Nitrosurge Max in the past and do appreciate how easily this powder dissolves in a shaker bottle. I scored the solubility at 5 out of 5 thanks to its simple blending process — a few quick shakes and I’m ready to hop into my workout.

[Related: The Best Pre-Workout Ingredients for Focus]

In addition to the alpha-GPC, Nitrosurge Max also comes with 350 milligrams of caffeine per serving. If this number startles you, though, I do enjoy how Jacked Factory lists the formulation breakdown in one-scoop and two-scoop servings. This can be great for trying to determine just how much of the key ingredients you’ll be ingesting and if you want to adjust portion sizes.

Unfortunately, though, that transparency does have its limitations. Like other Jacked Factory products, Nitrosurge Max doesn’t feature any third-party testing certifications, so there is some mystery as to how clean the formulation is overall. I rated the third-party testing at 2 out of 5 for this lack of certifications — the only redeeming factor being that there are no proprietary blends to try and decipher.

When it comes to taste, some customers have stated that the flavors can linger in the mouth for a while, which may lead to nausea for some. Additionally, there are only three options across the roster, which is less than other strong pre-workouts we tested and far less than Nitrosurge Max’s cousin — Jacked Factory’s original Nitro Surge pre-workout.

Despite the lack of flavor offerings, I still think this can be a suitable pre-workout for athletes, especially those that need an extra boost in the mental department before tackling a hard-nosed workout. Plus, at just $1.75 per serving, you can trial the powder for yourself without breaking the bank — other strong pre-workouts typically cost over $2 per dose, so even if you aren’t impressed with the formulation, you’ll be left with more cash in your wallet to fund your continuing search.

[Related: Jacked Factory NITRO SURGE Pre-Workout Review]

Strongest Pre-Workout for Taste: Legion Pulse

Legion Pulse Pre-Workout

Legion Pulse Pre-Workout

This pre-workout supplement can come with or without caffeine and in 16 different flavors. Each serving provides 350 milligrams of L-theanine and eight grams of citrulline malate, which may facilitate better pumps.

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A strong pre-workout’s potency is only valuable for your fitness goals if you don’t mind drinking it, right? As such, it’s pivotal that you choose a strong pre-workout that has enough taste to match its high-octane formulation. For our money, Legion’s Pulse pre-workout checks all boxes in the flavor department.

According to our tester, a Level-2 USA Weightlifting coach, the taste is fairly enjoyable. However, they did notice a slight aftertaste, which they accredited to the natural sweetener. We still kept the taste rating high for pulse, though, thanks to the 20 available offerings that allow you to pick and choose between palate-pleasing profiles. “It’s a sweet pre-workout, and I don’t necessarily hold the aftertaste against it. I mean, it’s not like I don’t have a plethora of offerings to choose from when it comes to finding that perfect flavor,” our tester added.

Additionally, we appreciate that Legion offers Pulse in a stim-free variety that’s free of any caffeine. This can be helpful for athletes looking to wean off the stimulant, or those that have an undesirable sensitivity to the component.

[Related: The 7 Best Non-Stim Pre-Workouts, Personally Tested by Our Experts]

Regardless of your pick between stim-free or high-stim, Pulse has shown to be highly soluble. We scored this pre-workout at 5 out of 5 for the category thanks to its simple mixability in any beverage of our choosing. Our only true issue with this pre-workout when it comes to blending is its lack of an unflavored option. This flavorless profile would allow us to mix the powder with other helpful supplements without fear of flavor cross contamination.

Another major benefit of this strong, tasteful pre-workout is its transparency. “I love that this product is tested by a third-party lab,” adds Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, MS, RDN, LD. “You know what’s advertised is what you get, and there’s total transparency in the formula. There are no proprietary blends, and all ingredients are backed by scientific research that Legion has linked to their website.”

Be mindful, though, that this potent pre-workout is only available in 20-serving tubs. This means that daily supplementation will require frequent reordering. It’s a minor gripe, yes, but when other pre-workouts are available in 30-serving and even 40-serving tubs, it is worth pointing out.

Read our full Legion Pulse Pre-Workout Review.

Best Budget Strongest Pre-Workout: Gorilla Mind Gorilla Mode

Gorilla Mind Gorilla Mode

Gorilla Mind Gorilla Mode

Gorilla Mind's Gorilla Mode is a pre-workout that also packs five grams of creatine monohydrate per two-scoop serving. It also comes in a wide variety of flavor options, too.

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If you’re wanting a pre-workout supplement with the highest dosages of key ingredients, you can likely expect to pay a premium — anywhere from $2 and beyond. Gorilla Mode from Gorilla Mind, on the other hand, costs just $1.50 per serving yet still delivers 400 milligrams of caffeine anhydrous per serving along with 10 grams of l-citrulline, 5 grams of creatine monohydrate, and 5 grams of l-tyrosine for a formulation that hits on all cylinders between energy, muscle pumps, strength, endurance, and more.

We also like this pre-workout as our go-to for budget-minded athletes thanks to the multiple purchasing options you have at your disposal. We scored the price per serving at 4 out of 5 because while the $1.50 per dose is already approachable, Gorilla Mind also offers a 3-tub bundle that cuts the cost per serving even further.

Additionally, the brand offers a subscription-based service that can help you save 10 percent each order while also giving you an option to stay restocked without any additional work — no reordering needed.

[Related: How Much Caffeine Do You Need to Get Your Best Workout?]

Our tester, a Level-2 USA Weightlifting coach, also rated this impressive pre-workout at 5 out of 5 for solubility. “While I, admittedly, mixed this powder with more than the recommended 14 ounces of water, it dissolved nearly instantly and made for an enjoyable pre-training treat.”

In terms of taste, our tester did note that Gorilla Mode is more worthwhile via its formulation than flavor profile. After trialing the Bombsicle variety, they said the flavor notes sort of ran in tandem with one another for an experience that was palatable but not necessarily enjoyable. As such, they scored Gorilla Mode at 3.5 out of 5 for taste.

Lastly, we do appreciate how transparent the brand is when it comes to its testing. The results of the lab findings are easily found online. However, there are no clear markings across the container indicating its third-party tested status, which can lead to some confusion during purchasing processes.

If you’re an athlete that needs to abide by certain governing agencies, we recommend doing your homework with this pre-workout to ensure that the listed results align with your restrictions.

[Related: Why You Shouldn’t Drink Caffeine After Working Out]

Strongest Pre-Workout with BCAAs: JYM Pre-JYM

Pre Jym Preworkout

Pre Jym Preworkout

Exceptionally well dosed and very high in caffeine, Pre Jym shines for both its ingredient profile and its range of delicious flavors.

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Your pre-workout supplement doesn’t need to be solely focused on boosted energy or muscle pumps. For example, a pre-workout with a solid mix of branched-chain amino acids can also support muscle growth and decreased soreness. (9) If this formulation sparks some curiosity, we recommend Pre-JYM, which features 6 grams of BCAAs for a well-rounded formulation designed to focus on energy and performance in multiple pathways.

[Related: Everything You Need to Know About BCAAs]

As far as the effects go for this high-quality strong pre-workout, our tester, a certified personal trainer, rated Pre-JYM at a perfect 5 out of 5. “I really felt stimulated with this supplement and could see a visible difference in my pumps during training,” they stated. “Additionally, I felt like I had a constant store of energy, which was great when tackling longer sessions in the gym.”

We also appreciated the solubility of this pre-workout, scoring it at 5 out of 5. Mixing this powder with water was a breeze, which helped us keep focus on the tasks at hand rather than blending the powder vigorously enough to achieve that optimal mixture.

Pre-JYM Is available in four flavor offerings, which is a slightly lighter roster than other pre-workouts we’ve tested. Still, we gave the taste a 4.5 out of 5 thanks to its enjoyable sensations across the board. “I liked the rainbow sherbet variety,” states our tester, a Level-2 USA Weightlifting coach. “It felt like an explosion of sweetness — the perfect pick-me-up before a hard-nosed training session.”

However, we do caution that this JYM offering is sweetened with sucralose. Studies report that this artificial sweetener can lead to some GI distress in some athletes. (10) If you’re someone that routinely deals with a sensitive stomach, it may be best to forgo this BCAA-rich formulation.

Finally, while we do trust the heir of the Jym lineup, Jim Stoppani, we would have liked to see more third-party testing associated with this pre-workout. There are no stamps of approval across the packaging, which does give some room for speculation regarding the dosages and included ingredients.

Read our full JYM Pre-JYM Pre-Workout Review.

Strongest Pre-Workout with Creatine: Kaged Pre-Kaged Elite

Kaged Pre-Kaged Elite

Kaged Pre-Kaged Elite

Pre-Kaged® Elite provides nine patented ingredients with 35 milligrams of vitamin B6 and 1,000 micrograms of vitamin B12 in a single 36-gram scoop. Each serving is 25 calories and includes caffeine, taurine, l-citrulline, beta-alanine, l-tyrosine, and two types of creatine.

Shop Kaged

While pre-workout ingredients like caffeine, citrulline, beta-alanine, and others get a lot of attention, creatine can also be a worthwhile inclusion to look for thanks to its widely-studied effects on strength, energy stores, cognitive function, and more. (6) There are multiple pre-workouts on the market that feature this performance-based molecule, and our favorite of the bunch is Pre-Kaged Elite from Kaged.

According to Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, MS, RDN, LD, “I’m impressed with the amount of creatine in each serving of Pre-Kaged Elite. Each scoop has 5 grams of creatine, which is on the upper end of researched doses.” Of that 5-gram serving, 3,000 milligrams comes from creatine monohydrate, while the remaining 2,000 milligrams is of creatine nitrate — a more water-soluble form of the molecule that also features a nitric oxide component. (7)

While further studies are needed on this creatine nitrate, we know that nitric oxide supplementation can lead to better blood flow — essentially mixing the muscle-building qualities of creatine with the pump-inducing perks of NO.

[Related: What Does Creatine Do? Here’s How the Mass-Boosting Supplement Actually Works]

Another big perk of this pre-workout is its solubility, which we scored at 5 out of 5. The powder practically disappears once it makes contact with water, resulting in less effort needed to blend up a worthwhile shake before training. This is also a plus given the size of the scoop. The 35 grams of powder could be a potential nightmare to mix, so we’re happy to see this Kaged offering dissolve easily when mixed with water.

However, we understand that 388 milligrams of caffeine may be too much for some tastes. After all, one shake does account for nearly all of your 400 milligrams per day. (1) However, if you’ve noticed that your tolerance for pre-workout has hit a wall — and you want to mix the perks of creatine with your pre-workout — it’s hard to ignore the potency at play with this impressive powder.

[Related: The 7 Best Pre-Workouts for Weight Loss]

Benefits of the Strongest Pre-Workouts

Strong pre-workouts provide many of the same potential benefits that regular pre-workouts provide, only more so because of the increased potency of the formulas used. They offer more energy, higher doses of ingredients, and (oftentimes) an improved value over run-of-the-mill pre-workouts. Here are some pre-workout benefits you can expect with these high-octane offerings.

More Energy

If regular pre-workouts provide a jolt of energy, then the strongest pre-workouts can be compared to tapping into the power grid itself with their higher caffeine and stimulant content. Generally, pre-workouts contain 100 to 200 milligrams of caffeine per serving, which is about equal to one or two cups of coffee. (11)

The strongest pre-workouts (like those on this list) contain between 275 and 400 milligrams on average — between 69 and 100 percent of your daily recommended caffeine intake. (1) If that’s not enough to give your training sessions a spark, then you may be out of luck.

Of course, we understand that some athletes may be more sensitive to the energy-boosting effects of caffeine. For these circ*mstances, we recommend opting for a non-stim pre-workout or looking at pre-workout alternatives to help fuel your in-gym performance.

Greater Value

Pre-workouts generally range from $1.25 to $3.00 per serving, with the stronger pre’s being on the higher end of that spectrum. When you purchase a strong pre-workout, you’re receiving higher dosages of many common pre-workout ingredients. Many of them cost the same, if not only slightly more per serving than regular pre-workouts, which is a solid value, thanks to the increased potency of the formula. If you can afford it, the extra coin is worth the return you’ll receive in potential results from well-dosed strong pre-workouts.

[Related: What Are the Side Effects of Pre-Workout?]

Higher Dosing

Along the same lines as the caffeine content, strong pre-workouts tend to contain higher doses of other popular ingredients, which can make them potentially more effective. It’s not uncommon for strong pre-workouts to contain double or triple the number of favorite ingredients, like citrulline, beta-alanine, betaine, and nootropics (like alpha-GPC) when compared with a more standard issue pre.

The downside of this is that the scoops and serving sizes are larger — with some being the size of a scoop of protein powder — which some folks might not like. If you’re looking for a higher dose, though, the trade-off is probably worth it.

Common Pre-Workout Supplement Ingredients

There are a ton of ingredients that companies put in their pre-workout products with claims to boost mental focus, energy, endurance, and blood flow. We’ll break down some of the most common ingredients you’ll find in these stronger pre-workout blends, and go over what benefits they’re commonly understood to provide.

Alpha-GPC

Alpha glycerophosphocholine, also known as alpha-GPC, is a precursor to acetylcholine, which is a neurotransmitter involved in memory, attention, and most importantly here — muscle contraction. Taking between 300mg and 600mg of alpha-GPC can have nootropic effects, such as cognitive enhancement and improved focus, as well as potential improvements in muscle power output. (12)

Beta-Alanine

Beta-alanine is linked to improved endurance, both in cardio-focused workouts and strength training with higher reps. (4) Because it can help allow you to push further than you otherwise would have for more reps, it may help with hypertrophy and strength.

The standard dose of beta-alanine is between 1,600 and 3,200 milligrams, though the pre-workouts on this list can have upwards of 4,000 milligrams. (4) Be aware that a harmless but sometimes uncomfortable side effect of large doses of beta-alanine is skin tingling, which you will likely experience with these potent pre-workouts.

Betaine Anhydrous

This ingredient is commonly found in red beets and is the main ingredient in beetroot extract — though it can also be found in lesser amounts in leafy greens. Betaine is best known for links to power output and muscular endurance, but it might also slightly decrease post-exercise cortisol, which can actually be helpful in your body’s response to stress. (13)

Caffeine

When you think of a pre-workout, the first thing that comes to mind is likely the stimulant effects, and that’s exactly what is at the forefront of these stronger formulas. Caffeine is usually the main stimulant and has well-established potential ergonomic effects, such as better endurance, lower perceived exertion, improved power output, and even enhanced cognition. (14)

Most of these pre-workouts have a potent stimulant effect with most having a minimum of at least 275 milligrams of caffeine per serving. For reference, a regular cup of coffee before a workout has about 100 milligrams of caffeine, so you’re ingesting three to four cups of coffee per scoop with these formulas. (11)

Creatine

Creatine is likely the most thoroughly-researched ergogenic aid aside from caffeine. It can help power output, anaerobic capacity, fatigue, and even improve cognition all while increasing muscle size by potentially drawing more water into your muscles depending on the type of creatine you use.

It doesn’t have to be taken with pre-workout, either. It’s an anytime supplement — the point is to increase the creatine in your muscles over time, rather than loading creatine quickly. The dose is generally 5 grams per day of creatine monohydrate — though different forms, like creatine hcl, have smaller effective dose sizes. (15)

Citrulline

Research suggests that the effective dose of citrulline is between 6,000 and 8,000 milligrams to help potentially improve blood flow, endurance, and power output in athletes. (3) You’ll notice, though, that some pre-workouts go beyond this recommended serving. This is due to the fact that citrulline is generally tolerable by most athletes, meaning an excessive dose is less likely to cause potential side effects or harm.

How Strong is Too Strong (for Pre-Workouts)?

Just like most supplements, it depends on the person. We’d love to be able to give a hard line for a cutoff, but some people are more tolerant of stimulants and other ingredients than others. You may have to throw on your lab coat and experiment for yourself.

Most supplement companies that make strong pre-workouts (like the ones on this list) recommend starting with half a scoop to assess your tolerance. You can always increase the amount, but you can’t take it out once you’ve ingested it.

When Should I Take a Strong Pre-Workout?

The pre-workouts on this list are all quite stimulant-heavy, and it should go without saying that they shouldn’t be taken close to bedtime for better sleep. Following the instructions on the product’s label is always recommended. Generally, though, you want to take your pre-workout somewhere around 20 to 30 minutes before you hit the gym.

[Related: Want to Get Better Sleep? Here’s Everything You Need to Know]

If you’re taking a potent pre-workout and you notice a high caffeine dosage on the label, be sure to make note of that if you are working out at night.

How to Choose the Strongest Pre-Workouts

These sorts of products can make some folks a little concerned about side effects and unintended consequences. They’re legal, so the potential for damage is low, but there are a few things worth keeping in mind.

Dosage

When searching for a strong pre-workout, you want to ensure that your dosages are higher than the average powder yet still fall within your daily recommended intake when necessary. While some ingredients (like citrulline) can be fine for consumption beyond the daily dosages given their more tolerable makeup, others, like caffeine, need to be balanced.

According to studies, you shouldn’t exceed 400 milligrams of caffeine per day. (1) This can be a good marker to set for yourself when trying to decide between high-octane pre-workouts.

You should also be sure to take your personal tolerances into account before deciding on a strong pre-workout. After all, each athlete is different when it comes to their experiences with certain ingredients. For example, the jitters associated with beta-alanine may be fine for some, but the skin-ripping tingles of high doses may be too much to bear for others. (4) Read carefully through the labels to confirm that a pre-workout’s formulation aligns with your needs and wants before purchase.

Ingredients

A solid pre-workout should contain a formulation that proves its worth beyond just added energy. The endurance, blood flow, and muscle growth perks associated with the popular nutritional supplement come from the inclusion of added ingredients. As such, you’ll want to search for a pre-workout formulation that contains a plethora of ingredients beyond your standard caffeine.

For example, a pre-workout with ample amounts of citrulline malate can be great for facilitating intra-workout pumps. (2) Other ingredients, like creatine and alpha-GPC, can prove to be beneficial when it comes to overall strength and focus during your in-gym sessions.

If you’re already considering a stronger pre-workout as your go-to for pre-training benefits, it helps to take into consideration the other benefits associated with the supplement. Make sure your powder can provide additional support beyond just a jolt of energy — it can make the costs of these potent supplements all the more approachable (more on that in a bit).

[Related: The 10 Best Natural Pre-Workouts]

Third-Party Testing

Having a strong pre-workout that’s also third-party tested can go a long way in ensuring your confidence in your product of choice. After all, heightened dosages of key ingredients and the promise of maximum energy or muscle pumps can lead to some wiggle room for brands to skirt the lines when it comes to the actual potency of each formulation.

When looking for a worthwhile strong pre-workout, it can be beneficial to look for a makeup with either a stamped approval from an accredited third-party testing lab, or (at least) a quality layout of lab results from an independent testing center. This can prove especially beneficial for strength athletes that need to have a heightened awareness of their nutritional supplements in order to abide by their respective governing agencies.

Price

Given their heightened dosages and more potent formulations, you can expect to pay more for stronger pre-workouts than you would a normal stim-rich supplement. On average, the best strong pre-workouts will cost around $1.96 per serving, with some coming in closer to $2.50 per dose.

In the end, though, it’s always recommended to take your personal budget into consideration. If your budget can’t stomach the price upfront, odds are that you’ll likely enjoy the physical powder less over a regular supplement regimen.

Final Word

Pre-workouts can be a great way to get that extra kick you need to make your way to the fitness center or focus up in a crowded gym. These stronger-than-average formulas are more potent, and thus, can potentially elicit greater effects than more basic pre-workouts. That said, these are for experienced lifters who have been taking supplements for years and need the extra boost to gain an edge, or simply for it to be effective anymore.

Whether you’re looking for a skin-splitting pump, all-out energy, laser focus, or a combination of them all, we’ve got a solid option for you on this list. It’s best to keep in mind, though, that these are tools to potentially help you achieve your goals and won’t replace hard work and dedication — they just might make the road a bit easier and less bumpy.

FAQs

References

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2. Gonzalez, A. M., & Trexler, E. T. (2020). Effects of citrulline supplementation on exercise performance in humans: A review of the current literature. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 34(5), 1480–1495. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31977835/
3. Neri, L. (2023, November 2). Citrulline benefits, dosage, and side effects. Examine. https://examine.com/supplements/citrulline/
4. Holmer, B. (2023, September 21). Beta-alanine benefits, dosage, and side effects. Examine. https://examine.com/supplements/beta-alanine/
5. Kasti, A., Nikolaki, M., Synodinou, K., Katsas, K., Petsis, K., Lambrinou, S., Pyrousis, I., & Triantafyllou, K. (2022). The effects of stevia consumption on gut bacteria: Friend or foe? Microorganisms, 10(4), 744. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9028423/
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7. Patel, K. (2023, January 31). What is creatine nitrate?. Examine. https://examine.com/articles/what-is-creatine-nitrate/
8. Murray, M., & Michaux, M. (2023, December 18). Alpha-GPC benefits, dosage, and side effects. Examine. https://examine.com/supplements/alpha-gpc/
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10. del Pozo, S., Gómez-Martínez, S., Díaz, L. E., Nova, E., Urrialde, R., & Marcos, A. (2022). Potential effects of sucralose and saccharin on Gut Microbiota: A Review. Nutrients, 14(8), 1682. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9029443/
11. MediLexicon International. (n.d.). How much caffeine in a cup of coffee. Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324986
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13. Lee, E. C., Maresh, C. M., Kraemer, W. J., Yamamoto, L. M., Hatfield, D. L., Bailey, B. L., Armstrong, L. E., Volek, J. S., McDermott, B. P., & Craig, S. A. (2010). Ergogenic effects of betaine supplementation on Strength and Power Performance. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 7(1). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20642826/
14. WebMD. (n.d.). Caffeine: Overview, uses, side effects, precautions, interactions, dosing and reviews. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-979/caffeine
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