Top 5 Best Pre-Workout Supplements Money Can Buy [Reviewed]
Many people are choosing to use pre-workouts to mitigate the stress of their work day and improve their stamina and endurance to be able to complete a good workout at the end of the day.
In the past, most people didn’t really think much about their overall health and fitness- but in recent years, that has changed. In general, people are more focused on taking action to improve their state of being and create a good quality of life. Some of the steps they are taking include the following:
- Changing their diet
- Becoming more physically active
- Adding supplements to their daily regimen
Almost anyone that doesn’t have some form of disability can engage in working out either at home or in the gym. Many of these people are now taking a pre-workout supplement, or pre-workout for short, to give them the energy they need to power through an intense workout session. This is usually necessary because most people must work a full 8-hour day prior to being able to get to their workout.
The problem is, by the time they get to the point in their day where they can work out, they are so mentally and physically exhausted. They simply can’t muster up the energy to engage in one more hour of physical activity. This is where they can benefit from a pre-workout. A good pre-workout will give you the energy- both physical and mental- that you need to power through your workout and ultimately reach your overall health goals.
A pre-workout can motivate you on those days when you would rather skip the workout and the energy you need to maximize your workout performance- whether in the gym or at home. There are lots of really high-quality pre-workouts on the market today. You can buy them online, at your local health food store, or even in your local grocery stores.
Many people are choosing to use pre-workouts to mitigate the stress of their work day and improve their stamina and endurance to be able to complete a good workout at the end of the day. This is one of the primary reasons these supplements are in such high demand today than they’ve ever been before. The manufacturers are aware of this and therefore offer a variety of different formulas.
Some are formulated to encourage rapid muscle mass growth, some provide users with a burst of energy, some help with reducing recovery time, and some help to minimize fatigue felt after a workout. You will also find that some of the pre-workout formulas help with burning fat- which ends up increasing your endurance. Then, there are some on the market that offer several of the above benefits.
While it is true that variety is the spice of life, the variety of pre-workouts to choose from can make it very hard to determine which is best. Of course, this decision is a completely personal one. You have to consider your goals and circumstances in order to decide which one is best. Another complication is that so many manufacturers have learned how lucrative this niche is in the industry, they are jumping on board with their own supplements.
After all, with pre-workouts selling like hotcakes and flying off the shelf in record times, it’s no wonder that new manufacturers want to get a piece of the market share. This just complicates things even further for people trying to improve their overall health and well-being and find the one that will help you reach your goals.
However, you don’t have to be too concerned. That is what we are here for. We are going to help you navigate through the world of pre-workouts. In this article, we’ve gathered what we believe to be the top 5 best pre-workouts on the market today and will give you our reviews on each one. Hopefully this can help you with your decision.
Once we’ve given our reviews, we will explain how we evaluated the supplements we chose. We looked at the following:
- Ingredients
- Artificial ingredients
- Dosages
- Honesty
- Company reputation
- Price/value
- Transparency of manufacturer
If you are interested in getting started with a pre-workout, consider starting your journey with one of the ones we’ve listed here. This way, you can be sure that it passes all the tests and can be trusted. If you choose one of these, you can be sure that you will be able to reach every one of your goals/objectives.
That being said, just because you start with one of these doesn’t mean you are stuck with it. You can always switch to something else if you wish. In fact, we encourage you to experiment to find the one that works best for you. There is no one particular supplement that will be perfect for everyone- because everyone is different. What works for you may not work for your best friend and vice-versa.
Best Pre-Workouts Reviewed
Below, we’re going to review what we have determined are the top 5 best pre-workouts for. Again, if you choose one from this list, don’t feel like you are stuck with it- you can feel free to experiment all you want until you find one that’s perfect for you. Here are the products we will review:
- XWERKS
- Transparent Labs
- CrazyBulk
- TestoPrime
- PreLab Pro
XWERKS Ignite
The first pre-workout we are going to look at is XWERKS Ignite. This is one of the most popular pre-workout supplements on the market. XWERKS is a well-known and respected company in the fitness arena- and their pre-workout supports their reputation. It is different from most of the other pre-workouts on the market, as there are almost zero side effects associated with it.
Many of the pre-workouts on the market give you a burst of energy followed by a crash when it wears off. Ignite does not do that. This product provides you with refreshing, sustainable energy to power through your workouts. Then, it lets you down gently as it wears off. This is one of the strongest options on our list, as it increases nitric oxide in your system.
This way, you don’t have to be concerned with running out of energy during your workout session- even when engaging in the most intense workout. You don’t need to consume caffeine in addition to this supplement because it will give you all the energy you need.
XWERKS Ignite includes a variety of ingredients to enhance your workout routine in several ways. Some of the ingredients it contains are:
- Rhodiola rosea
- Caffeine
- Vitamins B6 and B12
- Beta-alanine
- L-tyrosine
With these ingredients, you can be sure that you won’t have to worry about physical or mental fatigue that often follows a workout session. This combination is specially formulated to avoid that.
According to the website, XWERKS Ignite will increase muscle mass, improve endurance, encourage faster repair/recovery, and give you more explosive energy than any other supplement on the market. If you want a great pre-workout without the crash afterward, this is a great one to start with.
Each container offers 30 servings and costs $49. XWERKS does offer a subscription program that allows you to have it auto shipped every 15, 30, 60, or 90 days that saves you 5%, bringing it to $46.55/container.
XWERKS Ignite is available in a variety of flavors:
- Orange
- Blue raspberry
- Green apple
- Watermelon
| Product Type | Powder |
| Ingredients | Caffeine, Rhodiola Rosea, Beta-Alanine, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, L-tyrosine |
| Dosage | 1 serving daily |
| Associated side effects | None |
| Cost/Servings | $49/30 servings |
| Satisfaction Guarantee | 30-day money back guarantee |
Transparent Labs
The second pre-workout we are going to look at is Transparent Labs. This manufacturer has an excellent reputation in the industry for bringing high-quality supplements to the market that help people achieve their goals. They actually offer 6 different formulas. Most pre-workouts are all-in-one formulas, but Transparent Labs has created targeted formulas to help you reach your goals. These formulas are:
- Preseries Bulk
- Preseries Stim-Booster
- Preseries Jesse James West
- Preseries Lean
- Preseries HowToBeast
- Preseries Stim-Free
All of these formulas are great for increasing energy levels and muscle mass while working out.
The ingredients used in these formulas are backed by science and are included in appropriate dosages to facilitate weight loss, bulking up, and increasing energy levels. If you want to increase your muscle mass and endurance, this may be the best option for you. The ingredients that Transparent Labs uses include:
- Vitamin D3
- Vitamin B6 & B12
- Sodium
- Potassium
- Beta-alanine
- Zinc
- Theobromine
- L-tyrosine
- L-theanine
- Caffeine
- Taurine
- Boron
If you want a targeted formula to help you reach your goals, this is likely the best option for you. The price range is affordable as well, $49.99 for 30 servings. There are several flavors to choose from so that you don’t get bored with the same flavor all the time.
- Tropical Punch
- Blue Raspberry
- Green Apple
- Strawberry Lemonade
- Sour Grape
- Orange
| Product Type | Powder |
| Ingredients | Caffeine, Vitamin D3, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Theobromine, Potassium, Zinc, Sodium, Beta-alanine, Boron, L-theanine, L-tyrosine |
| Dosage | 1 serving daily |
| Associated side effects | None |
| Price/Servings | $44.99/30 servings |
| Satisfaction Guarantee | 60-day money back guarantee |
Crazy Nutrition Intensive Pre-Train
Crazy Nutrition is one of the younger companies on our list, founded in 2013. Their pre-workout formula contains a variety of unique ingredients to boost your workout performance. This product will give you an energy boost without the jitters that typically accompany a huge dose of caffeine. Also, you don’t have to worry about a crash as it wears off. Your recovery will be smooth.
During your workout, your focus and concentration will be ideal for ensuring that you achieve your best performance. Due to the powerful ingredients, you can expect optimal blood flow with CrazyBulk Intensive Pre-Train. Also, it will mitigate muscle fatigue, which will maximize your performance. Athletes love this product because it offers so many benefits.
The ingredients found in Crazy Nutrition Intensive Pre-Train include:
- KSM-66 ashwagandha
- Citrulline malate
- Betaine anhydrous
- Piperine
- EnXtra Caffeine Booster
- L-tyrosine
- Taurine
- Vitamin C
- Beta-alanine
- L-arginine
As you can see, there are lots of wonderful ingredients, including whey protein which is what helps contribute to the increased muscle mass. Plus, the amazing amino acid profile eliminates cramping and other side effects. All of these ingredients blend well together and are safe and natural. You can find this product in three flavors:
- Blue raspberry
- Fruit punch
- Green apple (caffeine free)
Each container costs $39.99 for 20 servings. They do offer a subscribe and save program, bringing the cost to $31.99 per container. You can choose how often it is delivered.
| Product Type | Powder |
| Ingredients | KSM-66 ashwagandha, EnXtra caffeine booster, citrulline malate, betaine anhydrous, L-tyrosine, Vitamin C, Taurine, L-arginine, Beta-alanine |
| Dosage | 1 serving daily |
| Associated Side Effects | None |
| Price/Servings | $39.99/20 servings |
| Satisfaction Guarantee | 60-day money back guarantee |
TestoPrime
TestoPrime is a well-known and respected manufacturer in the fitness industry. Their pre-workout is specifically targeted for men who have low-T because in addition to helping ensure you get the most from your workout, it also increases testosterone levels.
According to the website, TestoPrime can increase lean muscle mass, improve physical and mental energy, burn stubborn fat, stimulate protein synthesis, increase hormone (testosterone) levels, boost motivation, increase confidence, and so much more- all at once.
The company also claims that their formula works faster and helps you achieve more than any of the other options on the market- all without stimulants. The ingredients include:
- Fenugreek
- D-Aspartic acid
- KSM-66 ashwagandha
- Green tea extract
- Panax ginseng
- Vitamin B5 & B6
- Garlic Extract
- Pomegranate extract
- Vitamin D
- Black Pepper Extract
These ingredients make it a great choice for many workout enthusiasts. Keep in mind that results vary. Some people will experience the fast results promised by the manufacturer- others may not see them as quickly, but they will still achieve favorable results.
You don’t have to worry about side effects because of the stellar amino acid profile. Each dose of this product provides maximum support for even the most intense workouts. You can also expect to lose fat, which is comparable to many others in the marketplace and may even exceed some.
One bottle will cost you $59.99 for 120 capsules, or a 30-day supply. You can buy in bulk too: buy 2 months for $119.99 and you get 1 month free or buy 3 months for $179.99 and get 3 months free.
| Product Type | Capsules |
| Ingredients | Black pepper extract, KSM-66 ashwagandha, fenugreek, panax ginseng, garlic extract, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B6, Zinc, Vitamin D, Pomegranate Extract, Green Tea Extract, D-Aspartic Acid |
| Dosage | 4 capsules daily |
| Side Effects | Zero side effects |
| Price/Servings | $59.99/30 servings |
| Satisfaction Guarantee | Lifetime money-back guarantee |
PreLab Pro
According to the website, PreLab Pro aims to “release the beast” inside and help customers achieve maximum stamina and strength during workouts. It has been formulated to enhance even the most intense workouts in a variety of ways.
PreLab Pro promises that their pre-workout will reduce recovery time, improve endurance and strength, increase muscle power and stamina, give you energy, and so much more. This product targets several goals within one workout so that you can be sure that you get the best results each and every time you work out.
The ingredients in PreLab Pro are backed by science, so you can be sure that they will help you become a better version of yourself quickly. Ingredients include:
- L-theanine
- Beetroot powder
- Setria performance blend
- Natural caffeine
Plus, the price is affordable, which makes a big difference for those on a budget.
You will notice results quickly with PreLab Pro. In many cases, people notice a difference from the very first dose. They are more confident about their workouts and recovery is quicker.
You will notice that your energy levels are much higher, and you’ll be able to put in more effort. This ensures that you get the most from every workout because the more effort you put in, the more benefits you will receive.
Each container offers 20 servings and costs $59.00. Of course, you can purchase in bulk and save some. Their best value is 4 containers (buy 3, get 1 free) for $177.00. This is $44.25 each for the 3 containers and then you get the 4th free.
| Product Type | Powder |
| Ingredients | Setria performance blend, beetroot powder, L-theanine, natural caffeine |
| Dosage | 1 serving daily |
| Side Effects | None |
| Price/Servings | $59.00/20 servings |
| Satisfaction Guarantee | 30-day money back guarantee |
How We Evaluated Pre-Workout Supplements
In today’s market, since there’s such a wide variety of supplements, it’s important to evaluate them. Otherwise, you won’t be able to tell the difference. There must be a way to determine which ones are real versus which ones are fake- especially since many of them don’t live up to the claims of the manufacturers.
Unfortunately, there is so much information out there, it’s hard for the uninformed consumer to tell the difference. However, we will go over the criteria we used to evaluate products and determine if they should be added to our list or not. These criteria are a good way to determine how effective a pre-workout is and whether or not it is worth the cost. If you gain an understanding of these criteria, you will better understand what makes a great pre-workout.
Are the ingredients backed by science?
Obviously, there are lots of potential ingredients that may be included in a pre-workout- so it’s important to make sure you understand more about the ingredients that are commonly included in these formulas. Consider what we have to say- but also take time to do your own research and determine the impact each ingredient will have on your workout and your body. Once you understand these ingredients, you’ll be able to make an informed decision.
Common Ingredients Found in Pre-Workouts
Below are some of the common, scientifically-backed ingredients found in pre-workout supplements:
Nitric Oxide Precursors
Nitric oxide is a compound that is naturally produced by your body. It relaxes your blood vessels, improving blood flow. Many of the pre-workouts on the market contain ingredients that your body can use to enhance production of nitric oxide, including beetroot juice, L-citrulline, and L-arginine.
Research indicates that by augmenting with nitric oxide precursors such as these, you increase the amount of nutrients and oxygen that are getting to your muscles. This helps improve your athletic performance.
That being said, it’s important to note that L-citrulline does improve performance, but L-arginine is broken down in your digestive system before it gets to your bloodstream. Therefore, it does affect the production of nitric oxide but does not directly impact workout performance.
Caffeine
Caffeine is also an ingredient that is commonly used in pre-workouts. This is a stimulant that has been proven to increase mental alertness, enhance workout performance, and improve memory. Additionally, some research suggests that caffeine helps with the reduction of body fat.
Creatine
Creatine is a substance naturally produced by your body and stored in your muscles to be used in the production of strength and energy. It is also found in dietary sources and as a standalone supplement. Creatine is also commonly used in pre-workouts as well.
Beta-Alanine
Beta-alanine is included in pre-workouts because it has been proven to prevent lactic acid build-up in muscles. Lactic acid is what causes muscle fatigue and soreness. Beta-alanine helps you increase the length and intensity of your workout. Some users report a tingling sensation. This is harmless and typically mild- but there are some people who can’t stand it. If this is the case, you can adjust your dosage to a smaller amount.
BCAAs
Finally, BCAAs are a common ingredient because they have been shown to reduce soreness and improve muscle growth following a workout. These amino acids are found in sources of protein, so you’re probably getting what you need- but supplementation doesn’t hurt.
These are just a few of the commonly included clinically proven ingredients in pre-workouts. As you can see in the reviews above, we’ve listed the ingredients in each one.
Are the dosages clinically proven?
Sometimes, manufacturers do use ingredients that are backed by science- but the dosages are so low that they might as well not even be there. They offer zero benefit and do not impact your workout at all. Some manufacturers will use the words “proprietary blend” on their labels so they can keep the ingredients and dosages secret. These companies offer zero transparency, and their products should be avoided since you can’t be sure what is in them.
Does the company make honest claims about benefits?
Many times, manufacturers will make exaggerated, unrealistic claims about their supplements. For example, some promise almost instantaneous results. If you find a supplement that makes these crazy claims, you should probably avoid it because chances are, it’s not going to do much at all. When we were choosing pre-workouts for our list, we made sure that we chose companies that made honest claims instead of those that were clearly dishonest.
How is the company’s reputation?
As we mentioned earlier, pre-workouts are quite popular and since they are in such high demand, there has been an influx of manufacturers that want to get their hands on a share of the market. That being said, they don’t always have the experience and don’t always do the research before releasing their products. While this isn’t necessarily a bad thing- you probably should avoid the newer ones and stick with the companies that have been in the industry for some time. When we were choosing, age wasn’t so much a factor as reputation. There are some that have been in the industry for decades and developed a solid reputation. Then again, there are some that have only been around a few years and proven themselves. We chose companies that have a great reputation and a proven track record.
Does the product contain artificial ingredients?
We mentioned ingredients earlier, making sure they are backed by science. However, we also verified that these products did not contain additives, sweeteners, or artificial ingredients. After all, since people are more health-conscious, many are avoiding artificial ingredients and sweeteners. You can trust that the products we’ve listed above are all-natural and can be trusted.
How does the price compare to the value?
Since there are so many products on the market, there is also a wide variety of prices and values. One thing to keep in mind is that the most affordable (and even the most expensive) supplement may not be the one that will give you what you need to help you get the most from your workouts. Trying to find a product that is affordable and effective is a bit of a balancing act. This will require you to experiment with a few different ones to figure out which one works well for your budget and your needs.
How transparent is the manufacturer?
This goes hand-in-hand with the question above regarding honest claims. Best practice in advertising is for the manufacturer to be honest about the ingredients and dosages that are in their product. When this information is hidden, it causes skepticism among consumers. These products should probably be avoided.
Conclusion
Many people are becoming more aware of their overall health and wellness. They are working out and using supplements. One way to ensure that you get the most from your workouts is to use a pre-workout supplement. Unfortunately, there are lots of options on the market, so it can be confusing to choose one.
That is why we did the work for you. We’ve taken the time to review the 5 best pre-workouts. We’ve also explained how we chose these products. We hope that this will help you decide which is best for you. Start with one listed here and see how it works for you. If it doesn’t help, don’t feel bad- just try something else.
