5 Best Pre-Workout Supplements of 2026: Tested by Fitness and Nutrition Experts

1st Phorm manufactures a range of dietary supplements, including protein powders and bars, BCAAs, and, of course, pre-workouts. Project-1 is one of several pre-workouts from 1st Phorm, and is designed to help improve your performance in the gym. 

It contains a blend of clinically dosed ingredients to support your training, including caffeine, beta-alanine, citrulline, Alpha-GPC, and more. We named Project-1 best for muscle-building because it also contains 5 grams of creatine monohydrate to support strength gains. With transparent labeling and research-supported doses, this formula earns 5 out of 5 stars for its formulation.

Why We Like 1st Phorm Project-1

• It’s well-formulated without going overboard on the caffeine.
• It contains 5 grams of creatine monohydrate.
• Our tester said it gave him more energy during tough workouts.

What We Didn’t Like About 1st Phorm Project-1

• It’s expensive compared to other pre-workouts.
• You can’t order it on Amazon to receive free shipping.
• The taste is good, but our tester noted it was a bit too sweet.

We love this formulation, but if you want something more affordable, we recommend Nutricost Pre-X Pre-Workout instead.

As the name suggests, BULK pre-workout is marketed to individuals looking to bulk up and gain muscle mass—but it provides a great energy boost for anyone, regardless of their fitness goals. It contains an impressive lineup of ingredients, transparent labeling, and is free from artificial preservatives, artificial sweeteners, and gluten. 

In addition to having a 5-out-of-5 formulation, this is also one of the best-tasting pre-workouts we’ve tested and contains a moderate dose of caffeine that shouldn’t cause excessive jitters. 

Why We Like Transparent Labs BULK Pre-Workout

• It’s an excellent formulation with clinically-dosed ingredients.
• Our testers like the taste of all flavors.
• Transparent Labs has strong third-party testing with certificates of analysis available.

What We Didn’t Like About Transparent Labs BULK Pre-Workout

• The high dose of beta-alanine can cause uncomfortable tingling sensations.
• It costs more than the average pre-workout.
• Some users may prefer a higher caffeine content.

If you’re not a fan of beta-alanine, you may want to consider a pre-workout that doesn’t contain a full dose of it, like Jacked Factory Nitrosurge Pre-Workout Powder. 

Vs. The Average

Here’s how BULK stacks up against the average pre-workout. It has more caffeine per serving and more flavor options, but it’s also more expensive.

To learn more, be sure to read our full Transparent Labs BULK review.

Available in both caffeinated and non-caffeinated versions, Legion Pulse Pre-Workout is specifically designed to boost energy levels, support increased strength and endurance, and help reduce fatigue. The reason it’s so effective is that each ingredient is backed by scientific research and dosed at research-backed levels. We rated this high in terms of effects, giving it a 4 out of 5.

When you opt for the caffeine-free variation, you’ll still receive a blend of performance-enhancing ingredients (like l-citrulline and beta-alanine), making it a great choice for evening workouts or for those sensitive to caffeine.

Why We Like Legion Pulse Pre-Workout

• All ingredients are clinically-dosed with transparent labeling.
• Both caffeinated and stim-free versions are available.
• The stim-free version still contains beneficial performance ingredients.

What We Didn’t Like About Legion Pulse Pre-Workout

• Our testers had mixed opinions about the flavor.
• At $2.50 per serving, it’s one of the more expensive pre-workouts.
• The two-scoop serving size feels quite large.

For a more affordable alternative, we suggest trying Nutricost Pre-X Pre-Workout, our pick for the best budget pre-workout.

Vs. The Average

Here’s how the stim-free version of Legion Pulse Naturally Sweetened & Flavored Pre-Workout compares to the average pre-workout formula. 

Read more in our full Legion Pulse Pre-Workout review.

For those looking for an affordable pre-workout, this is one of the best options on the market.

Nutricost Pre-X can cost anywhere from $0.63 to $0.83 per serving, depending on the container size and flavor you order, which earns a strong 5 out of 5 for the price per serving. This is typically the part where we’d say something like, “You get what you pay for,” but in this case, you’re getting more bang for less buck, which is why this is our top pick for those shopping on a budget.

Why We Like Nutricost Pre-X Pre-Workout

• It’s very affordable compared to the average pre-workout.
• It features a strong formulation with 300 milligrams of caffeine per serving.
• The taste is great for a pre-workout.

What We Didn’t Like About Nutricost Pre-X Pre-Workout

• The combination of caffeine and added stimulants may be too strong for some.
• There are only three flavors to choose from.
• The solubility is okay, but it may leave floaters.

If you want another strong formula that’s not quite as heavy on the stimulants, Transparent Labs BULK Pre-Workout is worth a try.

Vs. The Average

Here’s a look at how Nutricost Pre-X compares to the average pre-workout formulation. It has more caffeine and a lower price tag, but fewer flavors to choose from. 

To learn more, be sure to read our full Nutricost Pre-X review.

Kaged Pre-Workout Sport delivers solid muscle pumps for your training without going overboard with the stimulants. Containing just 188 milligrams of caffeine, this is a great option for beginners and for longtime athletes who don’t want to be jittery well after their final set, which helps it earn 5 out of 5 stars for the effects. It also contains electrolytes to help with hydration, and we love that it’s third-party tested.

Why We Like Kaged Pre-Workout Sport

• It’s not as stimulating as other pre-workouts, making it great for beginners.
• The added electrolytes help with hydration during hot workouts.
• It’s NSF Certified for Sport, which means athletes can trust the clean ingredients.

What We Didn’t Like About Kaged Pre-Workout Sport

• Some of the ingredients are sub-clinically dosed, which is intentional to avoid overstimulation, but hurts the overall formulation.
• Our testers had mixed opinions about the strong flavors.
• The beta-alanine can feel a bit too tingly for some.

If you’re looking for a pre-workout that doesn’t have an overpowering flavor, consider our pick for the best-tasting pre-workout, Jacked Factory Nitrosurge Pre-Workout Powder.

Vs. The Average

As you can see from the table below, Kaged Pre-Workout Sport is more affordable than the average pre-workout formula, but it contains slightly less caffeine, and there are only five flavors to choose from. 

To learn more, read our full Kaged Pre-Workout Sport Review.

Best Pre-Workout Gummy

GGR Score

We test and review fitness products based on an independent, multi-point methodology.

4.2

Jüced Pre-Workout Energy Gummies

• Single-serve packets
• Tart Peach flavor
• 95 mg caffeine

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What We Like:

• Available in low-sugar or sugar-free options
• Comes in single-serving packets
• Great taste that balances sweet and tart

What We Don’t Like:

• Only one available flavor
• Sugar-free option costs more than the low-sugar option
• Only contains 75 milligrams of caffeine

Best Vegan Pre-Workout

GGR Score

We test and review fitness products based on an independent, multi-point methodology.

3.4

Pre Lab Pro Pre-Workout

• One flavor option
• 80 mg caffeine
• Non-GMO

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What We Like:

• No artificial sweeteners
• Third-party tested by Informed Sport
• Formulated with all-natural ingredients

What We Don’t Like:

• More than double the cost of the average pre-workout
• The taste is slightly acidic
• Below-average caffeine content

Best-Tasting Pre-Workout

GGR Score

We test and review fitness products based on an independent, multi-point methodology.

4.2

Jacked Factory Nitrosurge Pre-Workout Powder

• Pre-workout energy
• Pump support
• No artificial dyes

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What We Like:

• 12 flavors to choose from
• Includes nutrition information for one or two scoops
• Below-average price per serving

What We Don’t Like:

• Very high caffeine content
• No third-party testing
• Beta-alanine may cause unpleasant tingles

While you don’t need a pre-workout, the right one can certainly be a useful addition to your supplement stack, especially if you struggle to get through tough workouts without running out of energy. 

“Pre-workout supplements are beneficial for various workouts, whether you’re into strength training, cardio, high-intensity interval training (HIIT), or team sports,” says Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM.

Here are some reasons to consider trying a pre-workout before your next workout.

It Promotes Increased Energy

“Pre-workout supplements typically contain a combination of ingredients that can boost energy, improve focus, enhance strength and endurance, and reduce muscle fatigue,” says Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM. 

One of the primary energy-boosting ingredients found in most pre-workouts is caffeine. It’s well-known for its ability to boost energy and endurance levels¹ during intense workouts, and nitric oxide boosters (like citrulline and beetroot extract) can promote blood flow, which may result in more oxygen and nutrients being delivered to your muscles to maximize performance.  

It Improves Muscle Strength

Pre-workouts can support strength and athletic performance in several ways. For one, they can provide you with more energy from caffeine and other stimulants, allowing you to hit your workouts harder and increase your training volume.

Many formulas also contain creatine, which is one of the most well-researched performance supplements. Creatine, which is present in some pre-workouts, aids in energy production during short, intense efforts and has been shown to increase strength when combined with resistance training in numerous research studies². It can also help support muscle recovery between bouts of intense exercise³.

“I don’t feel creatine right away, but anytime I stop taking it daily, I notice,” says Matt Dustin, CSCS, PN1-NC. “I like to log my workouts, and I certainly notice my strength dips a little bit when I stop taking creatine, and I struggle to get as many reps as I normally would in a given set.”

RELATED: Does Pre-workout Help Build Muscle?

It Supports Enhanced Cognition

Ingredients like l-theanine, rhodiola rosea, and l-tyrosine can help you stay focused and motivated throughout your workout. Nootropics like these are typically used to enhance memory, attention, and concentration⁴.

It Can Combat Fatigue

One way to boost stamina during your workouts is to combat feelings of fatigue. Caffeine has been shown¹ to stimulate the release of endorphins, which, in turn, can lower one’s perception of effort and muscle pain associated with exercise. 

If you’re sleepy, caffeine can also keep you more alert, according to Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM. 

“Caffeine is a stimulant that blocks the effects of adenosine, a neurotransmitter that makes you feel sleepy,” he explains. “This means that caffeine can make you feel more alert and awake, even if you are tired.”

Supplementation with beta-alanine has also been shown to increase intramuscular stores of carnosine. Carnosine works as an intracellular buffer to reduce the accumulation of hydrogen ions–ultimately delaying fatigue⁵.

When you’re ready to purchase a pre-workout, the sheer number of options can be overwhelming. Whether you’re choosing something from our list, or considering another formulation, here are the most important things to keep in mind. 

Research-Backed Dosages

Make sure key ingredients are present in research-backed dosages. There are countless research studies that pinpoint the minimal dose needed to experience energy- or strength-boosting effects from ingredients like beta-alanine and creatine, but here are a few you should know before you start shopping:

Research-backed doses of pre-workout ingredients:

• Caffeine: 200 milligrams 
• Creatine: At least 3 grams (5 grams is the daily recommended dose, but not many pre-workouts contain this much)
• Citrulline: 3-6 grams 
• Citrulline Malate: 6-8 grams 
• Beta-Alanine: 4-6 grams 

Lack of Proprietary Blends

These blends will make it difficult to know the exact dosages used. A proprietary blend only lists the total amount of ingredients in the whole blend, not the individual breakdown. This means a supplement manufacturer may only be include tiny amounts of the beneficial ingredients, often far underdosed, and get away with hiding them inside a proprietary blend that’s mostly cheaper ingredients. 

A detailed ingredient list that clearly states the dose of each ingredient will ensure you know exactly what you are consuming, and a trustworthy brand has no reason to hide its formulation inside a proprietary blend. 

Third-Party Testing 

This means that a company not affiliated with the supplement manufacturer evaluates the dietary supplement to ensure that what is printed on the label is actually inside the product.

If you’re an athlete, it’s critical that your pre-workout is free from any banned substances. Look for the Informed Sport, NSF, or Banned Substance Control Group (BSCG) logos on the product’s packaging to ensure the product has been batch-tested. 

Some companies, such as Transparent Labs, may also provide regular Certificates of Analysis for their products. This allows you to see the exact testing date and results for each pre-workout.

Sensitive Ingredients

In addition to checking for research-backed doses, it’s important to make sure there aren’t any ingredients that cause unpleasant side effects. For example, some people prefer to avoid beta-alanine, as it can cause tingles, or creatine, which can cause cramping. Most pre-workout formulas are naturally gluten-free, but it’s worth checking for that, too, if you have dietary restrictions.