We test and review fitness products based on an independent, multi-point methodology. If you use our links to purchase something, we may earn a commission. Read our disclosures.

Pre-workout supplements and all their purported benefits are taking the fitness world by storm—and for good reason. They can help you maximize your training by improving mental alertness, muscular endurance, and muscle recovery. Still, we know not all sports nutrition supplements are created equal.

In our search for the best pre-workout supplements on the market (read: we’ve tried dozens and dozens of them), XWERKS definitely caught our eye. It’s formulated with a handful of clinically proven ingredients to provide energy, improve mental focus, and support muscle endurance without the dreaded pre-workout crash. In this XWERKS Ignite review, we’ll break down the science behind the pre-workout formula and share our experiences with the product so you can decide if it lives up to its hype.

Medical disclaimer: This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. For health advice, contact a licensed healthcare provider. GGR also recommends choosing a product that has been third-party tested for quality.

We’ve Tested Dozens of Pre-Workouts 

Our testers come from various backgrounds, but we all have one goal: to provide our readers with an unbiased, thorough review of products. We use our professional and personal experiences to give you an in-depth look at these supplements, XWERKS Ignite included. We want you to have all the information you need to make a well-informed decision about what works best for you and helps you reach your fitness goals.

We’re a team of registered dietitians, certified nutrition coaches, certified personal trainers, CrossFitLevel 1 trainers, Olympic athletes, and not-so-Olympic athletes. Nicole Davis, GGR Head of Content, put XWERKS Ignite to the test and took the product as intended before her scheduled workouts. She analyzed the pre-workout powder from every angle and rated it on a scale of 1 to 5 for each category, so we got the scoop on its formula, taste, cost, solubility, and more in this pre-workout review. 

XWERKS Ignite

Xwerks Ignite Pre-Workout

product image
GGR Score: 3.7

Product Highlights

* Designed to provide sustainable energy without the crash * Uses a blend of caffeine, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, rhodiola rosea, DMAE, L-tyrosine, carnosyn beta-alanine, L-citrulline malate, as well as calcium and magnesium lactate. * XWERKS claims that this product increases muscle growth and repair, enhances focus, and expands muscular endurance and work capacity * Available in 4 flavors

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • No crash
  • Added vitamins and nootropic ingredients
  • Great-tasting

Cons

  • Slightly under-dosed
  • Expensive
  • Contains sucralose

Bottom Line

Xwerks Ignite is a pre-workout supplement with both energy-boosting and focus-enhancing ingredients. It may be a good choice for those who want an effective product with a dose of vitamins.

A Quick Look at XWERKS Ignite Pre-Workout

XWERKS can be a one-stop shop for supplements designed to improve athletic performance. They offer several products, including creatine monohydrate, whey protein powder, electrolytes, branched-chain amino acids, and ashwagandha supplements. And we can’t forget their pre-workout formula, Ignite.

Ignite pre-workout is a synergistic blend of ingredients designed to provide sustainable energy, enhance cognitive function, improve muscle endurance, and accelerate recovery. According to XWERKS, Ignite is formulated to help increase your work capacity and improve your lactic threshold. Most of the ingredients included in the pre-workout formula have been well-studied, backing many of XWERKS’ claims. Still, our pros broke down the research and have some thoughts.

Before You Buy

  • XWERKS Ignite does not contain creatine.
  • Ignite contains 150 milligrams of caffeine—more than the average cup of coffee but less than the research-backed dose.
  • Each serving provides 5 milligrams of BioPerine to help with bioavailability.

Is XWERKS Ignite Worth It?

Pre-workouts can be a game-changer for those pursuing gains at the gym. Whether your workout motivation is weight loss, muscle growth, or both, adding a pre-workout powder can help you maximize your reps and make the most of your cardio.

RELATED: Best Pre-Workout for Weight Loss

A container of XWERKS Ignite Pre-Workout is shown.

Based on its formulation alone, XWERKS Ignite may be the right pre-workout for some people and not for others. 

Great for:

  • Those who prefer sugar-, dairy-, and gluten-free pre-workouts
  • Those who need a boost of energy without the caffeine crash
  • Those who already use a separate creatine powder

Not recommended for:

  • Those who are sensitive to caffeine or prefer a stim-free pre-workout
  • Those who need an unflavored pre-workout to stack with other supplements
  • Those on a budget, as XWERKS Ignite is on the upper end of the cost per serving range for pre-workout formulas

XWERKS Ignite Pre-Workout Specs

Price per serving$1.63
Caffeine dose150 mg
Creatine dose0 g
Active ingredientsCalcium-Lactate Gluconate, Pyridoxine HCl, Cyanocobalamin, Magnesium Lactate, Rhodiola rosea, DMAE Bitartrate, Caffeine Anhydrous, BioPerine, L-Citrulline Malate, L-Tyrosine, CarnoSyn Beta-Alanine 
Other ingredientsArtificial Flavoring, Sucralose, Silica, Natural Flavoring
SweetenersSucralose
Flavors Green Apple, Orange, Blue Raspberry, Watermelon

Experience Using XWERKS Ignite Pre-Workout

Anyone can look at the product’s label and give you an objective breakdown of the ingredients and doses used. However, here at GGR, it’s important to us that we actually try the product and share our honest experience with you. Nicole Davis, GGR Senior Editor, certified personal trainer, and certified nutrition coach, tried Ignite pre-workout and analyzed it against our universal standards.

Price Per Serving

Nicole gave Ignite a 3 out of 5 for its price per serving. Pre-workout supplements can vary in cost, ranging from around $0.80 to $2.00 per serving. Each 10.97-ounce tub of XWERKS Ignite contains 30 servings for $49, or about $1.63 per scoop. At that price, it’s one of the more expensive options out there.

Still, cost versus worth is subjective. Is this a you-get-what-you-pay-for situation? Ignite is made with many high-quality, natural ingredients, which many value over a lower cost. However, it’s crucial to analyze the doses of each ingredient to assess its worth.

Formulation

XWERKS Ignite scored low for its formulation, with Nicole giving it a 2 out of 5. It only contains 150 milligrams of caffeine—hardly more than your average cup of coffee—and research shows that 200 milligrams is considered a low dose1 in exercise and sports.

Furthermore, despite its cost, Ignite does not contain creatine. Research suggests that creatine doses of 3 to 5 grams are best absorbed2 through a supplemental form. However, if you want to include creatine with your XWERKS Ignite, you’ll have to stack it as a separate supplement, which XWERKS offers for an additional cost.

RELATED: Best Pre-Workout With Creatine

The Supplement Facts label is shown on the back of a container of XWERKS Ignite Pre-Workout.

We also like to see around 6 to 8 grams of citrulline-malate in every serving of pre-workout to support blood flow. But, unfortunately, Ignite only contains 3 grams. And beta-alanine to help regulate lactic acid and muscle soreness? Ignite only contains 1.5 grams—half of what we look for in pre-workouts.

Last but not least, XWERKS Ignite includes DMAE bitartrate. DMAE is naturally produced in the body and is thought to support cognitive enhancement through improved mood, memory, and brain function. However, it presents several risks when taken in large doses. Some reported side effects include insomnia, skin irritation, and muscle twitching. More concerning research shows that DMAE may affect choline uptake3, which may be dangerous during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Ignite does include a few vitamins and minerals in addition to 5 milligrams of BioPerine. Each scoop of Ignite provides 1000% of your daily vitamin B6 needs and 50,000% of your vitamin B12 needs. Of course, whatever your body doesn’t use just gets excreted, but it’s nice to get a hefty dose for your money! And the BioPerine is there to help with bioavailability, meaning your body can better absorb the nutrients provided.

Taste and Solubility

Ignite is available in four unique flavors: green apple, orange, blue raspberry, and watermelon. Nicole tried the watermelon, and it didn’t disappoint. She gave it a 4 out of 5 for taste, noting its artificial but sweet flavor. For reference, a pre-workout scores a 5 out of 5 when it’s the best pre-workout our tester has ever tasted. So, a 4 out of 5 ain’t too shabby.

A woman pours a scoop of XWERKS Ignite Pre-Workout into a glass of water.

The pre-workout’s solubility scored even better, with a 5 out of 5. Nobody likes a clumpy pre-workout, and that wasn’t a concern here. Nicole said, “Very soluble. Consistency was very thin once dissolved.”

RELATED: What to Look for In a Pre-Workout

Side Effects

Pre-workouts are often associated with a tingling sensation, and Nicole found that to be true with Ignite. Still, she gave it a 5 out of 5 for side effects, as it helped boost her energy levels and focus without the typical jitters or bad aftertaste. Plus, there were no digestive issues to note.

Third-Party Testing 

Nicole gave Ignite a 2 out of 5 for transparency and third-party testing. She noted deductions for the lack of third-party testing in general but highlighted that the label was pretty transparent with the pre-workout ingredients. Plus, no proprietary blends are included in the formula, meaning no hidden ingredients.

Why is third-party testing a positive for dietary supplements? Sports nutrition supplements, like pre-workouts, are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. Without the FDA checking on them, supplement companies are on their own and free to create their own standards. Sending the product to an independent lab removes the formula’s mystery and ensures its safety and purity.

XWERKS Ignite vs Gorilla Mode Pre-Workout

Gorilla Mode Pre-Workout

Gorilla Mode Pre-Workout

product image
GGR Score: 3.2

Product Highlights

  • Ingredients shown to improve mental focus, muscle endurance, and energy
  • 11 flavors
  • Can be bought in bulk for discount

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Ingredients shown to improve mental focus, muscle endurance, and energy
  • 11 flavors
  • Can be bought in bulk for discount

Cons

  • A bunch of reviewers did not feel its effect
  • Expensive at $2.50 about per serving
  • Contains stimulants
  • Mixed reviews on taste, mostly that it's too sweet

Bottom Line

While Gorilla Mode receives mixed reviews, it is formulated with all the key ingredients you want in a pre-workout drink to improve performance in the gym. However, if you are sensitive or want to avoid stimulants, this may not be the supplement for you.

We’ve tried many supplements in our search for the best pre-workout supplement. If you put XWERKS Ignite and Gorilla Mode Pre-Workout on a Venn diagram, you’ll notice some differences and some overlap. Both Gorilla Mode and XWERKS feature nootropic ingredients at a similar price point, although Gorilla Mode is slightly more affordable. Gorilla Mode also comes in a lot more flavors than XWERKS Ignite.

Learn more in our full Gorilla Mode Pre-Workout review.

XWERKS IgniteGorilla Mode Pre-Workout
Price per serving$1.63$1.25 or $1.17 with a 3-tub discount
Serving sizeOne scoop or 10.36 gramsOne scoop or 15.425 grams
FlavorsGreen Apple, Orange, Blue Raspberry, WatermelonMango Peach, Mouthwatering Watermelon, Bombsicle, Jungle Juice, Fruit Punch, Krush, Lemon Lime, Cherry Blackout, Tiger’s Blood, Firefly Lemonade, Volcano Burst, Mojo Mojito, and Cotton Candy Grape
Caffeine dose150 mg175 mg
Beta-alanine dosage1.5 g0 g
L-citrulline dose3 g4.5 g
Creatine dose0 g2.5 g
Third-party tested?No No
Other key ingredientsCalcium-Lactate Gluconate, Pyridoxine HCl, Cyanocobalamin, Magnesium Lactate, Rhodiola rosea, DMAE Bitartrate, Caffeine Anhydrous, BioPerine, L-Citrulline Malate, L-Tyrosine, CarnoSyn Beta-Alanine GlycerPump, Betaine Anhydrous, L-Tyrosine, BioPerine, Kanna, Agmatine Sulfate, Huperzine-A, N-Phenethyl Dimethylamine Citrate, Malic Acid
SweetenersSucraloseSucralose, Acesulfame Potassium

Customer Experience 

All XWERKS products are manufactured in the United States. They do accept returns and offer a 30-day money-back guarantee. However, there is very limited information regarding the guarantee on their website, and we didn’t encounter any issues that required us to take advantage of those policies.

RELATED: Types of Pre-Workout

Ordering XWERKS Ignite Pre-Workout

All orders are shipped the next business day for a $5 flat-rate shipping fee. However, shipping is free on XWERKS if you spend at least $75. There isn’t a delivery subscription option available at this time, so you must order the pre-workout as a one-time purchase every time.

Customer Reviews

Most reviews are positive, with XWERKS Ignite receiving a rating of 3.8 out of 5 on Amazon. Most customers liked the taste and felt that the product worked well for them. A few reviewers noted that the product wasn’t strong enough for what they wanted, but most people liked the level of pump and energy they got from it.

“Tastes great! There is noticeable improvement in my endurance. Lifting heavier. Great purchase.” -Whitney B., XWERKS website

“Not very strong, IMO. Was able to finish my cardio, but it wore off during my lifting. Not gonna buy again. But did give me a little surge of energy at the start.” -Steven, XWERKS website

“I opted for XWERKS Ignite because I wanted a more natural and mild pre-workout supplement. Ignite delivered how I had hoped: good boost of energy, light tingling from the beta alanine (which I like), and I wasn’t left feeling nauseous or like my heart was in overdrive. No artificial coloring either! Green apple flavor is good, but it’s more sweet than sour which was a small letdown for me. Overall, I like the product and plan on sticking with it.” -Amazon customer review

“For a product that has no added dyes, no calories and is vegan it still has the effect of a normal pre workout without having to worry about unnecessary ingredients. The only downside is the price.” -Amazon customer review

Final Verdict of Our XWERKS Ignite Review

XWERKS Ignite is a viable pre-workout option for those who prefer a lower dose of caffeine. While it lacks some key ingredients, such as creatine and branched-chain amino acids, it provides moderate doses of others. Each scoop provides a notable amount of vitamins B6 and B12 and small quantities of beta-alanine and citrulline-malate. Plus, it’s a tasty formula with good solubility.

  • Ignite does not contain creatine.
  • Each serving costs around $1.63 per scoop with no subscription savings available.
  • There are four flavors, all sweetened with sucralose.
  • XWERKS Ignite is not third-party tested.

Full Rating

XWERKS Ignite Pre-Workout

Xwerks Ignite is an all natural pre-workout supplement with both energy-boosting and focus-enhancing ingredients. It may be a good choice for those who want a clean and effective product with a dose of vitamins.

Product Brand: XWERKS

Product Currency: $

Product Price: 49.00

Product In-Stock: InStock

Editor's Rating:
3.7

XWERKS Ignite Rating

Price per serving – 3
Formulation – 2
Taste – 4
Solubility – 5
Side effects – 5
Third-party testing – 2
Customer service – 4
Customer reviews – 3.8
Buy Now

XWERKS Ignite: FAQs

How much caffeine is in XWERKS Ignite?

Each serving of XWERKS Ignite contains 150 milligrams of caffeine, more than your average cup of coffee but just short of the research-backed dose of 200 milligrams per serving.

Is XWERKS Ignite a good pre-workout?

XWERKS Ignite can be a good pre-workout for those who already have a creatine supplement they love or who need an energy boost without the caffeine crash.

Is XWERKS a good brand?

XWERKS is a prominent brand in the sports supplement world. However, they do not advertise third-party testing on their products, limiting their transparency.

Is pre-workout OK for your heart?

All bodies are different, and the effects of pre-workout may vary between individuals. It’s important to discuss it with your doctor before starting any new supplements, especially ones that contain caffeine and other ingredients that could affect your heart health.

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

References

  1. Spriet LL. Exercise and sport performance with low doses of caffeine. Sports Med. 2014;44 Suppl 2(Suppl 2):S175-S184. doi:10.1007/s40279-014-0257-8
  2. Naderi A, de Oliveira EP, Ziegenfuss TN, Willems MT. Timing, Optimal Dose and Intake Duration of Dietary Supplements with Evidence-Based Use in Sports Nutrition. J Exerc Nutrition Biochem. 2016;20(4):1-12. doi:10.20463/jenb.2016.0031
  3. Shipkowski KA, Sanders JM, McDonald JD, et al. Comparative disposition of dimethylaminoethanol and choline in rats and mice following oral or intravenous administration.Toxicol Appl Pharmacol. 2019;378:114592. doi:10.1016/j.taap.2019.05.011

Further reading

What Muscles Do Pull-Ups Work? Plus Benefits of Pull-Ups Cover Image
What Muscles Do Pull-Ups Work? Plus Benefits of Pull-Ups

Wondering “What muscles do pull-ups work?” Here’s your complete guide to this ultra-effective upper-body exercise. Read more

C4 Energy Drink Review 2024: Best Ready-to-Drink Pre-Workout? Cover Image
C4 Energy Drink Review 2024: Best Ready-to-Drink Pre-Workout?

In our C4 Energy Drink Review, find out how nutrition experts feel about this ready-to-drink pre-workout. Read more

Horizon 7.4 Studio Tread Review (2024): Smart Treadmill Without a Subscription Cover Image
Horizon 7.4 Studio Tread Review (2024): Smart Treadmill Without a Subscription

Our Horizon 7.4 Studio Tread review covers the good and bad about this smart treadmill from Horizon Fitness. Read more

Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star Review (2024): Experts Review This Old-School Classic Cover Image
Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star Review (2024): Experts Review This Old-School Classic

Are these the old-school classics the ultimate lifting shoes? Find out in our Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star Review! Read more