Whether you\u2019re starting your fitness journey or are a seasoned gym rat, you\u2019ve probably come across pre-workout<\/a>. The strongest pre-workouts stand out from the pack because they are formulated with scientifically backed ingredients and doses to enhance your physical and mental performance. \u201cHow strong a pre-workout is depends on the compounds it has that stimulate the central nervous system, which helps increase energy and wakefulness,\u201d says Alex Oskian<\/a>, M.S., R.D.N.<\/p>\n As a certified personal trainer, when I\u2019m looking for the strongest pre-workout, I make sure it has four key ingredients: caffeine (at least 200mg), L-citrulline (at least 4,000mg), beta-alanine (at least 3,200mg), and betaine (at least 2,500mg). Caffeine<\/a> is a stimulant that gives you an energy boost, L-citrulline<\/a> is an amino acid that helps improve blood flow, beta-alanine<\/a> is an amino acid that helps muscular endurance, and betaine<\/a> is another amino acid that can help increase strength.\u00a0<\/p>\n Our team of expert testers, including personal trainers and nutritionists, tried more than 70 pre-workouts and reported which supplements delivered the most focus, power, and tingles. We then narrowed down our list to the nine strongest pre-workouts.<\/p>\n This content is meant to be informative, but should not be taken as medical advice. It is not intended for use as diagnosis, prevention, or treatment of health problems. Always speak with your doctor before starting any new supplement or exercise regimen.<\/em><\/p>\n Transparent Labs BULK BLACK\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n 4.5\t\t\t\t\t<\/span> <\/p>\n Check Price\t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n If your goal is to improve athletic performance and power output in the gym, then we recommend Transparent Labs BULK BLACK. This supplement contains a potent combination of 4,000mg of beta-alanine, 2,500mg of betaine anhydrous, and 10 other active ingredients. Beta-alanine, a nonessential amino acid, may improve potential power output by reducing muscle fatigue<\/a>, allowing you to push out a few more reps while you exercise. And studies show betaine anhydrous may improve muscular endurance<\/a>. These ingredients work together to enhance your training, paving the way for strength gains over time.<\/p>\n I like to reach for a scoop of BULK BLACK before bodybuilding workouts (especially the Peach Mango and Watermelon Peach flavors) because it\u2019s made with 8,000mg of citrulline malate. Some studies suggest citrulline malate may boost exercise and muscular performance<\/a>, but more research is needed.<\/p>\n Cory Kessler, C.P.T., C.F.N.C., has tried more than 25 pre-workouts. He tested the Blue Raspberry flavor of BULK BLACK before a cardio workout. \u201cThis has a subtle blue raspberry taste, but is very sweet, likely from the stevia,\u201d he says. \u201cWhile there are better-tasting strong pre-workouts, Bulk Black completely dissolved in my shaker bottle in only a few seconds with no clumps, grittiness, or residue.\u201d<\/p>\n After taking BULK BLACK, Kessler says he felt more energized and focused throughout his workout. \u201cI started sweating almost immediately, and within five to 10 minutes, I had a boost of energy, a massive pump, and felt like I could lift harder and stronger,\u201d he says. Kessler says while using this pre-workout, he felt the tingling sensation<\/a> common with high doses of beta-alanine.<\/p>\n Each serving of BULK BLACK contains 350mg of caffeine, which is close to the recommended daily limit of 400mg<\/a> and may be too intense for some people.<\/p>\n Related:<\/strong> Transparent Labs BCAA Glutamine Review<\/a><\/p>\n Legion Pulse\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n Check Price\t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n As a certified sports nutrition coach, I look for four main ingredients in a high-quality pre-workout supplement: caffeine, beta-alanine, betaine anhydrous, and L-citrulline. Each plays a key role in enhancing athletic performance. Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system<\/a>, research shows beta-alanine may boost muscular endurance<\/a>, betaine anhydrous can improve strength<\/a>, and L-citrulline enhances oxygen and nutrient delivery to the muscles<\/a>. Legion Pulse is our pick for the strongest pre-workout for energy because it contains all four of these ingredients, and it\u2019s the only pre-workout on our list testers gave 5\/5 for taste and effectiveness.<\/p>\n I\u2019ve tried more than 50 pre-workouts and think Legion Pulse is top-tier. I like that it\u2019s free from artificial sweeteners, flavors, and colors, and is third-party tested. It\u2019s my pre-workout of choice for my morning training session because it gives me a nice burst of energy and a good pump.\u00a0<\/p>\n Tester Kayla Godfrey has tried five different brands of pre-workout and says Pulse is her favorite because of its effectiveness. \u201cI\u2019ve been using Pulse three times a week for six months, and it always makes me feel energized and focused,\u201d she says. \u201cMy goal is to improve my personal records and lift harder, so Pulse is my go-to when I train,\u201d Godfrey says it typically takes 15 minutes for this pre-workout to kick in, and while it does give her tingles, it\u2019s not overwhelming. \u201cI never feel a drop-off, but rather a slow energy release,\u201d she says.\u00a0<\/p>\n Pulse comes in 20 flavors, so there\u2019s something for everyone. Some of my personal favorites are Pink Lemonade, Cherry Limeade, Strawberry Kiwi, and Peach Ring. Godfrey also tried Pink Lemonade but says it\u2019s a little too sweet for her liking. She typically dilutes it with more water than the recommended 10 to 12 ounces.<\/p>\n Each serving of Pulse contains 350mg of caffeine, which is very close to the recommended daily limit of 400mg<\/a>. If you decide to try Pulse, it\u2019s a good idea to monitor your caffeine intake from other sources like coffee or tea. If you\u2019re new to pre-workout or are caffeine-sensitive, a non-stim pre-workout may be a better option.<\/p>\n Onnit Alpha Brain Pre-Workout\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n Check Price\t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n Onnit Alpha Brain is designed to increase mental acuity and focus. Testers say that\u2019s exactly how they felt after trying Onnit Alpha Brain, which is why it\u2019s our pick for the strongest pre-workout for focus. \u201cWhat makes this pre-workout stand out is the cognitive effects. I felt significantly more focused after taking Alpha Brain than any other pre-workout I\u2019ve tried,\u201d says tester Ellie Baldini. Other testers agreed, saying Alpha Brain helped them feel present and ready to work out without being overstimulated.<\/p>\n Onnit Alpha Brain\u2019s formula differs from most other strong pre-workout supplements on our list\u2014it contains nootropics<\/a>, substances that enhance learning and memory. One of the key ingredients, NooGandha, is an ashwagandha extract used to reduce stress<\/a> and enhance <\/a>well-being by reducing cortisol levels<\/a> in the body. Another key ingredient, AlphaSize, may promote the production of acetylcholine<\/a>, a powerful neurotransmitter that enhances cognitive function<\/a>. However, studies demonstrating the effect of alpha-GPC on cognitive performance used 200 to 400mg doses per day, and a serving of Onnit Alpha brain has 125mg.<\/p>\n The other unique ingredient in Onnit Alpha Brain is Dynamine. It works similarly to caffeine<\/a>, by blocking the body\u2019s adenosine receptors that cause you to feel tired. However, this ingredient is banned in all sports supplements in Australia. While Dynamine is still allowed for sports competitions in the U.S., it is possible it will be banned in the future. Competitive athletes may want to steer clear of this product.<\/p>\n Baldini says Alpha-Brain is middle-of-the-road compared to other strong pre-workouts when it comes to physical energy. \u201cAfter taking other strong pre-workouts, I usually experience a boost in energy. After taking this pre-workout, the mental effects were much more noticeable than the physical ones,\u201d she says. That may be in part because Alpha Brain lacks ingredients like betaine anhydrous, taurine<\/a>, and creatine<\/a>, which can support muscle growth and recovery.<\/p>\n Nutricost Pre-X Xtreme Pre-Workout\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n Check Price\t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n Most strong pre-workouts cost between $2 and $3 per serving. Nutricost Pre-X is our pick for the strongest budget pre-workout because it costs $1 per serving. One tester called it \u201cthe best value on the market,\u201d and I agree.\u00a0 While some other budget pre-workouts are missing key ingredients, Pre-X contains the four main ones I like to see in a pre-workout: caffeine, beta-alanine, betaine anhydrous, and L-citrulline. \u201cThe price is better than most other pre-workouts I\u2019ve tried, especially for a supplement this good,\u201d says one tester.<\/p>\n Each serving of Pre-X has 300mg of caffeine and 4,000mg of L-citrulline, so you should feel energized and get a good pump with this pre-workout. \u201cI got a decent pump and had a calm focus without feeling overstimulated,\u201d one tester says. While Pre-X has a slightly lower dosage of beta-alanine than some other pre-workouts on our list, testers say they experienced noticeable tingles during their workout.<\/p>\n Nutricost Pre-X comes in five flavors, including Blue Raspberry. \u201cThis tastes great ice cold or at room temperature. I look forward to drinking it before my workouts,\u201d says one tester. While testers did not experience any negative side effects when trying Pre-X, this pre-workout is made with the artificial sweetener sucralose<\/a>. Some health experts have raised concerns<\/a> about taking sucralose in high doses.<\/p>\n Whether you like a strong pre-workout that\u2019s sweet, sour, fruity, or tart, Jacked Factory NitroSuge has a flavor for you. Testers like it so much that one said they could drink it poolside with ice. My personal favorites are Cherry Limeade, Sour Peach Rings, and Blueberry Lemonade. Tester Matt Cummings says he prefers Jacked Factory Nitro Surge to some other strong pre-workouts he\u2019s tried. \u201cI did not like the Pink Lemonade flavor of Legion Pulse, but I would definitely use the Grape NitroSurge again,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n Cummings says about 20 minutes after taking NitroSurge he felt like he could lift harder. \u201cI usually work out in the morning because I feel most rested then, but even after taking this in the afternoon, I felt \u2018jacked up\u2019 and ready to go,\u201d he says. Cummings says he experienced tingles and a slight drop off, but that neither was overwhelming.<\/p>\n I\u2019ve used Jacked Factory NitroSurge extensively for years. Besides the taste, I like that it\u2019s budget-friendly while still including evidence-backed ingredients, like L-citrulline, beta-alanine, betaine anhydrous, caffeine anhydrous, L-theanine<\/a>, theobromine<\/a>, and AstraGin. AstraGin<\/a>, also found in Transparent Labs BULK BLACK, is a plant-based compound formulated to enhance nutrient absorption. While AstraGin is safe at 0.5 milligrams per kilogram of body weight per day<\/a>, more research is needed on the potential performance-enhancing benefits.<\/p>\n Like some of the other pre-workouts on our list, NitroSurge is made with the artificial sweetener sucralose, which some health experts have raised concerns about taking in high doses. Also, Jacked Factory supplements do not undergo third-party testing. Third-party testing ensures the product includes the ingredients listed on the label and nothing else. This is especially important for athletes who undergo drug testing for banned substances.<\/p>\n Ora Organic Renewable Energy\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n Check Price\t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n If you\u2019re looking for a clean pre-workout, we recommend Ora Renewable Energy. It\u2019s our pick for the best natural pre-workout because it does not contain any artificial ingredients, is certified vegan, UDSA-certified organic, and is non-GMO. We also like that it is third-party tested for potency, heavy metals, pesticides, and more<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n Renewable Energy does not contain most of the other ingredients typically found in strong pre-workouts, such as beta-alanine. Instead, it\u2019s made with a combination of natural ingredients, including Our Picks for the Strongest Pre-Workouts of 2025:<\/h2>\n
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Strongest Pre-Workout for Power: Transparent Labs BULK BLACK<\/h2>\n
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Strongest Pre-Workout for Energy: Legion Pulse Pre-Workout<\/h2>\n
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Strongest Pre-Workout for Focus: Onnit Alpha Brain Pre-Workout<\/h2>\n
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<\/figure>\nStrongest Pre-Workout for Energy: Nutricost Pre-X<\/h2>\n
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Strongest Pre-Workout for Taste: Jacked Factory NitroSurge Pre-Workout<\/h2>\n
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Strongest Natural Pre-Workout: Ora Organic Renewable Energy<\/h2>\n
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