As a personal fitness coach, I’ve worked with many amateur and professional athletes. And while a regular pre-workout can work fine for most people or light cardio sessions, the bigger and stronger the athlete is, the more they’ll rely on a strong pre-workout formula.
So, our team got together with 16 clients and a dietitian to do extensive research and testing of over 40 different pre-workouts.
And after seven weeks of testing, we now have a list of the strongest pre-workout supplements that we would recommend to readers.
Our Top Pre-Workouts (September 2023)
1 - Gorilla Mode (Editor's Choice)
Out of all the strongest pre-workout supplements that we tested, Gorilla Mode came out on top for overall testing results.
The main ingredient contributing to this is the amino acid creatine, which has been extensively shown to have a significant positive effect on resistance training [1].
And we saw in our training sessions that the strong dose of creatine was helping with both lifting performance and endurance.
The other important thing to note is that it doesn’t contain caffeine, which means you can use it for workout sessions in the evening without impacting your sleep and recovery time.
Quick Facts:
- Creatine Monohydrate : 2500 mg
- Betaine Anhydrous : 1250 mg
- L-Tyrosine : 750 mg
- Caffeine : 175 mg
- Great dose of creatine for more muscular endurance
- Can provide high energy in about 20 minutes
- One of the most natural-tasting pre-workout products
- Mixes fast with water and doesn’t require a shaker
- You only get free shipping on orders over $100
2 - Transparent Labs BULK BLACK
Transparent Labs Bulk is another great option for athletes who are looking for the strongest pre-workout supplements.
It can significantly help with giving you maximum muscle pumps as it has one of the highest doses of citrulline [2].
It’s also one of the strongest pre-workouts when it comes to the amino acid beta-alanine, which may help improve your stamina and strength to allow you to push that bit harder.
Just keep in mind that Transparent Labs Bulk is currently only available on the official website.
Quick Facts:
- Citrulline Malate : 8000 mg
- Beta-Alanine : 4000 mg
- Betaine : 2500 mg
- L-Tyrosine : 1000 mg
- One of the best options for maximum blood flow and pumps
- Provides intense energy and reduced fatigue for strength training
- Great subscription discounts are available
- Only available on the official website and not in sports nutrition stores
3 - Pre Lab Pro
Here is another potent pre-workout supplement, and what we like is that the company didn’t go overboard with just a strong dose of caffeine.
What you get is a focus on the amino acid l-tyrosine, which has been shown to improve exercise performance under high intensities [3].
Pre Lab Pro pre-workout also has some added l-theanine, which, together with caffeine, can provide a much smoother mental focus [4]. What we experienced in training sessions was great motivation without the jitters.
It’s just a shame that there aren’t more flavor options available.
Quick Facts:
- Red Beet Powder : 1500 mg
- L-Tyrosine : 400 mg
- L-Theanine : 160 mg
- Caffeine : 80 mg
- Ideal caffeine dosage for athletes who are sensitive to stimulants
- Combines l-theanine into the formula to provide a better brain stimulation
- Great option for bulk ordering with significant discounts
- I’d like to see more flavor options to avoid getting tired of the same one
4 - Pre-Kaged Elite
Pre-Kaged Elite is another highly effective pre-workout supplement that we have noted as one of the strongest pre-workouts in terms of creatine.
This is a proven ingredient for muscle growth and is something you always want to look out for in a pre-workout supplement [5].
And if you can tolerate a strong dose of caffeine, then the mental boost you get from this pre-workout can be pretty impressive.
It’s also a pre-workout supplement with a good dose of taurine, which scientists have shown to have a positive impact on brain performance [6].
“Taurine is a sulfur-containing amino acid that is not involved in protein synthesis but is essential to cardiovascular function and the development and function of the brain, retina, and skeletal muscle.”
- Mike Murray, RDN, CISSN at Examine.com
Quick Facts:
- Creatine : 5000 mg
- Betaine Anhydrous : 2500 mg
- Taurine : 2000 mg
- Caffeine : 388 mg
- Pre-Kaged Elite delivers a strong dose of creatine and betaine
- Delivers great mental focus thanks to a high dose of caffeine
- Has a very refreshing and tasty flavor from a powder that mixes easily
- Some people find the caffeine is too strong, making them jittery
5 - C4 Original
This pre-workout supplement comes from another well-known brand in the supplement space, and I’ve been using a lot of C4 products.
Our testing group reported a positive impact on stronger body composition, which is most likely due to a good dose of betaine [7].
And we also liked the fact that it doesn’t go overboard with caffeine.
That would make it suitable for taking before an afternoon or early evening training session.
Our experience was that it didn’t have a negative effect on sleep.
Quick Facts:
- Betaine : 1250 mg
- Caffeine : 180 mg
- L-Theanine : 90 mg
- Theobromine : 50 mg
- Good combination of moderate caffeine dose with added l-theanine
- Seems to work great for both mental and physical energy boosts
- The available flavors are very tasty and refreshing
- You won’t find bulk-order discounts available at the moment
6 - NitroSurge Pre-Workout
This NitroSurge pre-workout supplement is another one that our team had some impressive results with. We measured a good increase in weight loads and reps compared to training without a pre-workout.
It’s not one of the strongest pre-workouts for beta-alanine, but we did notice a significant impact on muscle pumps.
This seems to be due to a solid dose of citrulline, which has been shown to boost blood flow to muscles [8].
I just wish this company had some sort of subscription service with discounts on their products.
Quick Facts:
- L-Citrulline : 3000 mg
- Beta-Alanine : 1600 mg
- Betaine : 1250 mg
- Caffeine : 180 mg
- Comes with a good dose of beta-alanine for improved endurance
- Available in a great selection of flavors that are tasty and not too sweet
- Positive results for strength and cardio training
- Not available through subscription service or bulk order discount
7 - Huge Supplements Wrecked Pre-Workout
This pre-workout supplement is another one of the products we found with a very high dose of citrulline.
Out of the strongest pre-workouts we tested, this one seems to be the one that delivers maximum pumps during weight training.
The Huge Supplements pre-workout also seems to be a pretty fast-acting pre-workout due to the added black pepper extract for nutrient absorption [9].
During our testing phase, we found that it does tend to kick in after about 15 minutes, which is faster than most other pre-workouts.
Quick Facts:
- Citrulline Malate : 6000 mg
- Beta-Alanine : 3500 mg
- L-Tyrosine : 1500 mg
- Caffeine : 250 mg
- Excellent strong dose of citrulline to give you some great pumps
- Added beta-alanine to deliver good endurance and strength boosts
- Comes with added black pepper extract to speed up the nutrient absorption
- Some of the flavors are a bit artificial and very sweet tasting
8 - Bucked Up - Woke
This pre-workout from Bucked Up is another one that is popular with bodybuilders due to the high dose of citrulline for pumps.
And what sets it apart from other pre-workouts is the added theobromine.
And studies have shown that it can have positive effects during endurance and resistance training [10].
Our team found that Bucked Up Woke pre-workout does help you to do cardio for longer or to add a few extra pounds during weight exercises. And those small improvements can have a big impact over the months ahead.
Quick Facts:
- Citrulline : 6000 mg
- Beta-Alanine : 3200 mg
- Caffeine : 333 mg
- Theobromine : 300 mg
- High-stimulant pre-workout for good mental focus and motivation
- Measured improvement in endurance during high-intensity training
- Supports faster muscle recovery and bulking
- There are only limited flavors available that take a bit of getting used to
9 - ALPHA LION Superhuman Pre-Workout Powder
Alpha Lion Superhuman is one of the strongest pre-workout options available for tyrosine and caffeine.
That seems to be a combination that has a significant impact on mental strength while also helping you stay focused and motivated [11].
The one thing I have to highlight about this pre-workout is that it does contain artificial flavors and sweeteners.
And compared to other pre-workouts, you can tell that it’s a bit artificial and overly sweet.
Quick Facts:
- L-Citrulline : 4000 mg
- L-Taurine : 1000 mg
- L-Tyrosine : 1500 mg
- Caffeine : 325 mg
- Excellent dose of tyrosine to help boost your mental performance
- Contains a good amount of taurine, which can help improve brain energy and focus
- Decent amount of citrulline for boosted blood flow
- It contains artificial flavors, and quite a few of them don’t taste great
10 - REDCON1 Total War Pre-Workout
And to finish off our recommendations for the strongest pre-workouts, we have this Redcon1, which also contains effective ingredients to help you achieve some more impressive pumps.
And our testing results show that the effects kick in after just 20 minutes.
You can also buy it in larger tubs that will keep you going for about two months and can save you quite a bit of money.
Quick Facts:
- Citrulline Malate : 6000 mg
- Taurine : 1000 mg
- Caffeine : 250 mg
- Green Tea Leaves : 45 mg
- Pre-workout effects start to kick in after less than 20 minutes
- You can buy it in large tubs of 50 servings for bulk discounts
- Certified vegan-friendly option for athletes on a plant-based diet
- The flavor options can be very sweet, and you might need to add more water
Buyer’s Guide
Before you make a final decision from our list of pre-workout supplements, let me show you some factors you need to consider before making a commitment.
Who Should Take A Strong Pre-Workout?
Athletes and bodybuilders who want to get the most out of their training sessions should consider taking pre-workout supplements.
Even a small boost of 5% more endurance or weight loads can add up to a lot faster progress.
If you’re training three or more days a week, then lots of small increments will bring you to your strength and fitness goals a lot sooner.
Also, many of my clients with weight loss goals find that they can burn off some extra calories by adding a few more minutes to each training session.
Who Shouldn’t Take A Strong Pre-Workout?
People who only exercise once a week probably shouldn’t be taking one of our strongest pre-workout recommendations.
It’s also not recommended for people with high blood pressure, as many of these pre-workouts have caffeine that can have a negative effect [12].
It’s also a good idea to check with your doctor if you’re taking any kind of medication long-term, as you don’t want to run into problems where amino acids or stimulants might interact with the medicines.
Key Ingredients
My dietitian did extensive research into the primary ingredients to look out for in the best pre-workout supplements.
Here’s what she found out.
Creatine
During our research for the strongest pre-workouts, there was one ingredient that stood out as one of the most effective. Research has shown that creatine has a significant impact on exercise performance [13].
“Creatine is among the most well-researched and effective supplements. It can help with exercise performance by rapidly producing energy during intense activity.”
- Antonis Damianou, MSc at Examine.com
And what you want to look for is pre-workouts like Gorilla Mode, which has at least 2 grams of creatine. Just be aware that some people find it causes a tingling sensation, but that only lasts a short while and is a good indication that you’re getting that boost.
Betaine Anhydrous
You should also look out for betaine on a strong pre-workout nutrient label. There have been several studies on this ingredient, and the most interesting one looked at the effect it has on trained students [14].
The researchers were able to show that it can have a particularly good effect on exercises that involve heavy loads and lower reps.
For example, the results showed that it could help with squat exercises by improving muscle endurance.
And the researchers also saw improvements in the quality of the workout performance. And when you complete more high-quality reps, then the effect on your muscle mass will significantly improve as well.
Caffeine
A typical strong pre-workout should contain at least 150 mg of caffeine. Some of the strongest products we’ve tested had almost 400 mg of caffeine. That’s about the full daily recommended intake and would require some more careful planning [15].
With such a high dose, you’d want to avoid drinking coffee for the day. And I would also suggest not taking it after 3 pm as it could then impact your recovery and sleep.
Now, some people don’t have trouble with caffeine disturbing their sleep, but it could still have a negative impact on how rested you are.
My general recommendation is that 150-200 mg of caffeine is plenty for a pre-workout.
L-Theanine
One way to boost the strongest pre-workouts without going overboard with caffeine stimulants is by checking the label for some theanine.
The interesting thing is that multiple studies have shown that combining these two ingredients can improve mental alertness and stamina effect [16].
It also seems like theanine can reduce the chances of getting jittery from too much caffeine.
So, if you’re sensitive to stimulants, then this could be the ideal solution to get all the benefits and not have to deal with the side effects.
Beta-Alanine
Some of the strongest pre-workouts we tested with great results also included a great dose of beta-alanine.
One of the interesting things about beta-alanine is that some studies have looked at both the effect of it during and after exercising.
One such study found a significantly lower lactate accumulation after a high-intensity workout [17].
What this would suggest is that you would feel less fatigued and not have as much muscle burn as you would without taking it.
Our test results for beta-alanine have confirmed this, and our testing team regularly commented about not feeling as sore as they expected.
Citrulline
Citrulline is an ingredient that most bodybuilders will find interesting, and I would recommend it if you want to achieve massive pumps.
What it has been linked to is an improved blood flow to muscles, which can then help them to swell up.
When you take over five grams of it, then it can boost your nitric oxide levels, which can help to dilate blood vessels and allow more blood to get into your muscles [18].
Some of the strong pre-workouts we tested had over six grams, and we saw some great results with them.
“L-Citrulline, or simply just citrulline, is a nonessential amino acid. It is efficiently turned into L-arginine in the kidneys after supplementation, which makes it a good choice for increasing nitric oxide synthesis in the body.”
- Peter Woznik, ND, MSc at Examine.com
L-Tyrosine
The other thing we looked out for in the strongest pre-workouts is tyrosine.
This is a good option for those athletes who don’t want to take a high dose of caffeine because they might be training later in the day. In that case, you can still get a good boost of cognitive power and alertness.
Researchers have shown that regular tyrosine can impact your cognitive abilities without also triggering that jittery feeling you might get from other pre-workout products that contain stimulants [19].
And our testing did show that we could focus better on each set to improve the quality of the workout.
Theobromine
This is an ingredient that you don’t find that often in pre-workout supplements, but my dietitian highlighted it as one that is gaining more attention in the pre-workout scene.
What studies have shown is that it can have a positive impact on endurance training, which could make it particularly interesting for cardio workouts [20].
The other thing that this study highlighted was that the researchers found no side effects.
Unlike other ingredients, like stimulants, that can make you jittery or interfere with your recovery time, that could make an ideal pre-workout ingredient to look out for.
Taurine
Taurine got some negative press over the years because it’s one of the ingredients you’ll often find in energy drinks like Red Bull.
But, there is evidence to support the use of it in pre-workout supplements.
Scientists still don’t fully understand how it interacts with neurotransmitters, but there is plenty of evidence that it can help you remain more focused and motivated on anything from work tasks to a particularly difficult set of exercises.
We also found that it doesn’t tend to cause any issues like jitters, which would make it a good alternative to caffeine.
Dosage
Comparing the dosage of ingredients is not an easy task, and you’ll find wide ranges in the strong pre-workouts above.
That’s why we decided to highlight the dose of the most important ingredients in each of the products.
That way, you can make a better comparison between different products on a like-for-like basis.
But there is one caveat.
I wouldn’t recommend purely making a decision on buying the product with the highest dose.
We encountered a few pre-workout supplements that didn't have the strongest dose of each ingredient, for example, Gorilla Mind. But because it has a better combination of ingredients, the overall results are much better.
Brand Reputation And Price
All of the strong pre-workouts above come from reputable brands.
What I mean by that is they come from companies that don’t just spend money on advertising and marketing but instead heavily invest in researching the best formulas.
There are too many companies that over-promise with celebrity endorsements but simply don’t deliver on the actual results.
Some of these brands we chose come at a higher price, but we have made sure that it’s a justified price based on the formula and quality of the ingredients.
FAQs
Which Is The Most Powerful Pre-Workout?
Gorilla Mode is the most powerful pre-workout available based on our real-life test results.
It contains a formula of proven ingredients, and in side-by-side test comparisons, it looks like it delivers significantly more performance than other pre-workouts.
What Pre-Workout Has The Most Amount Of Caffeine?
Pre-KAGED Elite is possibly the pre-workout with the most amount of caffeine. It has a total of 388 mg of caffeine, which is almost the same amount as four cups of coffee. It can deliver a lot of focus but could also make you jittery.
Is Pre-Workout Stronger Than Red Bull?
Yes, pre-workout is stronger than Red Bull. More importantly, it contains several other ingredients that have a positive effect on your muscle strength and endurance as well as improved muscle growth.
What In Pre-Workout Gives You A Pump?
Citrulline is the best ingredient in pre-workouts that gives you a pump. Some of the strongest pre-workout products will deliver six grams of citrulline, which can significantly improve blood flow and muscle pump.
Transform Your Training With The Right Pre-Workout Supplement
Out of all the strongest pre-workout supplements that we tested over the past couple of months, there is one that has consistently given us better results than all others.
Our Gorilla Mind test results showed both an improvement in strength and endurance. And we also showed that it worked very well for both strength exercises and cardio sessions.
That makes it probably the most suitable for most athletes, whether you’re a bodybuilder or just want to lose a few pounds and become leaner.
Order your first supply today and see how much of a difference it can make.
Our #1 Recommendation
Gorilla Mode
- Great dose of creatine for more muscular endurance
- Can provide high energy in about 20 minutes
- One of the most natural-tasting pre-workout products
- Mixes fast with water and doesn’t require a shaker
- Get the BEST PRICE until the end of September
- You only get free shipping on orders over $100
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