What’s The Best Pre Workout Drink – Get The Most Energy And Endurance
No other exercise performance supplement can compare to a pre workout. This energy and endurance booster is a must-have for athletes to amateurs. This is why you should know, what’s the best pre workout drink.
If you have ever looked on the store shelves or online trying to choose the best one, there seem to be too many options. The best is not always the one with the most insane name or graphics. This article will help point you in the right direction.
How Pre Workouts Are Ranked
» Consumer reviews, Q&A’s and online research
» Personal experience in the industry
» Clinical dosages of key ingredients
» Accurate brand and ingredient claims
» Product value per serving
Pre Workout Benefits
Pre workout ingredients are developed scientifically to provide maximum energy and increased muscle endurance.
Because of this, it is probable that better performance with have you giving more effort, going longing and making muscle gains faster than before.
The energy from caffeine spikes motivation and focus. This enables a more efficient workout and a feeling of less perceived effort.
⇒ Blind studies have shown that when a group of subjects using pre workout supplements compared to a group taking a placebo, those taking the pre workout improved their speed, decision making time, and reaction time.
Here is a complete list of possible pre workout benefits, although not everyone will experience all of these.
Improved athletic performance- Intense energy
- Longer muscle endurance
- Makes you feel stronger
- Boosts motivation and focus
- Provides greater speed
- More efficient workout routines
- Keeps muscles from fatiguing as quickly
- Torches calories at a much faster rate
- Less perceived physical effort
- Jump starts adrenaline to increase athletic ability
- Muscles recover faster between exercises
- Circulates more nutrients and oxygen to muscles
- Thermogenic ingredients burn fat before energy stores
What’s The Best Pre Workout Drink
#1 Pick
Product: N.O.-Xplode Pre Workout
Price: $
Quantity of Caffeine: 275 mg
Container size: 30 servings
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Manufacturer: Bio-Engineered Supplements
Guarantee: 30 day satisfaction guarantee
The N.O. in NO Xplode stands for Nitric Oxide. The Nitric oxide makes your veins more vascular, therefore increasing blood flow in both the muscles and the brain. This brings oxygen, Aminos, and minerals to your muscle tissue faster. for that extra muscle pump and recovery.
N.O.-Xplode contains 275mg of Caffeine per serving which is on the high end, but may be just right for you gym rats. It’s loaded with B vitamins, so you can skip your vitamin B complex capsules. B vitamins give you energy and improve other healthy functions in your body. Niacin, Thiamine, and Folic Acid are all names for B vitamins.
N.O.-Xplode is also packed with all of the essential Amino Acids. Creatine is added for muscle gain, enhance strength and improve exercise performance, but has Creatine Free alternative.
See My NO-Xplode Pre Workout Review
NO-Xplode Positives:
- The “original pre workout igniter”
- High Caffeine quantity
- Packed with vitamins and minerals
- Available with or without Creatine
- Comes in several great flavors
- Excellent value
Potential Negatives:
- Quantities are not broken down on label
- May have too much Caffeine for some
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Best Thermogenic Fat Burner
Product: C4 Ultimate Shred Pre Workout
Price: $$$
Caffeine per serving: 300mg
Container size: 20 servings
Rating: 4.4 out of 5
Manufacturer: Cellucor
Guarantee: 30 day satisfaction guarantee
If you are looking for the “ultimate” pre workout energy, I highly recommend this one. C4 is the most recognized pre workout in the industry.
This pre workout is packed with caffeine, L-Citrulline for endurance, Beta-Alanine, and vitamin B.
An added bonus is that it contains large amounts amount of thermogenic ingredients for fat burn. They will heat up your body internally to burn calories at a faster rate.
See My C4 Ultimate Shred Review
C4 Ultimate Shred Positives:
- Contains the most thermogenic properties
- 300mg of Caffeine
- Explosive weight loss matrix
- High intensity endurance formula
- The best pre workout for fat burn
Possible Negatives:
- Very strong, start out slow
- Natural and artificial ingredients
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Runner Up
Product: Gorilla Mode Pre Workout
Price: $$$
Quantity of Caffeine: 350 mg
Container size: 40 servings
Rating: 4.7 out of 5
Manufacturer: Gorilla Mind
Guarantee: 30 day satisfaction guarantee
Here is why this is my favorite. It has the highest amount of Creatine at 5 grams. Finally, one that contains the scientifically recommended amount for optimal results.
Gorilla Mode has the highest amount of the Amino, Citrulline Malate I’ve seen as well. L-Citrulline is a precursor for Nitric Oxide, which increases muscle endurance and pump. This is key for any high grade pre workout.
The 3000mg of Glycerol is a pre workout bonus. It’s proven to support hydration, therefore enhancing performance. Be careful with the 350mg of Caffeine, this is among the highest you can get in a pre workout.
I’m impressed with this powerhouse. These are the specifications for the 2 scoop quantity on the label. Be sure to start out with one scoop in the beginning!
See My Gorilla Mode Pre Workout Review
Gorilla Mode Positives
- 350mg of Caffeine
- 9 grams of Citrulline Malate
- Contains thermogenics for fat burn
- Contains the best clinical dose of Creatine
- 23,500 mg of total nitric oxide precursors
- Kanna to enhance mood and cognitive activity
Potential Negatives
- Good chance this is too strong for some
- Contains natural and artificial flavors
Purchase at gorillamind.com
Best Organic
Product: Garden of Life Sport Organic Energy
Price Range: $$
Servings Per Container: 30 servings
Quantity of Caffeine: 85mg
Rating: 4.2 out of 5
Manufacturer: Garden of Life
Guarantee: 30 day satisfaction guarantee
Here is the top pick for the organic pre workout category. This means no man-made chemicals, pesticides or fertilizers. In addition, there are no artificial colors, flavors, or sweeteners.
The caffeine is derived from natural sources and vitamin B 12 works for natural energy. This pre workout also contains an antioxidant blend.
There is a nitric oxide blend that consists of organic kale, spinach, and beets. These nitrates are what are used for enhanced muscle endurance. Organic pre workouts tend to have less taste and be lower in caffeine quantity.
Garden of Life:
- Organic and vegan, gluten free, non-GMO
- 85mg natural coffeeberry fuel
- Loaded with B-12 for natural energy
- Includes antioxidant blend
Potential Cons:
- Low in caffeine
- Only one flavor
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Best Bang for the Buck
Product: Mr Hyde Nitro X Pre Workout
Price: $
Quantity of Caffeine: 420mg
Container size: 30 servings
Rating: 4.3 out of 5
Manufacturer: ProSupps
Guarantee: 30 day satisfaction guarantee
This is one of the highest quantities of caffeine in a pre workout and at the same time almost the least expensive. Less than $1.00 per serving.
The ingredient, Nitrosigine helps to vascularize your cardiovascular system to bring oxygen and nutrients to your muscle tissue faster. This results in increased endurance and faster recovery. Mr Hyde also contains thermogenic ingredients to make you sweat.
Lastly, Mr Hyde is one of the only pre workouts to contain creatine HCL. This type of creatine is known for no side effects and produces muscle gain and increased strength.
Mr Hyde Positives:
- 420 mg of Caffeine
- 500 mg of Nitrosigine for big pumps & vascularity
- Hard-hitting, sustained, energy & focus
- High-powered thermogenic compounds
- Contains Creatine HCL
- Great value
Possible Negatives:
- 420mg Caffeine Matrix may be too strong
- Some people may have reactions to Yohimbe
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Best “High Stim”
Product: Bucked Up Woke AF Pre Workout
Price: $$$
Caffeine Per Serving: 333 mg plus other stimulants
Container size: 30 servings
Rating: 4.3 out of 5
Manufacturer: Bucked Up
Guarantee: 30 day satisfaction guarantee
Besides 333 mg of caffeine, Bucked Up contains two additional stimulants. Theobromine improves motivation and jumpstarts your brain and Huperzine A enhances focus and muscle quickness. 3.2 Grams of Beta Alanine is included to reduce fatigue and increase stamina and endurance.
There are no filler ingredients; this is pure power. The 6 grams of Citrulline Malate is incredible and higher than most pre workouts. This is necessary for vascularization and muscle endurance.
Although there are mixed reviews on this ingredient, one of the highlights is that it contains deer antler velvet. This ingredient is thought to provide many benefits including athletic performance.
See my Bucked Up Pre Workout Review
Bucked Up Positives
- 333 mg of Caffeine
- Contains deer antler velvet for performance
- Huperzine A and Theobromine for energy
- Extra L-Citrulline for increased endurance
- No filler ingredients
- Great tasting
Potential Negatives:
- Not the cheapest
- Natural and artificial flavors
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Best Testosterone Enhancer
Product: B-Nox Andorush Pre Workout
Price: $
Quantity of Caffeine: 200 mg
Container size: 35 servings
Rating: 4.3 out of 5
Manufacturer: Betancourt
Guarantee: 30 day satisfaction guarantee
B-NOX contains 200mg of Caffeine, which is an average amount for a preworkout. This formula has a Testosterone igniter that will stimulate Testosterone production.
As in most pre workout supplements, it also has L-Citrulline, Beta Alanine as well as branch chain amino acids (BCAA’s) for strength and endurance. B-NOX containes L-Glutamine to eliminate muscle breakdown.
The only downside is the labeling where all ingredients are listed under a 15,890 mg “pre workout formula”.
See my B-Nox Pre Workout Review
B-Nox Androrush Positives:
- Premier strength endurance blend
- Stimulates Testosterone production
- Contains muscle building Creatine and L-Glutamine
- Great value
Potential Negatives:
- Contains artificial flavors and colors
- Individual ingredients are not broken down by quantity
Purchase at Vitamin Shoppe
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Best Caffeine-Free
Product: N.O.-Xplode Caffeine-Free Pre Workout
Price: $$
Quantity of Caffeine: Zero
Container size: 30 servings
Rating: 4.3 out of 5
Manufacturer: Bio Engineered Supplements
Guarantee: 30 day satisfaction guarantee
This is designed to be a complete pre workout igniter. The Caffeine free N.O. Xplode version gets excellent reviews. This formula will deliver increased endurance, energy, support mental focus, and increased muscular strength.
It also contains DMAE which is naturally found in the body and positively affects mood and brain function. This naturally encourages natural energy, motivation, and focus.
The 5 grams of Creatine endurance blend makes this a powerhouse, and is great for increased muscle mass and exercise performance. NO Xplode contains several vitamins and minerals that will provide hydration and natural energy. The Citrulline Malate and Arginine are two Amino Acids that will give you incredible muscle pumps.
N.O.-Xplode Positives
- 5 grams of Creatine endurance blend
- 2.9 grams of Beta Alanine
- Packed with minerals and vitamin B
- 1 gram of Citrulline Malate blend
Potential Negatives
- Sweetened with Sucralose
- Has proprietary blends
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Craziest Name
Product: Insane Labs Psychotic High Stim Pre Workout
Price: $$$
Caffeine Per Serving: unknown
Container size: 35 servings
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Manufacturer: Insane Labz
Guarantee: 30 day satisfaction guarantee
I often laugh at the crazy names and graphics on some pre workouts. Usually, we discourage purchasing products based on how they look visually.
However, based on this having an insane, unknown amount of caffeine, here it is. It brags “high stim” and there are 3 different sources of stimulants combined in this pre workout. Psychotic also comes with pretty good reviews.
The negative part is that everything is listed under proprietary blends, this makes it impossible to know individual ingredients.
Psychotic Positives
- Insane amount of Caffeine Citrate, Caffeine Anhydrous, Betaine Anhydrous
- Contains creatine
- Has key aminos, L-Citrulline and Beta Alanine
Potential Negatives
- Obviously – unknown caffeine quantity
- Proprietary Blend
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Economy Pick
Product: MusclePharm Assault Pre Workout
Price: $
Quantity of Caffeine: 250 mg
Container size: 30 servings
Rating: 4.4 out of 5
Manufacturer: Musclepharm
Guarantee: 30 day satisfaction guarantee
Here’s a great pre workout if you’re on a budget. It is disappointing not to see L-Arginine or L-Citrulline for endurance and muscle pump. I assume from the decent reviews that the Creatine picks up where the Aminos are left off.
There is a sufficient amount of Creatine for a pre workout at 3 grams, and has a high amount of Beta Alanine. This Caffeine quantity works well for the average person. Pre workouts can range between a low 100mg and a crazy 400mg per serving.
Assault contains a lot of Vitamin B for natural energy. It contains natural coloring yet has artificial flavors.
MP Assault Positives:
- 250mg of Caffeine
- 3 grams of Creatine Monohydrate
- 1750mg of Beta Alanine
- Natural colors
- No proprietary blends
Potential Negatives:
- Artificial flavors
- Low in some Amino Acids
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Best Tasting
Product: Evlution Nutrition ENGN Pre-Workout
Price: $$$
Quantity of Caffeine: 300 mg
Container size: 30 servings
Rating: 4.4 out of 5
Manufacturer: Evlution Nutrition at evlnutrition.com
Guarantee: 30 day satisfaction guarantee
It comes in 6 great flavors. It has a 2 stage extended sustained energy release for a longer, more intense workout. This pre workout also has a high Caffeine quantity of 300mg, so don’t take this too late in the evening.
There several added ingredients such as Huperzine A and L-Tyrosine that support focus, mood enhancing, mental focus, concentration. This works well to get a more efficient and faster workout.
Theobroma Cocoa extract is added for natural energy as well at plenty of vitamin B12. Betaine elevates exercise production and power with delayed muscle fatigue. It also contains 2 grams of creatine monohydrate.
ENGN Pre Workout Positives:
- 2 stage energy formula
- 300mg of Caffeine
- 2 grams of Creatine Monohydrate
- Loaded with vitamin B12
- Comes in 6 tasty flavors
Potential Negatives:
- Contains artificial ingredients
- Proprietary blends
Purchase at Walmart.com
Best “All Natural”
Product: Legion Pulse Pre Workout
Price: $$$
Caffeine: 350mg per serving
Container size: 21 servings
Rating: 4.3 out of 5
Manufacturer: Legion
Guarantee: 30 day satisfaction guarantee
Legion Pulse does not contain any artificial colors, flavors, or sugars. The only negative for me is that it is Creatine Free. Creatine is a natural ingredient and is not harmful to you, but it is not for everyone.
There is 350mg of Caffeine per serving. This is a powerful amount and may be a little too much for some.
Legion Pulse prides itself on the amount of L-Theanine which is an Amino Acid that provides you with a smoother more enjoyable energy rush. It also contains plenty of Citrulline Malate and Beta Alanine to improve blood flow and keep you from getting fatigued.
See my Legion Pulse Pre Workout Review
Legion Pulse Positives:
- An All Natural pre workout, no artificial colors, flavors or sugars
- Lots of Caffeine, but also comes in a Caffeine Free version
- Nitric Oxide NO2 booster
- Powerful performance boost and endurance
- Sweetened by Stevia
Potential Negatives:
- Not as flavorful
- Does not contain Creatine
- May be too much Caffeine
Purchase at Walmart.com
Best 2-Stage Formula
Product: Vintage Blast Pre Workout
Price: $$$
Quantity of Caffeine: 250 mg
Container size: 20 servings
Rating: 4.4 out of 5
Manufacturer: Old School Labs
Guarantee: 30 day satisfaction guarantee
I had a great experience with Vintage blast and its “two stage formula”. This is advertised as using electrolytes and micronutrients to hydrate, increase performance, and help with recovery.
Vintage Blast is one of the best “All Natural” Pre Workouts and is certified Vegan. It does not contain artificial flavors or sweeteners. It is sweetened by Stevia and flavored with pineapple juice powder.
Vintage Blast has 250mg of Caffeine and plenty of L-Citrulline and Beta Alanine which works in combination with Caffeine to boost performance. This is a Creatine free supplement.
See my Vintage Blast Pre Workout Review
Vintage Blast Positives:
- 250 mg of Caffeine
- Nitric Oxide booster contains 5grams of Citrulline Malate
- All Natural with no artificial ingredients
- Two-stage formula that delivers steady energy and hydration
- Certified Vegan
Potential Negatives:
- May not be sweet enough for some
- Costs a little more per serving
Purchase at Walmart.com
The Best Pre Workout Drink Conclusion
The #1 pick in this review is Gorilla Mode Pre Workout. This selection is mainly based on its strong ingredients while at the same time being a well rounded formula. However, this supplement is not made for everyone, and pre workouts are not a one size fits all.
Because of this, I ranked several other categories including best organic, best tasting, and even a caffeine-free pre workout. No matter what you choose, exercise supplements come with a 30 guarantee. Simply exchange it and try another.
⇒ If you have any other questions or comments on what’s the best pre workout drink, please leave a message below and I will respond.
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