Which Are The Strongest Pre-Workout Supplements? Review And Buying Guide

Updated on  January 5, 2023

22

Products Considered

85

Hours of Research

6

Experts Interviewed

18

Customers Consulted

Aditya Sahu

Published By:  Aditya Sahu

Fact Checked by: Bridget MacDonald, RDN


Our Methodology

We personally test every products with our researchers, trainers and members. All products are ordered anonymously. We evaluate on point based system to determine ranking under each category. Learn More

If your primary goal is to exceed your previous best record and workout longer with great pump and get more reps then this list will suit you the best. 

The strongest pre workouts reviewed by us do not contain any banned substance

We had our team of body builders and power lifters to try and test various pre workouts which claimed to be powerful pre workout. And after getting feedback from our members we drew the conclusion to the strongest pre workouts. 

Strongest Pre-Workout Supplements 

And that is where pre-workout comes into play. The strongest pre-workouts can cure all this quickly. Most of this which I have recommended pre-workout contains those essential ingredients that help push yourself to work harder and cure muscle fatigue and soreness. I would recommended you should take this pre-workouts 20 to 30 minutes before a workout by dissolving it in water. (1)

These proven and tested ingredients in a pre-workout contain a cure to all the problems while working out and are a great supplement to reach your goals quickly. But there are so many pre-workouts available in the market, and which is the best?

The best and strongest pre-workouts can be classified based on the pre-workout ingredients, the grammage of those ingredients, and your goals. Why are the pre-workout ingredients necessary?

These pre-workout ingredients are the backbone of the pre-workout supplements and can make an excellent pre-workout supplement the strongest.

A strong pre-workout can also be called an intense pre-workout supplement that is highly effective and helps you reach your goals quickly.

Pre-workouts can be divided into stimulant-free pre-workout and high stimulant pre-workouts. Stim-free pre-workouts are pre-workouts that do not contain stimulants like caffeine. Although caffeine is an essential ingredient of many of the best pre-workouts, stim-free pre-workouts can still be just as effective, if not more.

Strongest Pre Workout Supplements

There are also dmha pre-workout varieties. A dmha pre-workout is also referred to as a pre-workout containing Dimethylhexylamine. This is a central nervous system stimulant that helps give the energy to boost performance. These pre-workouts are also considered high stimulant pre-workouts. Though FDA strongly recommends against using them and have made most to withdraw those pre workouts from market. But we haven't recommended any of those in this list. 

Some of the best and strongest pre-workouts have been mentioned below to help you fuel your workouts to get the max performance. 

Top 10 Strongest Pre Workout:


1. Transparent Labs Bulk BLACK Pre Workout (Strongest Pre Workout)

Bulk Black

Specifications:

Form: Powder

Number of Serving: 30

Serving Size: 1 Scoop, 21.2 gms per serving


Diet type: Vegan, gluten-free, major allergen-free

This Transparent Labs Bulk BLACK is an upgraded version of Transparent Lab's Bulk series which anyways is one of the best pre workout we tried out in a very long time, but Bulk BLACK takes it many notch upwards. Most of the strongest pre workout are known to mess with your heart after consumption. But we found none of that with this pre workout. 

The Bulk Black's BlackCherry Flavor which we tried and tested for 30 days, had a great flavor and mixability. 

We ranked it as our best strongest pre workout not just because of its great ingredients list but also the best kick it gave when you are looking to lift heavy or when we did heavy squats. 

Its a perfectly loaded pre workout with all the necessary ingredients for a great strong workout . It gives you that extra push and the third party testing came clean which means its also safe and doesn't contain any kind of banned substance. Not just that what we found was that even in its strongest pre workout ever transparent labs had all its ingredients listed. 

Our trainers and body builders alike enjoyed training with this one. Caffeine Anyhdrous:  The 275mg caffeine is quite strong dose of caffeine for anyone looking for stronger stimulant. But at the same time we found that post workout we didnt find any anxious feelings. And could take this pre workout in the evening, workout and still get a sound sleep at night.

Ingredients List

Active Ingredients

Amount Per Serving

Vitamin D

75 mcg

Vitamin B6

5 mg

Vitamin B12

250 mcg

Sodium Chloride

150 mg

Potassium Chloride

100 mg

Citruline Malate 2:1

8000 mg

Beta Alanine

4000 mg

Betaine Anhydrous

2500 mg

Taurine

1300 mg

L-Tyrosine

1000 mg

Alpha GPC

300 mg

Caffeine Anyhdrous

275 mg

L- Theanine

Theobromine

200 mg

50 mg

Astragin

50 mg

Infinergy

30 mg

Boron Citrate

3 mg


Pros:

Has a very strong ingredients profile
Comes in perfect scientific dose

Can be taken in the evening workout 

Taurine with caffeine improves mental performance


Cons:

Doesn't contain creatine 

Limited flavors


2. Strongest Stimulant Pre Workout: 

Pre Kaged Elite

Pre Kaged Elite

Specifications:

Form: Powder

Number of Servings: 20 scoops

Serving Size: 35.3 g per scoop


Flavors: Seven different flavors

Diet type: Vegan, gluten-free, major allergen-free

A well-known name in the industry of pre-workouts, Kaged has recently introduced their new and innovative formula: Kaged Elite -a high stim pre-workout. The main focus behind this complete pre-workout formula is to enhance strength, energy, and muscle endurance.

The company has packed Kaged Elite pre-workout with healthy and clean ingredients that are scientifically proven and have undergone third-party testing to ensure that there are no banned substances. This pre-workout will give you an elite experience- as the name suggests. 

Pre Kaged Elite has much bigger scoop at 35-gram per serving than the Pre Kaged. A Scoop of Kaged Elite pre-workout is filled with 10 grams of L-citrulline, 388 mg of caffeine (purely natural), 3.2 grams of Beta-alanine, 3 grams of creatine monohydrate and creatine HCl, and 2 grams of creatine nitrate. This makes the pre-workout strong.

Your intra workout is also covered with Pre Kaged Elite, so you don't need to take separate intra workout.

Pre Kaged Elite Scoop Size


L-citrulline helps by increasing blood flow, which increases oxygen flow to the muscles and hence the respiration rate (2). It increases the amount of energy and boosts physical and mental performance - the main reason for a pre-workout. Caffeine anhydrous in pre-workouts helps in improving the overall focus. Beta-alanine is the OG endurance booster. Beta-alanine helps produce carnosine (3), which buffers the lactic acid produced during exercise. It decreases the pain felt after an intense workout and increases muscular endurance.

Creatine monohydrate is added as CreacCear. It is a version of the same amino acid found in many pre-workouts but covered with milk protein. So what does it do? It increases the overall time of digestion (while solving the gut issues faced by many users of creatine monohydrate). Creatine increases the production of ATP, the cell's energy powerhouse, increasing the energy available. 

Pre Laged Elite Straberry Lemonade flavor


Creatine nitrate is an innovative way to increase the amount of creatine HCl per dose, which increases the performance and, at the same time, works great with L-citrulline for better performance—making this pre-workout much better.

Pros:

Highly effective. 
Increased Nitrates and hence performance.

Natural ingredients.


Cons:

Removal of BCAAs, which helps with muscle soreness 

4 Gauge

Specifications:

Form: Powder

Flavor: Fruit Blast

Special ingredients: Creatine, L-Citrulline, caffeine, L-Theanine

Diet feature: No wheat, gluten, dairy or soy or artificial sweeteners or colors

This pre-workout is packed in a unique way to represent the shell of a shotgun, 4 gauge pre-workout promises to give the shot of energy and motivation to "kill it" at the gym. The packaging of this pre-workout is enough to stand out, and the ingredients are not far behind. This killer duo makes this pre-workout supplement one of the strong pre-workouts.

This pre-workout supplement contains only 5 calories and 4 net carbs per serving. The first ingredient is caffeine anhydrous, which needs no introduction. It includes 150 mg of caffeine (same as 1.5 cups of coffee). Hence this is not your average pre-workout and is the one powerful pre-workout you can trust to be strong.

Active Ingredients

Amount Per Serving

L-Citrulline DL-Malate

600 mg

Caffeine

150 mg

L-Theanine

200 mg

Rhodiola Rosea

100 mg

Red Beet

300 mg

Creatine Monohydrate

1000 mg

Acetyl-L-Carnitine

500 mg

Coconut Powder

300 mg


Caffeine anhydrous is coffee without moisture content. Anhydrous means without water, so caffeine anhydrous is the same caffeine content without diluting, making it a bit stronger pre-workouts (4).

Together with L-theanine, it sharpens up the brain and provides huge nutrition while calming it simultaneously. L-theanine boosts coffee's effect and prevents the feeling of the crash once the effects run off.

Creatine monohydrate is another popular ingredient in this hardcore pre-workout. In the case of 4 gauge, 1 gram of creatine monohydrate is added per serving to help gain lean muscle mass. At the same time, L-citrulline helps in faster blood flow to muscles.

100mg of beetroot extract is added to uplift endurance by increasing blood flow (5) and 500mg of acetyl L-carnitine ( a type of amino acid) for fat burning. This remarkable amino acid carries fatty acids to cells so that you can turn them into energy. This extra burst of energy helps during workouts, and the excess fat is also dissolved.

Coconut water powder in this pre-workout is added as a source of electrolytes and hydration during and after a workout. These ingredients are a great way to boost your workout experience. So this one pre-workout can fulfill all your supplement needs, making it a great pre-workout.

Pros:

All the ingredients are added in reasonable quantities.
The ingredients are well researched.

It has excellent reviews from its users.


Cons:

Some bodybuilders have complained that the creatine dosage is less.


4. Crazy Bulk Intensive Pre-Train Pre Workout

One of the best pre-workouts available on the market, intensive pre-train by crazy bulk, has gained a high fan following in the athletic community. Each 22.3g scoop of the pre-workouts offers just the right amount of the perfect ingredients to set your mood for a hard workout.

Let's take a look at its magical ingredients per serving. Like many pre-workout supplements, it contains caffeine (caffeine anhydrous, which is one of the common pre-workout ingredients) to increase your focus. Still, in addition to that, En-Xtra usage enhances caffeine's effects, and this killer pair surely packs a punch of energy. Unlike other pre-workout, the addition of En-Xtra makes a significant difference.

KSM-66 is a form of ashwagandha that reduces stress and anxiety. L-phenylalanine is a form of amino acid that boosts dopamine levels (6) to improve your mood and enhance the process of fat burning.

Speaking of amino acids, pre-workouts typically contain a blend of different amino acids. And this product also contains L-tyrosine and Taurine, which helps build muscle and decrease muscle damage that is often a result of intensive weight training. Along with these, intensive pre-train contains a blend of multivitamins and minerals like iron, Vitamin C, and Vitamin B6 that help boost metabolism.

To top it off, there have been many positive pre-workout reviews about crazy for bulk. It is not only a natural pre-workout formula but also increases the workout intensity by providing sustained energy. Hence these things classify it as one of the best pre-workout.

Pros:

It Contains essential minerals and vitamins.
Easy to dissolve and use.

It gives a boost of power and fat loss.


Cons:

Available in only one flavor- blue raspberry


5. Essential Amin. O Energy Pre Workout

This pre-workout is a product of Optimum Energy, one of the most sought-after companies for supplementation and pre-workouts. O energy is a pre-workout made up of a unique blend of an essential and non-essential chain of amino acids to boost exercise performance.

What sets this pre-workout apart from all other pre-workouts is the number of flavors available, eliminating the problem of boredom. Flavors of this pre-workout include grape, peach lemonade, lemon-lime, juicy strawberry, cool mint tea, and watermelon.

Additionally, this pre-workout has been marketed to be used at any time, making it somewhat different from regular pre-workouts that have to be taken 20 minutes before heading towards the gym. Per serving is 9 grams (2 scoops) of this pre-workout consists of only five calories and 100mg of caffeine (similar to one cup of coffee).

The ingredients in this pre-workout are concentrated into two blends: the amino blend and the energy blend. The main ingredients included in the blends are coffee, green tea, green coffee bean extract, beta-alanine, L-arginine, and Taurine.

It is a proprietary blend. In a proprietary blend, there is no information regarding the grammage of each ingredient added in the pre-workout but the whole blend, which is about 5 grams. No creatine is included and hence can be a supplement of choice for those looking for a great source of protein without any creatine.

The amino blend is made up of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) and helps muscle recovery and decreases muscle soreness after exercise (7). The energy blend is mainly made up of caffeine, green coffee, and green tea. These ingredients are a natural source of antioxidants (8), which also help boost fat loss and enhance the digestion of fats.

Pros:

You can use it at any time.
Available in many different flavors with great taste.

It enhances muscle recovery.


Cons:

It contains less caffeine content, according to many users.


6. Strongest Pre Workout For Women- Powher Pre Workout

Powher is a pre-workout supplement marketed toward women and claims to be one pre-workout filled with women-friendly ingredients rather than the usual muscle-enhancing ingredients and added for women at the label.

The best thing about this pre-workout is that it contains many exercise performance-boosting ingredients and lower caffeine levels to tend to the needs of lesser body weight athletes and bodybuilders. Hence this pre-workout is more focused on an epic gym performance- whether for losing fat or muscle gain rather than pumping muscles.

Powher pre-workout contains essential amino acids like beta-alanine, tyrosine, and leucine per serving to improve focus. Beta-alanine, along with the others, helps for optimal blood and oxygen supply, better mental and physical performance, and minor muscle soreness. This pre-workout is also known to provide sustained energy. The intense energy will help you in your gym session so you can easily reach your goal.

Like in other pre-workouts, caffeine is also included in this pre-workout for the usual better focus but at a smaller percentage. It may not be the highest caffeine pre-workout, but the lesser amount of caffeine is enhanced by EnXtra, an extract from Alpinia galanga.

For hydration, Reddit is another ingredient added in the pre-workout that helps with vasodilation and better blood flow, along with cocomineral (coconut water powder).

Pros:

It includes many natural ingredients.
Great for any athletic purpose.

It has a wide variety of essential ingredients.


Cons:

It does not contain creatine which may be a problem for some users looking to have creatine as part of their pre-workout.


7. Legion Athletic Pulse Pre Workout

There have been days when it is challenging to select a product because of the specific requirements you want it to contain. That was the case with Mike Matthews, who brought forward legion athletic pre-workout after being frustrated with many disheartening pre-workout supplements available on the market. He wanted a strong pre-workout that could increase energy levels to help during the workout.

Legion Athletic Pulse pre-workout is available in flavors like fruit punch, green apple, grapes, blue raspberry, and watermelon. Legion athletic contains only 5 calories per serving of two scoops, with 350 mg of caffeine as caffeine anhydrous (similar to 3.5 cups of coffee) per serving. And on top, all the flavors taste amazing and are made from natural ingredients; hence can be used with low carb and keto diets.

The 350 mg of caffeine in the pre-workout content reduces fatigue; 4.8 g of beta-alanine helps decrease muscle soreness by buffering lactic acid. Without beta-alanine, it would be difficult to increase the performance. 2g of Taurine and 250 mg of theanine decrease the jitters you may feel after taking a massive amount of caffeine (9).

Additionally, 8g of L-citrulline DL malate per serving improves the blood flow, boosting energy; 2.5 mg of Betaine decreases muscle fatigue and beta-alanine increases endurance. It is an excellent option for a pre-workout supplement containing all the ingredients and none of them in fewer quantities.

In case you are a beginner and need less caffeine content, taking half a scoop would still be highly efficient rather than taking a full scoop.

Pros:

Great taste without any artificial sweetener.
It is a unique blend of perfect ingredients.
It is keto and intermittent fast friendly.


Cons:

Some may find the caffeine content high, which you can improve by decreasing the dose size.


8. Strongest Pre Workout for Taste -

Black Wolf Pre Workout

Strongest Pre Workout for Taste

You may have heard of Black Wolf pre-workout due to numerous reasons. It is one of the most transparent pre-workouts, packed with 11 key ingredients with solid scientific backing to prove its worth. In addition, it is the favorite pre-workout supplement of the female Olympic swimmer Ekaterina Abramova and pro boxer Ekow 'The engine' essuman.

Black Wolf Green Apple Pre Workout


The best thing about this pre-workout, according to its consumers, is the research-backed safe ingredients that boost energy levels, reduce fatigue, provide motivation, increase fat loss, and improve mental focus. So, according to the numerous users of this particular pre-workout around the globe, it is one of the strongest pre-workout, making it the best pre-workout for them. So let's move on to the list of the ingredients;

Black Wolf Pre Workout Facts

This pre-workout formula has 6g of L-citrulline malate per serving and increases the amount of Nitric oxide in the blood, enhancing athletic performance by decreasing muscle fatigue. 3.2g of beta-alanine blocks lactic acid production, and 3g of creatine monohydrate enhances endurance, muscle building, and strength. 200 mg of caffeine helps wake you up.

2g of Betaine anhydrous is added in the pre-workout, which helps in protein synthesis (10). Hence, muscle building, 1g of Taurine fights dehydration and anxiety again, and 1g of L-arginine and L-tyrosine helps you stay focused by more oxygen transfer for greater strength.

Pros:

Aides in muscle building.
Scientifically backed and proven ingredients.

Guaranteed quality.


Cons:

Some ingredients may be filler ingredients.


9. Cellucor C4 Pre Workout


After releasing the original pre-workout powder in 2011, Cellucor has managed to take over the world of fitness and athletes with its original products that have been classified as the best pre-workout supplements. Until now, the original infamous pre-workout powder holds the same magic to improve your gym session exponentially.

Available in several sugar-free flavoring options such as fruit punch, icy blue razz, watermelon, green apple, orange burst, cherry limeade, pink lemonade, and strawberry margarita. So, in addition to these fantastic flavors being sugar-free, you can use this best pre-workout in low carb, keto diets, and intermittent fasting.

This is one of the strongest pre-workout for both men and women. Moreover, it contains ingredients that have been tried and tested over the years, classifying it as one of the strongest pre-workout supplements. The main ingredients include; Arginine AKG (alpha-ketoglutarate), which helps in vasodilation to improve the blood flow and, therefore, the flow of oxygen increase the amount of energy (11).

Creatine nitrate is one of the typical pre-workout ingredients for increased strength and better muscle formation. In a scientific study conducted over 28 days, athletes consuming creatine nitrates were able to lift heavier and do more muscle pumps.

Carnosyn beta-alanine is a unique ingredient that helps fight against lactic acid. Lactic acid is formed due to anaerobic respiration, which causes muscle aches during exercising. To fight that, beta-alanine is added. Some of the strongest pre-workout supplements contain the ingredient - beta-alanine. Beta-alanine prevents this lactic acid onset, helping you work out for longer without discomfort. And it also decreases the pain felt after working out.

An explosive energy blend is added to this pre-workout to make it a hardcore pre-workout. It comprises caffeine anhydrous and many amino acids like L-tyrosine to help with cognition, losing fat, and muscle gain (12).

The vastness of the ingredients of this effective pre-workout makes it one of the best pre-workout supplements and one of a customer's favorite pre-workouts.

Pros:

Many different tasteful flavors.
It is an excellent option for low-carb, keto, and intermittent fasting.

Scientifically tested ingredients.


Cons:

It may cause headaches and jitters. 


10. Testo Prime Pre Workout

Testo prime is marketed as a natural testosterone supplement pre-workout to help fight against tiredness and low energy levels. It is a unique blend of 12 natural ingredients found in the form of a capsule that has undergone third-party testing and is approved by the FDA to ensure that it is the best pre-workout.

Often consumers confuse a testosterone supplement as a booster or synthetic testosterone, But these natural, GMO, and soy-free ingredients are here to prove you otherwise.

Instead of synthetic testosterone, Testo excellent pre-workout contains ingredients that enhance the body's response to testosterone production, helping with muscle gain, weight loss, and overall energy boost.

A different kind of pre-workout, Testo Prime does not contain the usual ingredients found in the strongest pre-workouts. But testosterone is a hormone that helps in boosting energy levels. So this powerful pre-workout helps by boosting testosterone levels.

The first ingredient of this pre-workout supplement is D-aspartic acid, an amino acid linked with muscle adaptivity and brain function. It also helps decrease weight gain and makes muscle gain easier. Panax Ginseng is a naturally found herbal remedy linked with increased blood flow and hence better performance and energy, whether daily or in the gym.

Testo's excellent pre-workout includes 800 mg of fenugreek, a natural spice used in many Asian dishes. According to numerous research, it helps in weight loss and improvement in many weight-resistance exercises (13). According to scientists, fenugreek has been one of the testosterone-producing ingredients.

Other pre-workout ingredients include 4 grams of green tea which prevents testosterone breakdown into DHT ( a harmful substance), Vitamin D to help in fat loss, black pepper to increase the metabolism of testosterone production, and more.

Pros:

It helps with the effects of low testosterone levels like tiredness and anxiety.

It contains all-natural and healthy ingredients.

A vast 98% positivity on customer reviews for an improved life.


Cons:

It may cause an upset stomach.


Conclusion

There are many advantages to taking a pre-workout supplement before the workout. And the information above informs you about some of the strongest pre-workout supplements available.

The detailed information about the ingredients gives an idea of the essential ingredients that make up the best pre-workout supplements. And what precisely each ingredient is responsible for. But pre-workout is no magic pill. Even if you use the best pre-workout supplements, it still has to be used with a proper diet filled with macro and micronutrients and a workout. It is because taking a pre-workout is useless without a workout and diet.

The best pre-workout is more than just its ingredients because everyone has different goals and needs regarding pre-workouts. Pre-workout supplements are available from different companies and of many different kinds.

Pre-workout supplements are of different types due to the different results they give. Some users want pre-workouts to help them gain muscle. So the best pre-workout supplements for them are the ones that provide them with more energy to lift heavier and bench more.

A person using pre-workouts to lose weight will need pre-workout supplements to help them burn fat. So the best pre-workout supplements, in this case, would be a pre-workout that would help increase metabolism.

Therefore excellent pre-workout supplements depend from person to person. A pre-workout that may be suitable for someone might not be the perfect choice of a pre-workout for you. When selecting a pre-workout, you should first evaluate your goals. This will be the first step when looking for a pre-workout.

The next step is to learn about the ingredients usually added in pre-workouts. Learning about the ingredients and their usage will help better understand pre-workout among the numerous available pre-workouts.

It is because supplements like hooligan pre-workout and assassin pre-workout are great, but your goals and ambition determine what's best for you!

Aditya Sahu

Aditya Sahu ‧ CPT & Head Coach


Aditya is an ACSM certified personal trainer with more than 7 years training various people and transforming people's lives. He has written various publications for various sports and fitness magazines. 


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