The strongest pre-workout supplements are formulated with clinically backed doses of caffeine, beta-alanine, citrulline, B vitamins, and more to deliver enhanced endurance, pumps, and focus. If you’re balancing a busy work and travel schedule, a strong pre-workout supplement can make it easier to push through intense workouts and stay consistent with your fitness goals.
We partnered with a registered dietitian (RD) and our team of expert testers to evaluate the strongest pre-workout supplements of 2026. We selected our top picks based on effectiveness, mixability, flavor, and more.
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Strongest Pre-Workouts of 2026
Strongest Pre-Workout Comparison Table
Transparent Labs BULK Black Pre-WorkoutCaffeine Per Serving325 mgBeta-Alanine Per Serving4000 mgCitrulline Per Serving8000 mgFlavors8 flavors availableLegion Athletics Pulse Pre-WorkoutCaffeine Per Serving350 mgBeta-Alanine Per Serving3600 mgCitrulline Per Serving8000 mgFlavors20+ flavors availableNutricost Pre-X Pre-WorkoutCaffeine Per Serving300 mgBeta-Alanine Per Serving2000 mgCitrulline Per Serving4000 mgFlavors3 flavors availableJüced GummiesCaffeine Per Serving95 mgBeta-Alanine Per Serving0 mgCitrulline Per Serving0 mgFlavors1 flavor availableNaked Nutrition Naked EnergyCaffeine Per Serving200 mgBeta-Alanine Per Serving2000 mgCitrulline Per Serving0 mgFlavors6 flavors, including unflavoredCellucor C4 Pre-WorkoutCaffeine Per Serving200 mgBeta-Alanine Per Serving2000 mgCitrulline Per Serving1200 mgFlavors3 flavors available
Strongest Pre-Workout Overall: Transparent Labs BULK Black Pre-Workout
Transparent Labs BULK Black Pre-Workout
A clean pre-workout with clinically supported dosages
Our Thoughts on Transparent Labs BULK Black Pre-Workout
Transparent Labs Bulk Black Pre-Workout is our pick for the strongest pre-workout overall because it has high caffeine content and contains solid dosages of both citrulline malate and beta-alanine, which have scientifically backed performance benefits. It also includes a solid dose of L-theanine, which helps to prevent any feelings of jitters or anxiety that can come with highly caffeinated pre-workout products. It’s available in eight flavors, including blue raspberry, peach mango, and more.
Pete, a certified nutritionist, tested Transparent Labs Bulk Black and rated his first impression of the product as a 5 out of 5. “The pre-workout comes in a black tub that is fairly small in size and would be easy to travel with,” he said. He noted that the writing on the label is difficult to read because it is black text on a gray label, so it needs more contrast. “A scoop is provided; it’s larger than your average pre-workout scoop, but that’s because this is a well-dosed formula, so it’s appropriate,” Pete said.
He found the instructions clear and easy to follow. Two options for dosing are provided based on your experience with pre-workout powders, specifically the caffeine content. There is also a note that you should not exceed two scoops per day, earning the instructions a 5 out of 5.
The pre-workout powder mixed up well, fully dissolving with no chunks and a smooth consistency. Pete tested the blue raspberry flavor, noting that it tastes like a standard blue raspberry pre-workout—similar to a blue raspberry snow cone. While this flavor may taste artificial, Transparent Labs does not use any artificial flavors, colors, or sweeteners. “The brand uses blue spirulina for the color, and stevia to sweeten the product. It’s sweet, but not as sweet compared to other pre-workout on the market,” Pete said, rating the flavor a 5 out of 5 and sweetness at a moderate 3 out of 5.
Overall, Pete thinks this is a well-formulated and clinically dosed pre-workout. “The product also has 4,000 mg of beta-alanine which is a solid dose and enough to feel the tingling sensation known as paresthesia,” Pete said. “I’m used to taking pre-workout so the tingles don’t hit me too hard, but folks new to pre-workout may feel this a lot more.” His workout while using this supplement was great—he felt the muscle pumps from the 8,000 milligrams of citrulline malate and felt energized throughout his whole workout session.
Strongest High-Stim Pre-Workout: Legion Athletics Pulse Pre-Workout
Legion Athletics Pulse Pre-Workout
Steady energy and pumps
Our Thoughts on Legion Athletics Pulse Pre-Workout
Legion Pulse is our pick for the best high-stim pre-workout, as it combines research-backed ingredients like citrulline, beta-alanine, and betaine for impressive pumps and endurance along with 350 milligrams of caffeine, the highest on our list. Its all-natural, transparent formula supports steady energy, focus, and muscle performance, making it ideal for athletes who want powerful workout effects.
Kayla tested Legion Pulse, and shared that she’s been using this supplement at home for two years. She rated her impressions of the product a 5 out of 5, noting the high dose of caffeine. “I’m not caffeine-sensitive at all, so the higher amount works well for me,” she said. She likes the simple packaging and that the bottle is small enough that she can take it with her on the go.
“The product mixed in perfectly, and wasn’t overly foamy,” Kayla said, giving the mixability a 5 out of 5 rating. She thinks that 30 seconds is sufficient to getting the powder dissolved entirely. “The mixture wasn’t gritty and it fully incorporated into the water. I use the one scoop serving size,” she said.
Kayla has tried many flavors of Legion Pulse, but her favorite is the pink lemonade. “I don’t like overly sweet drinks, so I add 12 ounces of water and it tastes great–like a normal pink lemonade drink with an extra kick of caffeine.” She can taste the stevia a bit, regardless of which flavor she sips. She rated the flavor a 5 out of 5 and the sweetness a moderate 3 out of 5.
“When using just one scoop of the product, I feel great–it’s just enough caffeine to get me going and the beta alanine tingles are present,” she said. “If I take two scoops, I am buzzing and feeling like super woman, ready to take flight.” Kayla noted that her stomach feels fine with either serving size, though the overall effects are more present with the full two-scoop dosage of 350 milligrams of caffeine.
Strongest Budget Pre-Workout: Nutricost Pre-X Pre-Workout
Nutricost Pre-X Pre-Workout
High-stim pre-workout with energy boosting B vitamins
Our Thoughts on Nutricost Pre-X Pre-Workout
Nutricost Pre-X Pre-Workout is our pick for the strongest budget pre-workout because it only costs about $0.92 per serving as of this writing if you buy a 60-serving container, which is over a dollar cheaper than some of the other options on our list. Nutricost’s Pre-X has 300 milligrams of caffeine along with B vitamins in every serving, making it a great pick for gym enthusiasts and athletes who want intensity without stressing their wallet.
Kayla tested this product and provided us with her first impressions. “The packaging gives off an impression of budget branding. I’m well aware of the Nutricost brand so it’s not off-putting to me.” She says the price is attractive, and it doesn’t come off as cheap. “The packaging is on the larger side for their products, it’s not easy to slip in a purse, but it would fit in a work bag or backpack.” She also notes that the scoop handle is on the longer side, so it can be annoying to fit back in after you’ve dug it out of the tub, especially when first using the product.
This product includes 2,000 milligrams of beta-alanine, which wasn’t enough for Kayla to experience significant paresthesia (skin tingling). She felt a little bit of tingles but no hot face or itchiness, rating side effects as a 5 out of 5. However, those who aren’t habitual caffeine users are at a higher risk of experiencing unwanted side effects, like an upset stomach or jitters.
After mixing this product, she rated it a 5 out of 5. “I shook it for 60 seconds, and the product mixed in flawlessly. Sixty seconds of mixing is probably a little overkill, but it did well with not foaming up too much and there was zero product left behind swirling in the drink or at the bottom of the shaker.”
Our tester did notice some minor side effects after taking this product. “After drinking this product, I had some gurgling in my stomach,” she said. “I didn’t feel uncomfortable or bloated but noticed my stomach doing some aerobatics.” She felt a little buzz with the 300 mg of caffeine, but wishes the formula had more beta-alanine for more of a tingly skin effect, which she loves.
“You can’t beat the price of this product,” Kayla says. “If you are looking for something that tastes good, has a high caffeine percentage, and is affordable, this is the product for you.”
Strongest Pre-Workout Gummies: Jüced Gummies
Jüced Gummies
These gummies are easy to take with you on the go
Our Thoughts on Jüced Gummies
Jüced Gummies are our pick for the strongest pre-workout gummies because they are formulated to include only clean ingredients and a moderate amount of caffeine. Jüced is available as low sugar or sugar-free, and both versions are vegan. The sweetener used in the low sugar version is Reb M, which is stevia-derived and natural.
Tom tested Jüced, rating his first impression of the product a 4 out of 5. He liked the minimalist design. “A packet of gummies is small enough to fit in your pocket, and it’s easy to rip open,” he said. Jüced comes in a big bag of individually packaged gummy bags, which makes it easy to dose and take on the go. If you want to start out with a lower dosage of all ingredients, you can take just a few gummies.
He liked the peachy flavor, though found the sourness to be fairly potent. He rated the taste a 3.5 out of 5: “Jüced tasted really strong and sour. I could feel the sourness in the corners of my mouth as I was eating the gummies.”
After trying a pack of the gummies, Tom felt the effects, rating them a 4 out of 5. “I feel more energized, because I was feeling tired when I took the gummies,” he said. “After taking a few, I felt more alert and focused.” He did note there was a strong aftertaste, though it wasn’t necessarily bad or unappealing.
I also tested Jüced and found the effects to be exactly what I was looking for, though the flavor is certainly a bit potent and potentially pucker-inducing. The brand is currently reformulating the flavor; I’m looking forward to testing Grüns’ next iteration of peachy gummies.
Strongest Pre-Workout with Creatine: Naked Nutrition Naked Energy
Naked Nutrition Naked Energy
A pre-workout with creatine that is suitable for vegans
Our Thoughts on Naked Nutrition Naked Energy
Naked Nutrition Naked Energy is our pick for the strongest pre-workout with creatine. We like that it’s available unflavored, which is rare in the pre-workout market. It’s also vegetarian and vegan friendly. Naked Energy also includes one milligram of creatine, along with Vitamin C, Folate, B vitamins, and Calcium.
Pete tested this pre-workout, rating it a 3 out of 5 for taste. “This is an unflavored product, it doesn’t taste like much. You can tell something is in the shaker bottle but there’s no distinct flavor and it’s not sweet at all.” The unflavored variant offers a neutral profile, which may be ideal for those seeking simplicity or to stack with another flavored supplement. This could be less appealing to folks who prefer a sweet or flavored taste, though Naked Energy is available in flavored options such as cherry lime, watermelon, strawberry lemonade, and more.
Pete thought this powder mixed well with water, rating mixability a 5 out of 5. “It dissolved well, leaving no chunks or undissolved pre-workout,” Pete said. This supplement blends quickly and completely, leaving a clear solution in the shaker bottle without residue or separation, making it hassle-free to prepare and drink.
He didn’t experience any side effects, rating it a 5 out of 5 in this category. Pete describes it as “a very mild pre-workout that provides 200 milligrams of caffeine but only two grams of beta-alanine, one gram of creatine, and one gram of L-arginine, all three of which are underdosed and won’t provide much benefit based on the scientific literature.” He remarked, “I did notice the caffeine, but it’s a lackluster pre-workout formula overall—but may work well for beginners or people just looking for something caffeinated before their workout.” If you’d like a more complex pre-workout with stronger effects, we recommend trying out Nutricost’s Pre-X Pre-Workout.
Strongest Pre-Workout for Pump: Cellucor C4 Pre-Workout
Cellucor C4 Pre-Workout
Supports focused energy and a pumped metabolic rate
Our Thoughts on Cellucor C4 Pre-Workout
Cellucor C4 Pre-Workout is our pick for the strongest pre-workout for pump because its formulation includes B vitamins, beta-alanine, citrulline, and arginine, which may help promote blood flow to your muscles (though if pump is a priority, you may want to consider a nitric oxide supplement). It also includes peptides and huperzine a, which helps to support focused energy.
Pete rated his first impression of Cellucor C4 Pre-Workout as a 5 out of 5. “The product has a custom-made lid with the C4 logo etched into it. The logo itself has a glossy finish and text is a metallic silver. It’s definitely an eye-catching design. The container is very standard for pre-workouts and is travel friendly. It opens and closes easily, and the scoop is provided.”
He rated mixability and taste both as 5 out of 5; praising ease of preparation and its enjoyable flavor profile. For mixability, he notes, “It dissolved quickly and easily. It has a smooth consistency, no chunks, and no foam.” This quick and effortless blending ensures a drink that can be ready to consume in seconds, and that provides a pleasant texture throughout.
On taste, Pete says: “I thought this pre-workout tasted pretty good, I could taste the mango flavor but there were other flavors there as well, such as pineapple and strawberry.”
He described the flavor as distinctly tropical and found it very sweet. He said, “This product was fairly sweet when mixed using the twelve fluid ounces as directed.”
Pete did adjust this pre-workout to suit his sweetness preferences: “after my initial test, I ended up adding about 20 ounces of water and found it tasted pretty good at that point, with a moderate level of sweetness. This pre-workout uses both sucralose and acesulfame potassium to sweeten it, which results in a sweet taste.” Overall, he concludes that it “mixed great, the flavor was light and refreshing, it was just a bit too sweet, which is why I added a little extra water.”
Pete took Cellucor C4 Pre-Workout before a morning workout and found the effects from 200 milligrams of caffeine noticeable. “I trained for about one hour—I had solid energy throughout the workout and was able to stay mentally engaged as well.
Notably, Pete didn’t experience any digestive issues or weird aftertaste when using this product, rating it a 5 out of 5 for side effects.
How We Tested and Selected the Strongest Pre-Workouts
We tested and evaluated the strongest pre-workout supplements and scored them on a scale of 1-5 for factors such as first impressions, directions that are easily understood, taste, mixability, side effects, and value. Our testers evaluate the products based on their own individual experiences and preferences. We then review their testing feedback and data to share our findings and recommendations with you.
Formula
We work with a registered dietitian (RD) during testing to find the most effective and safe strong pre-workout formulas. We primarily focus on pre-workout supplements without artificial sweeteners and other additives, while prioritizing clinically dosed formulations.
Taste and Texture
Flavor is an important part of our testing process. We ask our testers to provide feedback on the taste, texture, and pleasantness of the flavor of each pre-workout supplement. We rate sweetness on a scale of 1 to 5, based on how strong the sweetness is. A score of 5 is best-tasting, 1 is not drinkable. We also consider texture, and ask our tester to record any grittiness, clumps, frothiness, or conversely, smoothness and creaminess.
Mixability
When mixing pre-workout into a liquid, we prepare the product exactly as advised by the brand. We then pay close attention to how well the powder dissolves, wanting to avoid grittiness in the taste and odd textures, like chunks.
Third-Party Testing
We chose pre-workout supplements that have been third-party tested. Third-party testing ensures independent verification of safety, purity, as well as nutrition label accuracy. This helps to reduce the risk of mislabeling or underdosing. Third-party testing also checks for harmful substances such as heavy metals, pesticides, and more for safety.
For athletes, third-party testing is paramount to knowing that the pre-workout they’ve chosen does not contain any banned substances. Independent testing and certifications help to build consumer trust. The FDA does not regulate supplements, so it’s vital to have independent testing done to ensure safety, accuracy, and quality.
Value
When considering value, we place a higher value on brands that source their ingredients in America and have certifications, such as Informed Choice.
How to Find the Best Strong Pre-Workout for You
Everyone has different pre-workout needs depending on your fitness goals, dietary needs, allergies, and pre-existing health conditions. Here’s what to consider when selecting the strongest pre-workout for you.
Your Tolerance Levels
Strong pre-workouts are not for everyone, and may take some time to slowly adjust to and increase your tolerance for. It’s best to start low and slow with your dosage, and increase as it works best for you. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions, and do not go over the recommended dose.
Flavors
It’s best to find a flavor of pre-workout that you genuinely enjoy to make it a more enjoyable, sustainable part of your exercise routine. A great-tasting pre-workout turns your workouts into something you can look forward to, helping you stay committed over time. Finding flavors you like can make it easier to stick to your fitness routine and support your performance goals.
Formula
It’s important to check a pre-workout’s ingredient list and formula before purchasing. Strong pre-workouts can vary widely in their blends of caffeine, amino acids, boosters, and focus enhancers. Some are high-stimulant for maximum energy, while others are stimulant-free for those who are sensitive or prefer training later in the day.
Cost
Strong pre-workout supplements can be expensive, so it’s smart to consider your budget when choosing one for regular use. Formulas with cleaner ingredients, such as those without artificial sweeteners, fillers, or unnecessary additives often cost more due to their quality and ingredient sourcing.
Third-Party Testing
Third-party testing independently verifies the safety, purity, and label accuracy of pre-workout supplements since the FDA does not regulate them. This process helps protect you from mislabeling, contamination, and banned substances, while also building trust and giving you confidence in what you’re taking.
Benefits of Strong Pre-Workouts
Taking a strong pre-workout supplement before exercising can have multiple benefits on both your physical and mental endurance and focus. Here are just a few of the benefits:
Improved mental focus: Ingredients such as caffeine, huperzine a, B vitamins, and more can all support you to stay focused and energized throughout your workout sesh.
Increased endurance: With the help of a strong pre-workout supplement, you’ll be able to push through tough and challenging workouts.
More energy: Caffeine can help with alertness and focus during your workout.
Muscle gain: A strong pre-workout supplement can help you train at higher intensities, for longer, supporting you as you burn fat and gain muscle.
How to Take the Strongest Pre-Workout Supplements
The FDA recommends a maximum intake of 400 milligrams caffeine per day for adults. That’s about two to three 12-ounce servings of coffee. Keep in mind that caffeine can come from other sources, such as chocolate, energy or protein bars, and some OTC medications. Be careful about your caffeine intake when adding in a pre-workout, being mindful of not overdoing it.
What to Avoid in the Strongest Pre-Workouts
When shopping for a strong pre-workout supplement, there are a couple of things to be aware of and avoid. Here are a few:
Proprietary blends: Some supplement brands hide ingredient amounts behind proprietary blends, which you can identify by reviewing the nutrition label. These blends aren’t transparent about dosing, so you could be taking more (or less than!) the clinically researched effective amounts.
Added sugar: Artificial sources of sugars, such as sucralose or aspartame, do not provide any nutritional value. Look instead for strong pre-workout sweetened with monk fruit or stevia.
Frequently asked questions
What is considered a strong pre-workout?
We chose Transparent Labs’ Bulk Black Pre-Workout for the strongest pre-workout overall because of its high caffeine content (325 mg) and clinically backed dosages of both citrulline malate and beta-alanine.
What are the side effects of taking strong pre-workouts?
Some side effects of taking a strong pre-workout supplement can be jitters, stomach upset, skin tingling (paresthesia), and an increased heart rate or feelings of anxiety.
Is 300 mg of caffeine OK for pre-workout?
Yes, 300 milligrams are within the 400-milligram caffeine limit recommended by the FDA. However, if you are sensitive to caffeine, you may want to start with half a dose of a strong pre-workout with 300 or more milligrams of caffeine. It’s important to also consider the total amount of caffeine you are consuming per day (including other caffeine sources such as coffee, tea, chocolate, OTC medications, and more).
