There’s a category of supplements called nootropics, which seem tailor-made for working folks. Nootropics, also known as “cognitive enhancers,” supposedly help with things like focus, mental processing, memory, and general cognitive support—all essential tools for a productive work week. But is there any research behind them?
We looked at one product in this category, called Alpha Brain, to examine ingredients and claims. We also asked a tester to try it and share his feedback with us. Here’s what we learned.
Key Takeaways
Onnit Labs’ Alpha Brain supplement is a caffeine-free daily nootropic that the company says helps with cognitive support, including memory, focus, and mental processing speed.
We used our comprehensive testing methodology, focusing on clarity and transparency, to evaluate Alpha Brain and report our findings.
We’ve also previously reviewed iron supplements, NMN supplements, vitamins for energy, and omega-3 supplements.
Why Trust Fortune
Our team of expert testers has tried hundreds of the most popular supplements on the market today, using our comprehensive supplement testing methodology to find the best products for all folks.
Onnit Alpha Brain
Capsule-based supplement aimed at sharpening focus, memory, and mental processing
Onnit Alpha Brain Specs
SpecsDetailsPrice$79.95Number of Servings45Price Per Serving$1.78Key IngredientsVitamin B6, Onnit Flow Blend (L‑Tyrosine, L‑Theanine, oat extract, Phosphatidylserine), Cat’s Claw extract, Onnit Focus Blend (L‑Alpha‑glycerylphosphorylcholine, bacopa extract, Toothed Clubmoss extract), Onnit Fuel Blend (L‑Leucine, Pterostilbene)Third-Party TestingNoServing Size2 capsulesPriceDetails$79.95Number of ServingsDetails45Price Per ServingDetails$1.78Key IngredientsDetailsVitamin B6, Onnit Flow Blend (L‑Tyrosine, L‑Theanine, oat extract, Phosphatidylserine), Cat’s Claw extract, Onnit Focus Blend (L‑Alpha‑glycerylphosphorylcholine, bacopa extract, Toothed Clubmoss extract), Onnit Fuel Blend (L‑Leucine, Pterostilbene)Third-Party TestingDetailsNoServing SizeDetails2 capsules
Our Experience with Alpha Brain
Onnit Labs’ Alpha Brain supplement is designed to be taken daily, starting with one capsule and building up to two, the full serving size. The advertised benefits include memory support, improved focus, help with mental processing, help achieving a flow state (or “being in the zone”), and even enhanced productivity during work.
The formula is free of caffeine, and the key ingredients are listed on the company’s website with accompanying claims about their efficacy. For example, vitamin B6 is described as having a role in “the production of neurotransmitters that support brain health and cognitive function,” while L-theanine is listed as an ingredient that “helps to deepen concentration and encourages alpha brain wave activity that promotes flow state.”
It’s also worth mentioning that Onnit Labs was involved in a 2024 class action lawsuit, with the plaintiff claiming that Alpha Brain was falsely advertising its benefits. However, the following year the case was dismissed after the parties involved reached a settlement in principle.
Our tester, Pete, tried this product. Here’s what he had to say about the experience.
What We Liked
Here are some of the things we rated highly.
Clarity of instructions (5 out of 5): Pete found the instructions easy to read and follow, noting that they included the following: “Adults, as a dietary supplement, take two capsules daily, preferably with a light meal. Do not take more than one serving in a 24-hour period.”
Packaging (5 out of 5): Onnit’s Alpha Brain comes in a plastic bottle, and Pete said, “The label design is excellent—all of the font is easy to read, and the label highlights the product’s key features.”
Tolerance (5 out of 5): Pete reported, “I didn’t notice any negative side effects or digestive issues,” though he also added that he only used the supplement for one day.
According to Pete, Onnit Labs’ Alpha Brain comes in a translucent bottle that allows you to easily see the capsules inside, and the lid’s rubbery coating made it “easy to grip to open and close.” Pete also loved the label design, noting that it was easy to read and clearly highlighted the product’s main features.
Even though instructions say to take two capsules daily, preferably with a light meal, we noticed that the company’s website recommends starting with one capsule at first and building from there. The company also advises consumers not to take more than one serving in a 24-hour period. After taking the supplement Pete said he didn’t experience any side effects.
What We Would Change
While Pete rated this product favorably, there were a couple of drawbacks.
Swallowability (3 out of 5): While Pete didn’t necessarily mind taking the capsules, noting they were “average in size,” he still thought there was for improvement.
Taste (3 out of 5): Pete reported that the capsules were tasteless, so gave a fairly neutral rating. However, some people may prefer flavored supplements instead.
Another drawback, according to Pete: “I didn’t notice any beneficial effects in terms of focus, memory, reaction time, or mood when using this product.” However, there’s a big caveat, as Pete also said, “I did only use this supplement for one day, and nootropics appear to work best with consistent use over time.” So, while we won’t consider that a strike against the product given our tester’s short-term use, we do want to mention it’s worth paying attention to whether you’re experiencing any noticeable changes.
Lack of transparency was another issue. As Pete explained, “The issue is that these ingredients are included in proprietary blends, meaning we don’t know the actual amount of each ingredient in the product. This makes it impossible to know whether the ingredients are in research-backed doses. I personally wouldn’t buy a supplement that uses proprietary blends.”
We also noticed a significant number of negative reviews on the company website, including some from people who felt the product was ineffective, and others are from people who say they felt unwell while taking the product. As always, we recommend speaking with a healthcare provider before adding any new supplements to your routine.
Who It’s For & Who It’s Not For
Supplements are seldom one-size-fits-all. Here’s who this product is better suited for.
Alpha Brain is for:Alpha Brain is not for:Those seeking cognitive supportPregnant womenThose who have consulted with a healthcare provider, discussing health goals and specific medical needsBreastfeeding womenAdults 18 years and olderAdolescents under 18 years of ageThose seeking cognitive supportAlpha Brain is not for:Pregnant womenThose who have consulted with a healthcare provider, discussing health goals and specific medical needsAlpha Brain is not for:Breastfeeding womenAdults 18 years and olderAlpha Brain is not for:Adolescents under 18 years of age
Comparing Alpha Brain to Other Products
SpecsOnnit Alpha BrainNoocube Brain ProductivityHello100 Lion’s ManeTransparent Labs CognitionFormCapsuleCapsuleCapsuleCapsuleMain Ingredients Vitamin B6, L‑theanine, L‑tyrosineBacopa monnieri, L‑theanine, L‑tyrosine, cholineLion’s maneVitamin B6, L-theanine, Vitamin B12Serving Size2 capsules2 capsules2 capsules2 capsulesThird-Party TestingNoNoYesYesPrice$79.95$79.99$49.99$49.99Cost Per Serving$1.78$2.66$0.83$1.67FormOnnit Alpha BrainCapsuleNoocube Brain ProductivityCapsuleHello100 Lion’s ManeCapsuleTransparent Labs CognitionCapsuleMain Ingredients Onnit Alpha BrainVitamin B6, L‑theanine, L‑tyrosineNoocube Brain ProductivityBacopa monnieri, L‑theanine, L‑tyrosine, cholineHello100 Lion’s ManeLion’s maneTransparent Labs CognitionVitamin B6, L-theanine, Vitamin B12Serving SizeOnnit Alpha Brain2 capsulesNoocube Brain Productivity2 capsulesHello100 Lion’s Mane2 capsulesTransparent Labs Cognition2 capsulesThird-Party TestingOnnit Alpha BrainNoNoocube Brain ProductivityNoHello100 Lion’s ManeYesTransparent Labs CognitionYesPriceOnnit Alpha Brain$79.95Noocube Brain Productivity$79.99Hello100 Lion’s Mane$49.99Transparent Labs Cognition$49.99Cost Per ServingOnnit Alpha Brain$1.78Noocube Brain Productivity$2.66Hello100 Lion’s Mane$0.83Transparent Labs Cognition$1.67
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Alpha Brain FDA approved?
No. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t approve dietary supplements for safety or efficacy, so ingredients and their amounts may differ from what’s on the label. For that reason, we look for products that have been third-party tested to confirm safety and accuracy.
Is Alpha Brain bad for the liver?
We didn’t find any information on the company’s website warning against possible liver damage, but there is a general note of caution that says, “Warning: Consult a medical doctor before taking this or any other nutritional supplement if you have or suspect a medical condition and/or are taking any medications. Not to be used in pregnant or breastfeeding women or in adolescents under 18 years of age. Do not use if you are pregnant or nursing. Store in a cool, dry place. Keep out of reach of children.”
What are the potential side effects of Alpha Brain?
The Onnit Labs website didn’t mention specific side effects to watch for, but we recommend speaking with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement. Your provider should be able to help determine whether this is the right supplement for you, and advise on possible side effects.
