If it’s difficult to turn your brain off after a long day of brainstorming, meetings, and even work travel, supplementing with magnesium may help you get the restful zzz’s you’re longing for.
Magnesium (and in particular, magnesium glycinate) can play a role in achieving better sleep by calming your nervous system, relaxing your muscles, and reducing cortisol levels. We tested and selected the five best magnesium supplements of the year, providing options like capsules or a powdered drink mix. Read on for our picks and advice on the best time to take magnesium for sleep.
Best Magnesium Supplements of 2026
Best Magnesium Supplement Comparison Table
Best Magnesium Supplement Overall: Nutricost Magnesium
Nutricost Magnesium
An affordable, trustworthy magnesium supplement
Our Thoughts on Nutricost Magnesium
Nutricost’s Magnesium is our pick for the best overall magnesium because it is dosed at 210 milligrams per serving, a good middle-range serving suitable for beginners and advanced users alike. It’s also made in an NSF-certified, GMP-compliant facility and is third-party tested. The cost is also easy to budget for: each serving costs only 39 cents, and you can buy 30, 60, or 120 servings at one time, so you’ll shop less frequently.
Pete tested this magnesium, rating his first impression of the product a 5 out of 5. “Nutricost’s Magnesium Glycinate comes in a small plastic container with a blue screw top lid that opens and closes easily. The container is travel-friendly and would be easy to fit in a backpack or purse,” Pete said. He added that the label design is simple and easy to read, and fits Nutricost’s recognizable, budget-friendly aesthetic.
Our tester rated ease of reading and following the instructions a 5 out of 5. “This magnesium supplement comes in capsules and the powder inside is white in color,” Pete noted. The recommended serving size is three capsules per day. In terms of size, Pete thought the capsules were a little larger than average at just over 1 inch in length and roughly ¾ of a centimeter in diameter.
It was easy for Pete to take this magnesium, and he rated it a 3 out of 5 for both taste and swallowability. The capsules were tasteless. He didn’t experience any side effects or digestive issues after taking this supplement, rating his experience a 5 out of 5.
Magnesium bisglycinate is one of the most popular supplemental forms of magnesium. Most people use it as a sleep aid, taking it around an hour or so before bed to help relax the body and improve overall sleep quality. “This is because magnesium plays a role in regulating GABA receptors and melatonin pathways,” Pete wrote. “Magnesium glycinate is also easier on the stomach than magnesium oxide or magnesium citrate and is much less likely to cause a laxative effect.”
Specs
Formula: Magnesium bisglycinate
Cost per serving: 39 cents
Third party testing: Yes
Form: Capsules
Best Magnesium Supplement for Muscle Recovery: Ritual Magnesium+
Ritual Magnesium+
A 2-in-1 sleep and muscle recovery supplement
Our Thoughts on Ritual Magnesium+
Ritual Magnesium+ is our pick for the best magnesium supplement for muscle recovery because it includes both magnesium bisglycinate and tart cherry juice from Montmorency cherries. Tart cherry juice has been studied and found to be clinically effective in muscle recovery and for reducing oxidative stress caused by exercise.
Grant tested this magnesium, rating his first impression of the product a 5 out of 5. “The packaging is very clean-looking and not oversized,” he said. “It’s a standard screw-top supplement bottle–easy to store, pack, take on the go, and simple to open and close.”
According to Grant, the instructions were extremely easy to follow, as all you need to do is mix two teaspoons with eight ounces of water. “The only downside is that a scoop is not included,” Grant added, rating the instructions a 5 out of 5.
He rated mixability a 5 out of 5 as well. “The powder dissolved very easily. There were no visible chunks or undissolved bits remaining after 60 seconds of shaking,” he described. Keep in mind that the powder is very fine, so be careful when shaking or swirling without a tight lid; the powder could get everywhere.
Grant didn’t care for the flavor or sweetness of Ritual’s Magnesium+. “The flavor was berry, but the taste was not great,” he said. “I found the drink difficult to drink on its own, and found myself mixing it with electrolytes to mask the taste better.” He found the taste to be a little on the bitter side, and only a hint of berry.
Aside from the taste, Grant had a good experience testing this magnesium for sleep. “I frequently have trouble staying asleep throughout the night, and wanted to try this as a solution,” he said. “My Oura ring recorded my three best nights of sleep in the past three months after taking Ritual’s Magnesium+ 60 minutes before bed. The only downside was that I had some slight digestive issues for a few days after taking it. I think this would likely level out after getting used to the product.”
Specs
Formula: Magnesium bisglycinate and tart cherry juice
Cost per serving: $1.66
Third party testing: Yes
Form: Powder
Best Magnesium Glycinate Supplement: Transparent Labs MAG
Transparent Labs MAG
Chelated form improves absorption and reduces digestive issues
Our Thoughts on Transparent Labs MAG
Transparent Labs MAG is our pick for the best magnesium glycinate supplement. It contains 300 milligrams of chelated magnesium per serving. It’s delivered as magnesium bisglycinate chelate, which is a well-absorbed form of magnesium that won’t have the common laxative effects of cheaper forms of magnesium like magnesium citrate or magnesium oxide.
Magnesium bisglycinate is typically easier on the stomach and better suited for long-term use. The tolerable upper intake level of magnesium is 350 milligram for adults, so this is a clinically effective serving. Potential benefits include better sleep, stress reduction, and overall health.
Pete tested Transparent Labs MAG, rating his first impression a 5 out of 5. Transparent Labs’ Mag Bisglycinate comes in a white plastic container with a screw top lid that opens and closes easily. He noted that the container is roughly the size of his palm and should fit relatively easily in a purse or small backpack. Our tester thought the label looked high-quality and found it easy to read.
“The label shows that the product is Informed Choice certified, which confirms third-party testing,” Pete added.
Of the supplements themselves, the magnesium comes in a clear capsule and the powder inside is white. The recommended serving size is three capsules, which folks will likely want to divvy up into multiple swallows.
“The capsules are larger than average, over 1-inch in length and slightly over 1 cm in diameter. They are big and taking all three capsules at once would be a challenge,” says Pete.
The price per serving is affordable at 57 cents per three capsules. This supplement contains 300 milligrams of Magnesium as Magnesium bisglycinate chelate. “This isn’t a product where you would notice any immediate effects,” said Pete. He didn’t notice any negative side effects or digestive issues, rating this category a 5 out of 5.
Specs
Formula: Magnesium bisglycinate chelate
Cost per serving: 56 cents
Third party testing: Yes
Form: Capsules
Best Budget Magnesium Supplement: Luma Nutrition Magnesium Glycinate Sleep & Calm
Luma Nutrition Magnesium Glycinate Sleep & Calm
Less than a dollar per serving
Our Thoughts on Luma Nutrition Magnesium Glycinate Sleep & Calm
Luma Nutrition’s Magnesium Glycinate Sleep & Calm is our pick for the best budget magnesium supplement–it costs 99 cents per serving, and you can save even more by participating in the subscribe and save option (25% off as of this writing). It’s a single ingredient formula containing 1,000 milligrams of magnesium glycinate, which equates to 200 milligrams of elemental magnesium per serving.
Pete tested Luma Nutrition’s Magnesium Glycinate Sleep & Calm, rating his first impression a 5 out of 5. “Luma Nutrition’s Magnesium Glycinate supplement comes in a dark amber plastic container with a screw top lid that opens and closes easily,” he wrote. “The label has a glossy finish that looks nice, and the on-label text is easy to read.”
Our tester compared the container to about the size of his palm, noting that it should fit without difficulty into a small purse or backpack.
The product is intended to support better sleep, stress management, and overall health. “This chelated form of magnesium is typically gentle on the stomach and doesn’t have the laxative effect often seen with other magnesium supplements like magnesium citrate or magnesium oxide,” said Pete. “The 200 milligrams is an effective dose and should help support a calm and restful night’s sleep.”
The instructions were easy to read and follow; Pete rated them a 5 out of 5. When it comes to swallowability, he rated it a 3 out of 5. This magnesium supplement comes in a clear capsule and the powder inside is off-white in color. The capsule is larger than what may be considered average at about 1 inch in length and 1 centimeter in diameter. The recommended serving size is two capsules per day.
The capsules were tasteless and odorless, and Pete did not experience any side effects or digestive distress after taking Luma Nutrition’s Magnesium Glycinate Sleep & Calm.
Specs
Formula: Magnesium glycinate
Cost per serving: 99 cents
Third party testing: Yes
Form: Capsules
Best Magnesium Supplement for Sleep: AGZ
AGZ
Athletic Greens’ powder supplement for sleep
Our Thoughts on AGZ
AGZ is our pick for the best magnesium supplement for sleep because it’s a melatonin-free nighttime sleep aid. It’s designed to support a restful night’s sleep by helping your body wind down in the evening and improve your sleep quality. The main ingredients in the formula include Magtein (magnesium L-Threonate), magnesium bisglycinate, glycine, myo-inositol, ashwagandha leaf extract, L-theanine, saffron stigma extract, and a calming herbs and antioxidant blend.
Pete tested AGZ, rating his first impression a 5 out of 5. AGZ is AG1’s nighttime sleep support supplement. “It comes in convenient, travel-friendly stick packs that are roughly six inches long and about an inch wide. The packaging is a bit tough to actually tear open, so I used a pair of scissors to open the packets to avoid spilling any powder. The pre-portioned stick packs eliminate the need for a scoop and ensure you get an exact serving every time,” Pete said.
He rated mixability a 5 out of 5: the product dissolved completely during the 60-second shake. “There were no chunks or clumps, and the texture was completely smooth,” Pete said.
The taste and sweetness were both pleasant; Pete rated them at a moderate 3 out of 5 (not too sweet). “I tested the chocolate mint flavor and it was definitely an interesting taste. I tasted the mint but really wasn’t getting any chocolate flavor. In fact, if I didn’t know it the flavor was Chocolate Mint, I would have guessed like a Chai Tea flavor. I kept getting a very warm, spice like flavor with each sip. I wouldn’t say the flavor was bad, but I probably wouldn’t look forward to drinking it on a nightly basis. I would be interested in trying their other flavors, Chocolate or Mixed Berry,” Pete said.
He added: “The product really wasn’t sweet at all which was perfect before bed, I don’t think I’d want something super sweet before settling down for the night. The powder dissolved extremely well in water and the texture was totally smooth.”
Of his experience, Pete said he felt nice and relaxed after taking AGZ. He followed the directions and took it about 90 minutes before bed. He noticed that he felt a bit more relaxed than usual after taking the supplement. He started feeling the effects after 30 minutes. Pete noted later that he fell asleep pretty quickly after getting into bed and shutting his eyes.
Specs
Formula: Magnesium L-Threonate, magnesium bisglycinate
Cost per serving: $3.30
Third party testing: Yes
Form: Powder (mix with water)
How We Tested and Selected the Best Magnesium Supplements
We tested and chose the best magnesium supplements for you by evaluating formulations, taste, swallowability, third-party testing, value, and more. Here’s more about our testing.
Formula
We work with a registered dietitian during testing to find the most effective and safest magnesium formulations. The recommended daily value for adults is 310 to 420 milligrams per day, with higher amounts for men.
Taste and Swallowability
When testing magnesium supplements, we consider the taste of the capsules (if any). Our testers also report on ease of swallowing the supplements, number of capsules to swallow, and other details such as any bitterness or aftertaste.
Third-Party Testing
Our team places a strong emphasis on products that undergo third‑party testing. This typically means an independent lab has verified that what’s on the label matches what’s in the container and has checked for certain contaminants.
Dietary supplements are not regulated by the FDA in the same way as drugs or many conventional foods, so quality can vary widely from brand to brand. When possible, we favor options that clearly disclose reputable third‑party certifications, such as Informed Choice or NSF-certified.
Value
We weigh all factors against the cost per serving rather than just looking for the cheapest option. A product that’s a bit more expensive but offers a stronger formula, better taste, and robust quality testing may earn a higher spot than a budget pick that cuts corners.
How to Find the Best Magnesium Supplements for You
The best magnesium for you will depend on your health goals, budget, and how your body tolerates it. Here are some aspects to consider when shopping for the best magnesium supplement for you.
Your Personal Needs
Consider why you want to take magnesium–is it for sleep, stress reduction, migraines, or something else? This can play into what type of magnesium you purchase, and how much you take.
Form
Magnesium comes in several different forms and is frequently available as capsules or as a powder you’ll mix with liquid. Consider what will work best for your lifestyle before purchasing.
Formula
Check the supplement label on the product page or back of the magnesium bottle. Consider if you’d like to take magnesium by itself, or if you’d like to stack it with other ingredients (such as vitamin D or other vitamins).
Cost
Calculate the price per serving, and how often you’ll be buying your magnesium supplement. Supplements can be pricey–keep in mind that cleaner supplements that are third-party tested may cost a little more, though we think the cost is worth it for safety and efficacy.
Third-Party Testing
Look for supplements that are third‑party tested, so you know they contain what the label claims and are screened for common contaminants. Independent testing is especially important for athletes, because it lowers the risk of inadvertent exposure to banned substances.
Benefits of Magnesium Supplements
Magnesium helps many aspects of your body–optimizing your levels can help support whole body health.
Muscle and nerve function: Magnesium supports muscle contraction and relaxation, and helps nerves send signals properly
Sleep benefits: Magnesium can aid relaxation and improve sleep
Constipation relief: Magnesium citrate and oxide can draw water into your intestines, easing constipation
How to Take Magnesium Supplements
When taking a magnesium supplement, we recommend following the manufacturer’s instructions on the label as directed. It’s also good to discuss taking any new supplements with your doctor ahead of starting, in case they’d recommend a suitable starting dose or brand for you.
What to Avoid in Magnesium Supplements
Some ingredients or manufacturing practices can make a magnesium supplement less ideal for everyday use. Here’s what to avoid when shopping for a magnesium supplement:
Proprietary blends that aren’t clear about how much magnesium is in each serving
Formulas made with high‑dose magnesium, which can cause diarrhea and issues in folks who manage kidney problems
Frequently asked questions
What is the best form of magnesium to take?
Nutricost’s Magnesium is our pick for the best overall magnesium because it is dosed at 210 milligrams per serving, a good middle-range serving suitable for beginners and advanced users alike.
Magnesium in the form of magnesium bisglycinate chelate is a well-absorbed form of magnesium that won’t have the common laxative effects of cheaper forms of magnesium like magnesium citrate or magnesium oxide. Magnesium bisglycinate is typically easier on the stomach and better suited for long-term use, too.
Is magnesium good for sleep?
Yes, supplementing with magnesium has been shown to help improve sleep and mood in some cases.
How often should I take magnesium?
Magnesium can be taken once a day. If you are using it for sleep, we recommend taking your dose about an hour or so before bedtime.
