Best Pre-Workout for Men (2023): Power Through Your Workout

There are a lot of times when we as men will be a bit boastful and refuse help from anyone or anything—unless that’s a scoop of pre-workout to help get us through leg day. The problem, however, is that there are so many options to pick from—the global pre-workout industry was valued at more than $15 billion in 2021¹.   

So while it might be hard for some to pick out the best pre-workout for men, that’s not the case for us. As a morning gym-goer, I’ve tried my fair share of pre-workouts to increase energy and help me complete my workout, and as a certified nutrition coach, I know how to tell the good ones from the junk brands.

In this piece, we’ll run down our picks for the best pre-workout for men and have Laila Ouldibbat, a New York City-based registered dietitian who’s pursuing a Ph.D. in Biological Sciences, explains the benefits of each one. 

In addition to being regular gym-goers who know the ins and outs of barbells and mass gainers, the Garage Gym Reviews team is stacked with nutritional experts, certified personal trainers, USA Weightlifting coaches, and competitive triathletes. We used more than four dozen pre-workouts during our regular training sessions to judge them based on these five factors:

• Formulation: Does it have research-backed ingredients?
• Dosages: Is there enough of the important ingredients in each pre-workout?
• Price per serving: How much does each scoop cost?
• Effects: Did it work for our testers and customer reviewers?
• Third-party testing: Has it been checked for banned substances and harmful toxins?

Medical disclaimer: This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. For health advice, contact a licensed healthcare provider. GGR also recommends choosing a product that has been third-party tested for quality.

• Editor’s Choice: Onnit Alpha Brain
• Best Pre-Workout for Men Overall: Kaged Pre-Kaged
• Best Pre-Workout for Men for Weight Loss: Transparent Labs Lean
• Best Pre-Workout for Men Without Artificial Sweetener: Transparent Labs BULK
• Best Natural Pre-Workout for Men:  Legion Pulse
• Best Budget Pre-Workout for Men: Jacked Factory Nitrosurge
• Best High-Caffeine Pre-Workout for Men: Huge Supplements Wrecked
• Best Pre-Workout for Men for Muscle Gain: Blackwolf
• Best Pre-Workout for Men for Focus: Pre JYM Pre-Workout
• Best Pre-Workout for Men with Creatine: Gorilla Mode
• Best Pre-Workout for Men for Beginners: Genius PRE
• Best Pre-Workout for Men Without Caffeine: Swolverine PRE
• Best Pre-Workout Energy Drink for Men: C4 Energy Drink
• Best Pre-Workout for Men with Deer Velvet: Bucked Up
• Best-Tasting Pre-Workout for Men: Redcon1 Total War
• Best Stim-Free Pre-Workout for Men: Transparent Labs Stim-Free
• Best High-Stim Pre-Workout for Men: El Jefe Pre-Workout

The 17 Best Pre-Workouts For Men 

Editor’s Choice: Onnit Alpha Brain

Good for: Men who want a pre-workout trusted by an expert weightlifting coach

Editor's Choice

Onnit Alpha BRAIN Pre-Workout

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Product Highlights

• 200 mg of caffeine
• Includes beta alanine and L-citrulline
• Priced around $3/serving; subscribe-and-save option available
• 2 flavors currently available

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 200 mg of caffeine
• Tiger's Blood flavor tastes great
• Includes 225 mg of ashwagandha extract
• Contains beta alanine and L-citrulline
• Subscribe-and-save option is available

Cons

• Only 2 flavors available, and Yuzu Peach isn't popular among our product testers
• $3/serving is expensive
• Key ingredients like citrulline and beta-alanine are under-dosed

Bottom Line

Onnit's Alpha BRAIN Pre-Workout is a unique blend of ingredients that our testers enjoyed for workouts where they wanted to be focused and energized. It only comes in two flavors; the Tiger's Blood flavor is our preferred choice.

Jacob Penner—a USA Weightlifting Level-2 Coach and owner of North Carolina-based Endless Strength Weightlifting—had three of his teammates try Onnit Alpha Brain pre-workout and they all reached the same conclusion: “This brings great focus and clarity to your workout.”

That’s not too surprising, since Alpha Brain has 200 milligrams of caffeine per scoop. You probably already know caffeine can boost energy, which is why you probably drink it, but it can also increase our mental alertness—which is what Jacob and his team felt. Unlike some strong pre-workouts, this one was a little more forgiving.

“It’s not overly stimulating; it’s more of just feeling very present and ready to do the work,” Jacob says. The pre-workout supplement contains Dynamine, which is a substance that can prolong caffeine’s effects. For that reason, Jacob and Onnit recommend not eating any other foods or beverages that contain more than 50 milligrams of caffeine to avoid staying up late at night or potential heart issues.

What about the pumps, you ask? “Two of our testers said they got a good pump from this pre-workout,” Jacob continues. This surprised us a little bit since it only has 2.4 grams of L-Citrulline, the substance that promotes blood flow to the muscles, which can result in increased vascularity. The recommended L-Citrulline dose is closer to 6 grams.

Best Overall Pre-Workout For Men: Kaged Pre-Kaged

Good for: Those who are looking for a good all-in-one pre-workout that can cover multiple needs 

Best Overall

Kaged Pre-Kaged Pre-Workout

GGR Score: 4.16

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Product Highlights

• Contains research-backed dosages of key ingredients like caffeine, creatine, and citrulline
• Informed Sport-certified, meaning it’s been tested for quality assurance and banned substances. 
• 7 flavors are available

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Good formulation of research-backed ingredients
• Label transparency
• 7 flavors and users overwhelmingly like the taste

Cons

• Big serving size
• Expensive

Bottom Line

Kaged Pre-Kaged is expensive, but is formulated with research-backed dosages of key ingredients like caffeine, creatine, beta-alanine, and citrulline.

If you’re looking for a pre-workout that’ll do more than get you buzzed off caffeine and stimulants, we highly recommend checking out Pre-Kaged. There are a few things we love about this product, most notably its highly transparent ingredient label and clinically dosed ingredients—meaning there’s enough of certain compounds to help with things like power output and energy, as supported by research. 

Laila also pointed out that Pre-Kaged contains both taurine and L-tyrosine, two compounds that reportedly help with electrolyte balance (which can help ensure your muscles work properly and improve cellular function) and neurotransmitters to assist with the mind-muscle connection and increase your focus.

Pre-Kaged comes with 274 milligrams of caffeine per scoop, which is roughly three eight-ounce cups of coffee. It also comes with 1.5 grams of creatine HCI, which is a more bioavailable form of creatine (meaning your body can more easily absorb it) and like creatine monohydrate (the most popular form of creatine), has been linked to increased strength and improved recovery.  

RELATED: Best Creatine

You also get 100 milligrams of antioxidants from whole food sources to support cellular and metabolic health, Laila points out. Speaking of whole foods, Pre-Kaged is also a good choice for those looking for organic pre-workouts as there are no artificial flavors or colors or synthetic ingredients—it’s au naturale. 

It’s also vegan-friendly, gluten-free, and has zero genetically modified organisms. 

Although Pre-Kaged is pretty expensive at $2.25 per scoop, we think its high-quality and well-dosed ingredients make it the best pre-workout for men—and women, too. 

My taste-testing thoughts: I liked the Krisp Apple flavor but I did notice a weird mouth-feel while drinking it, and there were some clumps leftover after mixing.

Best Pre-Workout for Men for Weight Loss: Transparent Labs LEAN

Good for: Those on a cut, or people who are trying to lose body fat 

Best for Weight Loss

Transparent Labs LEAN Pre-Workout

GGR Score: 4.25

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Product Highlights

• Formulated for those looking to lose weight but maintain muscle mass
• 14 grams of evidence-based ingredients
• Naturally flavored and sweetened with Stevia
• Available in 9 different flavors
• Backed by a 60-day money-back guarantee

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Includes vitamins/micronutrients to support thyroid production
• High levels of citrulline to increase oxygen delivery to muscles
• No artificial sweeteners
• No artificial colors
• 60-day money-back guarantee

Cons

• Bitter and unpleasant taste for some consumers
• Several reports of receiving wrong item

Bottom Line

Transparent Labs’ LEAN pre-workout supplement promises to deliver better endurance, power, alertness, and focus. The fat loss component is less of a guarantee with few reports of an actual change in body composition.

It should be noted that no supplement, regardless of its marketing claims, is going to be the magic key for weight loss. That said, LEAN has some ingredients that, coupled with a good training plan and diet, could help support your weight loss journey. 

Most notably, this pre-workout formula contains research-backed doses of iodine and zinc to assist thyroid function, which plays a huge role in regulating your metabolism. There’s also selenium to support hormone metabolism and antioxidant function. 

The 180 milligrams of caffeine might seem low—it’s about a cup and a half of coffee—but Laila points out that Transparent Labs adds a compound called Infinergy that helps prolong caffeine’s performance-enhancing side effects (increased energy and stamina). In other words, the caffeine will stay in your system longer and you won’t experience a crash. 

She also says the lower caffeine content won’t interfere with your body’s internal thermometer, or thermoregulation, like some people see with higher doses (this is why some people might feel a bit cold if they drink too much coffee). 

There are also 6 grams of citrulline malate, which can support reduced muscle fatigue and improve training performance. 

I personally found Transparent Labs’ flavors to be just fine, but they were a bit flat. I did enjoy the increased energy boost without the crash.

Best Pre-Workout for Men Without Artificial Sweetener: Transparent Labs BULK

Good for: People who are focused on gaining muscle in the gym and want to avoid artificial sweeteners

Best Without Artificial Sweetener

Transparent Labs BULK Pre-Workout

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Product Highlights

• Formulated to help support muscle gain 
• 20 grams of research-based active ingredients per serving 
• 8 flavor variations are available

 

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Transparent ingredient list
• No artificial sweetener or color
• Moderate dose of caffeine
• 8 flavor options
• 60-day money-back assurance

Cons

• No creatine
• Some users report it tastes bad

Bottom Line

Transparent Labs’ BULK supplement is attractive to those whose primary focus is split between potential muscle gain and a pre-workout pump. While the taste is questionable, the product works well for most users.

Transparent Labs BULK is meant for people who are looking to increase their muscle mass, though people often get their supplements from this company due to its promise to use natural ingredients and provide transparent labeling at all times. As we can see, BULK contains no artificial sweeteners and is sweetened using natural stevia.

Some gym-goers be thrown off by the lower caffeine levels, but Laila says that’s actually a good thing for individuals looking to get in as many reps as possible. “Moderate doses have been found to ‘significantly increase repetitions to failure and readiness to invest effort in athletes,’’’ she says, pointing to a pair² of studies³. 

Those increased reps and effort can help build muscle gain, which is exactly the goal of those looking to BULK (puns are always intended around here). There is no creatine in this product, but I personally didn’t miss it. There’s also 4 grams of BCAAs, which have the potential to support muscle growth (the jury is still out, according to research).

The 4 grams of beta-alanine is more than the daily recommended dose, and though that amount can help boost muscular endurance and reduce muscle soreness, it can lead to a notable skin-tingling sensation for those who haven’t taken much of the amino acid in the past. 

As someone who’s taken his fair share of beta-alanine in the past, I feel like most trained individuals will be just fine taking this pre-workout, but I wouldn’t recommend it for beginners. The taste isn’t disagreeable but it’s nothing to write home about. 

Best Natural Pre-Workout for Men: Legion Athletics Pulse Pre-Workout

Good for: Anyone who values natural products 

Best Natural

Legion Athletics Pulse Pre-Workout

GGR Score: 4

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Product Highlights

• 100% nature-based
• Free from added sugar, food dyes, and other chemicals
• Full refund if not satisfied
• Can get with or without caffeine
• 15 flavors available

Pros & Cons

Pros

• All natural ingredients
• Free from dye and chemicals
• Naturally sweetened
• Intended to avoid the dreaded crash
• Full refund if not satisfied
• Can get with or without caffeine
• 15 flavors available

Cons

• Natural sweeteners make for a different taste—it may not be your cup of tea
• Only 21 servings per tub

Bottom Line

Formulated with all-natural ingredients, each of which are present at a high level, Pulse is a fan-favorite. If you’re trying to avoid artificial flavors and chemicals, this may be a good choice.

Not only does Legion Athletics Pulse Pre-Workout have 100-percent natural ingredients— with no artificial sweeteners, flavors, or food dyes—but all of its ingredients are present in research-backed doses to maximize energy production and strength levels.

We should warn that each two-scoop serving comes with 350 milligrams of caffeine, which might be a lot for some people, but you can easily just take one scoop. Unfortunately, that does mean you won’t get the clinical dose of ingredients like citrulline and beta-alanine, but you’re still getting a good amount of each with a half-serving. 

There are also 350 milligrams of the amino acid L-theanine, which can help boost mental awareness and counteract some of the negative side effects of caffeine.  

Citrulline is an ingredient that’s been linked to increases in high-intensity performance, and Legion puts 8 grams in each full serving, which is the amount that most researchers use in studies. 

Beta-alanine is an amino acid that has been found to support an increase muscular endurance and decrease fatigue in high-performance athletes, but it does create a skin-tingling sensation known as paresthesia (it essentially feels like you’re very itchy, though that feeling subsides after taking beta-alanine for a while). 

Legion has a bitter taste that may take some getting used to, but the high caffeine content doesn’t seem to have any negative side effects. Pulse might be an acquired taste, but I will say, I got this down before a strength training workout and felt all the positive effects.

Best Budget Pre-Workout for Men: Jacked Factory Nitrosurge

Good for: People who are on a budget 

Best Budget

Jacked Factory Nitrosurge Pre-Workout Powder

GGR Score: 4.25

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Product Highlights

• Vegan pre-workout 
• 180 mg of caffeine per scoop 
• Manufactured in USA in cGMP certified facility

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Available in multiple sizes: 30 or 60 servings
• Subscribe and save 15%
• Available in 11 flavors
• 100% money-back guarantee
• Manufactured in USA in cGMP certified facility
• Vegan
• Affordable at under $1 per serving (1 scoop serving)

Cons

• Mixed reviews on taste
• Mixed reviews on effectiveness
• Contains sucralose

Bottom Line

Jacked Factory Nitrosurge Pre-Workout is a generally positively reviewed pre-workout with 180 milligrams of caffeine and a large variety of flavor options.

At a time when the price of just about everything seems to be going up, I’m thankful for products like Jacked Factory Nitrosurge, which comes out to just under $1 per scoop (it’s even less than that if you put it on a monthly subscription). 

As is the case with most budget-friendly products, Nitrosurge doesn’t provide quite as much oomph as the other pre-workouts on this list, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t buy it. 

It’s a great choice for those looking for a low-caffeine workout—it contains 180 milligrams of caffeine, which is roughly two 8-ounce cups of coffee. Another key ingredient is L-Theanine, which when combined with caffeine can help increase reaction time and energy⁴.

It also has 1.6 grams of beta-alanine, which Laila says can help mitigate muscular fatigue and increase endurance. 

Related: Best greens powder

The Strawberry Margarita flavor was so good that GGR Head of Content and product tester Kate Meier wants to sip it over ice while sitting poolside.

Best High-Caffeine Pre-Workout for Men: Huge Supplements Wrecked

Good for: Those who need a big jolt of caffeine to get through their workout 

Lots of Caffeine

Huge Supplements Wrecked Pre-Workout

GGR Score: 4.25

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Product Highlights

• 4 flavor options
• 435mg of caffeine (from various sources)
• Clinically dosed ingredients
• $2.50 per serving

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Clinically-dosed ingredients
• Customer reviews state it's great for pumps
• Uses whole food sources

Cons

• Expensive, at $2.50 per serving
• Very high caffeine content
• No creatine

Bottom Line

Huge Supplements Wrecked is a high-caffeine pre-workout supplement that uses clinically-dosed ingredients to support increased energy levels and pumps.

We all know that person who can chug a Red Bull at 8 p.m. and still fall asleep two hours later, so if that’s you or someone you know, they might need Huge Supplements Wrecked. 

To support intense workouts, it contains 250 milligrams of caffeine anhydrous, which is a dehydrated form of caffeine that can help boost your performance in the gym, along with 100 milligrams of  di-caffeine malate, which is a buffered form of caffeine that stays in your system longer. It also has additional energy from coffee bean and green tea extract. 

Laila says caffeine isn’t the only thing on the ingredient list that’s present in high amounts—it also has 8 grams of L-citrulline, which helps support blood flow and reduced muscle soreness and fatigue. Most pre-workouts typically have around 6 grams of L-citrulline, but it should be noted that the extra 2 grams won’t make a substantial difference here. 

There’s no creatine, but it does have a clinically backed dose of beta-alanine, 3.5 grams, which can also help support strength levels. 

Although there are some artificial fillers, it also contains a number of whole food sources such as turmeric, fruits, vegetables, and Lion’s Mane mushrooms. 

GGR Performance Editor and product tester Anthony O’Reilly likened the Raspberry Mojito flavor to a drink you’d get at a touristy bar on a tropical island, except way more affordable and it doesn’t come in a frilly glass.

Best Pre-Workout for Men for Muscle Gain: BlackWolf

Good for: Anyone who wants creatine in their pre-workout for that extra oomph 

Best for Muscle Gain

BlackWolf Pre-Workout

GGR Score: 4

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Product Highlights

• Stimulant-free 
• Backed by over 25 clinical trials
• Available in 3 flavors
• Mixes well
• One flavor is caffeine-free

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Stimulant-free
• Tastes great
• Mixes well
• No post-workout crash
• Caffeine-free option
• 11 scientifically backed ingredients
• Free 10-week training program and cookbook included with purchase

Cons

• The dosage of beta-alanine can cause tingling and itching of the skin
• No user reviews on their website

Bottom Line

BlackWolf Pre-Workout contains 11 scientifically proven ingredients designed to improve energy, focus, and performance without any unwanted side effects.

There are a lot of questionable ingredients in pre-workouts and other supplements, but creatine’s benefits cannot be doubted when it comes to building muscle. Hundreds of scientific studies have shown that creatine improves endurance, strength, and power,” Laila says. “This study⁵ found that creatine monohydrate increased the fat-free mass in a group of bodybuilders by an average of 2 kilograms in just eight weeks.”

Blackwolf contains 3 grams of creatine, which is at the lower end of the daily recommended dose, but still enough to help support performance in the gym as indicated by research. 

RELATED: Creatine vs Pre-Workout

It also has a clinically recommended 6 grams of citrulline malate, which Laila says can “increase blood flow and boost nitric oxide levels, which relieves muscle soreness and stifles fatigue. It also enhances athletic performance and boosts stamina.”

There are three flavors to pick from, including a caffeine-free Fruit Punch that uses DMAE and huperzine to support focus. Laila says DMAE increases the production of a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine, which helps with focus and alertness (like caffeine), and huperzine slows down the breakdown of acetylcholine. 

The caffeinated versions come with 200 milligrams—which is a pretty moderate dose—plusamino acids, and branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) to help with muscle recovery. 

I tried out the Green Apple flavor. 

“[I] thought the taste and solubility was just fine—not my favorite, but not horrible.” 

Best Pre-Workout for Men for Focus: Best for Focus: Pre JYM Pre-Workout

Good for: Those who are looking for that ‘locked-in’ feeling when training

Best for Focus

JYM Supplement Science Pre JYM Pre-Workout

GGR Score: 4.25

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Product Highlights

• A pre-workout powder powerhouse
• Packed with lab- and gym-tested ingredients
• 9 different flavors to pick from
• Boosts strength, energy, endurance, mindset, and muscle growth
• 14 active ingredients and a nutritional supplement
• Higher potency with 26-gram scoops
• Award-winning brand and pre-workout supplement

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Helps boost your energy for any workout
• Supports mental focus with caffeine, alpha-GPC, and huperzine A
• Includes amino acids to promote muscular strength and endurance
• Great for men and women

Cons

• Do not take up to 6 hours before bed
• Some reviewers don’t love the flavors
• Reviewer complaints about high sucralose and sugar levels
• Shares equipment that handles eggs, milk, soy, tree nuts, and wheat
• Not third-party tested

Bottom Line

Fuel your body with a delicious pre-workout supplement with nutrients and 14 active ingredients for an energy-boosting workout.

If you’ve heard of Jim Stoppani, you shouldn’t be too surprised to learn that his Pre JYM Pre-Workout was our top choice for the best pre-workout for focus. In addition to the 300 milligrams of cognitive-boosting caffeine, the expert exercise physiologist includes Huperzine A, a cognitive enhancer linked with improved memory and mental function⁶, and Taurine, an amino acid that can also act as a neurotransmitter, according to studies⁷.

Our expert product testers certainly felt the effects. “It’s almost like putting horse blinders on your head that only allow you to focus on the weights,” says Anthony O’Reilly, GGR performance editor and product tester.

Jacob Penner, a USA Weightlifting Level 2 coach who has tried more than 50 pre-workouts, had a similar experience. ““I’ve taken this at least half a dozen times, and I always felt really clear and super stimulated for my workouts,” Jacob says.

We’re also big fans of the 2 grams of creatine, and the 6 grams of citrulline malate.

“I want to drink this while on a beach but without the caffeine,” was Anthony’s assement of the Pineapple Strawberry flavor.

Best Pre-Workout for Men With Creatine: Gorilla Mode 

Good for: Bodybuilders, or anyone else who wants to ensure a good muscle pump after their workout 

Best With Creatine

Gorilla Mode Pre-Workout

GGR Score: 4.25

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Product Highlights

• Ingredients shown to improve mental focus, muscle endurance, and energy
• 11 flavors
• Can be bought in bulk for discount

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Ingredients shown to improve mental focus, muscle endurance, and energy
• 11 flavors
• Can be bought in bulk for discount

Cons

• A bunch of reviewers did not feel its effect
• Expensive at $2.50 about per serving
• Contains stimulants

Bottom Line

While Gorilla Mode receives mixed reviews, it is formulated with all the key ingredients you want in a pre-workout drink to improve performance in the gym. However, if you are sensitive or want to avoid stimulants, this may not be the supplement for you.

Gorilla Mode contains 2.5 grams of creatine, which is just under the daily recommended dose to help increase muscle size and strength, but Laila says one of the star ingredients in this pre-workout is the 1.5  grams of Glycerpump complex—a highly concentrated version of glycerol. Glycerol, she says, can support increased muscular hydration, which can lead to a fuller physique. 

L-Citrulline and agmatine have also been linked to increased nitric oxide production and increased blood flow to the muscles, Laila says, both of which can help create a good pump at the gym. 

It’s not all brawn with this pre-workout, as it comes packed with some nootropics (L-tyrosine, Kanna, Huperzine A) to assist with cognitive function, focus, and mental acuity (the brain’s ability to respond to external stimuli). 

Each two-scoop serving has 175 milligrams of caffeine, which as Laila points out is a good dose for those looking to eke out as many reps as possible, which, again, can help produce a good pump. 

The Fruit Punch flavor reminds me of Hawaiian Punch in both its taste and smell. 

Best Pre-Workout for Men for Beginners: Genius PRE

Good for: Beginners who have never taken pre-workout before 

Best for Beginners

The Genius Brand Genius Pre

GGR Score: 4.2

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Product Highlights

• Caffeine-free nootropics-based pre-workout 
• Doubles as a productivity booster 
• No artificial sweeteners or flavors

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Subscribe and save 20%
• 30-day satisfaction guarantee (from the ship date)
• Available in 4 flavors

Cons

• Only available in 20 serving containers
• No 3rd-party certifications
• May cause skin tingling

Bottom Line

The Genius Brand Genius Pre is a stimulant-free, nootropic-based pre-workout designed to help improve your focus and performance in the gym. It has very positive reviews, although customers do wish they could buy containers with more than 20 servings so they didn’t have to purchase as often.

In terms of the best pre-workout for beginners, you generally want to start with something that isn’t over-stimulating. Genius PRE is a great introduction to anyone who’s never taken this supplement before. It doesn’t have any caffeine, so you won’t get an insane and potentially unmanageable energy boost. Instead gives you that “pump” feeling that many enjoy when using pre-workout.

“This is stim-free, so it doesn’t get you all jacked up. I felt almost euphoric taking this, actually. It gave me a very calm focus,” says Jacob Penner, USA Weightlifting L-2 coach. Jacob has tested more than 50 pre-workouts, and rated this one a 4 out of 5 for its overall workout experience.

Jacob dinged Genius PRE a point for its overall effects simply because it doesn’t give you a shot of energy (which can be good for a beginner), and because the pump didn’t last very long.

“I did a workout with a lot of upper back work, and my shoulders were so pumped up from it,” he says. “The pump was really good, but it didn’t last long. Pretty much by the time I was done lifting, the pump was fading.”

RELATED: Best Protein Shakes

Where Genius PRE shines is in its formulation, which has pre-workout staples like betain anhydrous, l-citrulline mallate, and carnosyn. It also has nootropics like choline, which could explain why Jacob felt increased focus after taking it.

The price is about $1.90 per serving, which is on the expensive end. That could be due in part that this pre-workout is third-party tested. That’s an important factor (and one we pay attention to during our product review) because third-party certification means we can trust the label of the pre-workout.

Jacob says the taste of the Blue Raspberry is “one of the best I’ve ever had,” giving it a perfect 5 out of 5.

For more, check out our Genius Pre-Workout review.

Best Pre-Workout for Men Without Caffeine: Swolverine PRE

Good for: People who don’t want caffeine in their pre-workout 

Stim-Free

Swolverine PRE

GGR Score: 4

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Product Highlights

• Natural pre-workout 
• Over $2 per serving 
• Active ingredients include citrulline malate, beta-alanine, betaine-anhydrous, l-carnitine 
• Available in Mango Lemonade flavor

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Ingredient transparency
• No stimulants
• Users praise the flavor and consistency

Cons

• Pricey
• No creatine
• Only one flavor available

Bottom Line

Swolverine PRE is a natural, stimulant-free pre-workout that although expensive, could be the right choice for you if you are particular about ingredients.

If caffeine and other stimulants give you the jitters, check out Swolverine PRE, a natural supplement that’s more focused on supporting increases in your strength levels and reducing muscular fatigue rather than increasing your energy. 

Laila noted it uses 5 grams of citrulline malate, which supports greater endurance, muscle force, power, and delays muscle fatigue. “Citrulline malate is proven to help promote strength, improve endurance, and optimize muscle recovery by stimulating muscle protein synthesis,” she says. 

Additionally, it contains 1 gram of Siberian ginseng, which can help improve performance, reduce muscle fatigue, and improve mental focus. The 3.2 grams of beta-alanine can also support athletic performance and has been found to reduce the build up of lactic acid in your muscles by increasing your carnosine levels. 

For those looking for natural supplements, Swolverine PRE is all-natural, vegan, gluten-free, and has zero GMOs. Laila also gave it bonus points for not using any proprietary blends, which allows companies to not disclose the exact amount of some compounds used in their products. 

The Mango Lemonade flavor is refreshing, and GGR Performance Editor Anthony O’Reilly will frequently sip on it even when he’s not training.

Best Pre-Workout for Men Energy Drink: C4 Energy Drink

Good for: Anyone who prefers their pre-workout drink in cans 

On the Go

C4 Energy Drink

GGR Score: 3.75

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Product Highlights

• 200 mg of caffeine
• Carbonated and uncarbonated options
• No sugar, carbs, or calories
• Includes beta alanine and citrulline
• Comes in 8 flavors

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 200 mg of caffeine
• Zero calories
• Carbonated and uncarbonated options
• No sugar
• Comes in 8 flavors that are generally well-liked
• Affordable

Cons

• Dosages of beta alanine and citrulline not readily available
• While affordable, it's more expensive than C4's powder pre-workout

Bottom Line

C4 Energy is a well-known pre-workout drink with 200 mg of caffeine as well as ingredients like beta alanine and citrulline. We love the flavors and the price point of this classic drink.

For those who don’t want to bother with a shaker bottle, C4 Energy Drink comes in cans so you can just grab it and chug for your energy boost. 

The convenience isn’t the only reason to consider this energy drink. It contains 200 milligrams of caffeine per can, which is similar to what you’d find in most pre-workout powders. We like that it includes beta-alanine and citrulline, two ingredients known to help with strength gains, but C4 doesn’t say how much of either is in each can. It’s still better than other energy drinks that just give you caffeine and nothing else.

Another huge plus is it comes in 8 flavors, including a pink Starburst (the best kind) flavor and a Skittles flavor. You can also get it carbonated or non-carbonated.

I’ve tried C4 Energy Drink and, to be honest, I get it more for convenience than the taste. They use artificial flavors and preservatives in the product and it’s very noticeable when you taste it. 

Best Pre-Workout for Men with Deer Antler Velvet: Bucked Up

Good for: People who are curious about the benefits of deer velvet 

Best with Deer Antler Velvet

Bucked Up Pre-Workout

GGR Score: 4

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Product Highlights

• Pre-workout supplement available in more than 15 flavors
• Contains research-backed levels of caffeine, citrulline malate, and beta-alanine 
• Also contains Astra-Gin, which may reduce bloating

Pros & Cons

Pros

• No proprietary blends
• Lots of flavors to choose from
• Reasonably priced

Cons

• No creatine, so not ideal for muscle-building
• Contains stimulants, so may not be ideal for all people

Bottom Line

Bucked Up pre-workout contains research-backed doses of important pre-workout ingredients at a reasonable price with lots of flavor options.

Deer antler velvet⁸ has become a very popular compound among bodybuilders due to its reported benefits for promoting youthfulness and fertility, supporting blood pressure levels, as well as strength and endurance, Laila says. 

Bucked Up contains 50 milligrams of deer antler velvet extract, which is far less than the clinically recommended dose of around 500 milligrams, but to get the proper amount of the compound you’d have to pay a lot more money.  

The pre-workout comes out to about $1.66 per serving, which is just about average. You’ll get 200 milligrams of caffeine, 6 grams of citrulline, and 2 grams of beta-alanine. 

I will note that, as someone who’s taken this pre-workout in the past, it can hit you pretty hard. Perhaps it’s the addition of deer antler velvet or one of the other compounds, but this is one that will stick with you well until your workout is done. 

There’s an endless list of flavor options, and I’ve found that each of them taste pretty good. Not the best, but they are enjoyable. 

Best Tasting Pre-Workout for Men: Redcon1 Total War 

Good for: Anyone who wants a good-tasting pre-workout 

Yummy

RedCon1 Total War Pre-Workout

GGR Score: 4.1

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Product Highlights

• 20+ flavors
• $1.43 per serving
• 320 mg of caffeine
• No creatine
• Clinically-dosed ingredients

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 20+ flavors
• $1.43 per serving
• No proprietary blends
• Good-tasting flavors
• Mixes well

Cons

• 320 mg of caffeine may be a bit much for some
• Uses artificial ingredients
• No creatine (may not be a con for some)

Bottom Line

RedCon1 Total War is a good-tasting pre-workout that comes in more than two dozen flavors, all with clinically dosed ingredients to help boost energy and strength levels.

Redcon1 Total War comes in more than two dozen flavors, and while I haven’t tried all of them, the ones I have used all taste incredible. Right now, I’m on a tub of their limited-edition Star Wars flavor (the Light Side edition), which is an arctic frost flavor similar to those rocket ice pops you used to get from the ice cream truck as a child (aka, it’s really yummy). 

The fun and tasty flavors, though, should be taken with a word of caution as each scoop gives you a total of 320 milligrams of caffeine—250 milligrams from caffeine anhydrous, 100 milligrams from di-caffeine malate, 45 from green tea, and 150 juniper. 

It has 3.2 grams of beta-alanine to reduce muscle fatigue and increase athletic performance, and 6 grams of citrulline malate for increased blood flow, reduced muscle soreness, and increased stamina. 

Best Stim-Free Pre-Workout for Men: Transparent Labs Stim-Free

Good for: Those who don’t want any stimulants in their pre-workout powder

Best Non-Stim Pre-Workout

Transparent Labs Stim-Free Pre-Workout

GGR Score: 4.25

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Product Highlights

• Stim-free pre-workout
• No caffeine
• 10 flavors available
• Easily mix with water
• Good for people who work out at night
• Won't give you the jitters or tingling sensations

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Free of artificial colors, sweeteners, and other additives
• Non-stim (no caffeine)
• Won't give you the jitters
• Designed to increase nitric oxide uptake in the muscle cells
• Can subscribe and save

Cons

• Those who want caffeine should look elsewhere

Bottom Line

Transparent Labs Stim-Free Pre-Workout is an uncaffeinated pre-workout powder that will not give you the jitters or tingling commonly associated with pre-workout supplements. This pre-workout contains a blend of BCAAs, citrulline malate, beta-alanine, L-tyrosine, taurine, and elevATP, a compound claimed to increase ATP activity in muscle cells.

Transparent Labs Stim-free pre-workout is a non-stim version of their BULK and LEAN pre-workouts that you can use during later training sessions. It contains 6 grams of muscle-stimulating citrulline malate as the caffeine versions to support blood flow and nutrient delivery.

The addition of Huperzine A and L-Tyrosine helps with mental focus, a job usually done by caffeine. You also get sodium and potassium to help with hydration and may even help you get a pump, according to some studies⁹.

Anthony O’Reilly, GGR’s performance editor, has tried most of Transparent Labs’ pre-workouts and says the stim-free version is on par with the rest of them. Amanda Capritto, GGR staff writer and product tester, said she felt the beta-alanine tingles were stronger than with other pre-workouts she’s taken, but nothing that’s going to turn her off from taking this in the future.

All of our product testers agreed the taste was good and not overly sweet, though some noted a “chemical” aftertaste and that their shaker bottle was a bit foamy when using this powder.

Best High-Stim Pre-Workout for Men: El Jefe

Good for: Those who prefer a high-stimulant pre-workout

Best Non-Stim Pre-Workout

El Jefe Pre-Workout

GGR Score: 4

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Product Highlights

• All-in-one high stim pre-workout 
• Combines stim and pump ingredients 
• Available in 4 flavors

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Flexible dosing: Can take 1 or 2 scoops
• Combines stimulants and pump ingredients
• Save when buying multiple

Cons

• Contains sucralose
• Limited reviews
• Not third-party tested

Bottom Line

El Jefe Pre-Workout is a high stimulant pre-workout with limited but positive customer reviews for providing energy, focus, pump, and tasting good.

There are dozens, if not hundreds of high-stim pre-workouts you could’ve picked but our choice goes to El Jefe for two reasons, with the biggest being that they specify how much caffeine is in their pre-workout—300 milligrams, plus an additional 100 milligrams of a slower-releasing form of caffeine called di-caffeine malate (which stays in your system longer than regular caffeine).

The other is that it was one of the few high-stim pre-workouts we tried that we actually felt good on while taking, as opposed to the many that made us too sick to even train.

“It kicked in almost right away,” says Mike Raedy, a competitive weightlifter and jiu-jitsu athlete. “I didn’t feel like my skin was crawling but still had that energy. The biggest thing was the focus. This is one of the best feelings of being ‘locked in’ compared to others I’ve tried, and I’ve used 20-30 different pre-workouts.”

Caffeine, however, is the only stimulant clearly labeled on this pre-workout. We’d go into the many other stimulants found on the supplement facts label, but El Jefe uses a proprietary blend so it’s tough for us to decipher if any of them are present in research-backed amounts. It also doesn’t seem to be third-party tested, so we wouldn’t advise this for any athletes who have to undergo drug testing.

Mike says the Orange creamsicle flavor tastes like an orange Smarty. “Not too sweet,” he says.

How We Picked and Tested the Best Pre-Workout for Men 

With literally hundreds of pre-workouts on the market, narrowing our list for the best pre-workout supplements for men proved to be an exhausting task. Here are a few of the criteria we used to make our decision. 

• Ingredients: We wanted to make sure key compounds like caffeine, creatine, citrulline, beta-alanine, and others were present in research-backed amounts, and if one of those were missing, we checked to see if other compounds were present to help with things like strength or mental awareness. 
• Flavors: Were there a variety of flavors to pick from and did they taste good? 
• Cost: What was the price per serving? 
• Mixability: Did the pre-workout mix well when shaken with water in a shaker bottle? 

Pre-Workout Ingredients 

Laila shared her thoughts on a number of ingredients commonly found in pre-workouts, and her take on their benefits. 

• L-citrulline malate: Citrulline malate, according to this study¹⁰, can help increase blood flow and boost nitric oxide levels, which can alleviate muscle soreness and delay fatigue. The study also found it increased athletic performance and stamina.
• Beta-alanine: A study¹¹ found that beta-alanine can enhance athletic performance by blocking lactic acid build-up in the muscles by increasing the amount of carnosine. 
• Creatine monohydrate: There are hundreds of scientific studies proving creatine’s benefits for power, strength, and endurance. This particular study¹² showed that creatine monohydrate increased bodybuilders’ fat-free mass by an average of 2 kilograms in eight weeks.
• Betaine anhydrous: Betanine anhydrous, according to this clinical trial,¹³ can support protein synthesis and lead to greater strength and muscle gains.
• L-arginine Alpha-Ketoglutarate: This non-essential amino acid can help boost nitric oxide production and lead to increased strength and power output, according to this study¹⁴.
• Caffeine anhydrous: A dehydrated form of caffeine that makes you more alert and can help increase your power and cardiovascular endurance. One study¹⁵ found that it led to better performance during resistance training when taken just before hitting the gym.
• Taurine: Taurine supplementation, according to this study,¹⁶ can help decrease fatigue and recovery time, and increase muscle contraction.
• L-tyrosine: This compound has been linked to¹⁷ improved mood and motivation, improved endurance, and more alertness.
• Dynamine: Similar to caffeine, Dynamine can increase alertness and energy levels and also increases the amount of oxygen delivered to your muscles. 
• Coconut water powder: Coconut water is filled with electrolytes, which can ensure you stay hydrated during high-intensity workouts.
• Bioperine: Bioperine has been shown to¹⁸ have anti-inflammatory effects, and some studies¹⁹ show that it can increase other minerals’ bioavailability.  
• DMAE and Huperzine: DMAE can help increase the production of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which increases focus and alertness, while huperzine delays the breakdown of it.

Benefits of Pre-Workout

If you’re wondering if taking pre-workout powder is right for you, here are some of the benefits to taking a scoop before your next training session. 

Increased Energy

While caffeine isn’t the only compound present in pre-workouts, it is one of the most notorious. The increased energy not only helps you get through your workout, but it’s also been linked to increased muscle strength and stamina, and compounds like citrulline are used to support increased blood flow to muscles for improved performance and endurance. 

Increased Muscle Strength

Pre-workouts often contain ingredients shown to support increased muscle strength and performance, like creatine and beta-alanine, and additionally can help with recovery.  

Improved Cognition

Caffeine, in addition to things like nootropics, can help with what’s known as the mind-muscle connection, or the brain’s ability to be aware of the stimulus being placed on the muscles being trained. They can also make you more alert and in tune with your body, which can reduce the risk of injury during training. 

What to Look for in a Pre-Workout for Men

Not sure which of our pre-workout products is best for you? Here’s how to narrow it down. 

Scan for Important Active Ingredients 

Effective pre-workouts can contain citrulline and beta-alanine, as well as caffeine and creatine, which have all been shown to support increased performance. 

Stay Clear of Proprietary Blends

Some companies use proprietary blends to disguise how much of a certain ingredient is present in their supplement, which most of the time means they’re underdosing things like beta-alanine or creatine. 

Athlete? Check Twice 

Some ingredients used in pre-workouts may be banned by certain sports federations or committees due to their performance-enhancing effects. Some companies offer third-party testing to ensure their dietary supplements are clear of banned substances, though that’s not always the case. Look for the Informed Choice, NSF, or BSCG logos on the container to ensure you’re in the clear.

Best Pre-Workout for Men FAQs

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

References 

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2. Duncan MJ, Smith M, Cook K, James RS. The acute effect of a caffeine-containing energy drink on mood state, readiness to invest effort, and resistance exercise to failure. J Strength Cond Res. 2012;26(10):2858-2865. doi:10.1519/JSC.0b013e318241e124
3. Meeusen R, Roelands B, Spriet LL. Caffeine, exercise and the brain. Nestle Nutr Inst Workshop Ser. 2013;76:1-12. doi:10.1159/000350223
4. Owen GN, Parnell H, De Bruin EA, Rycroft JA. The combined effects of L-theanine and caffeine on cognitive performance and mood. Nutr Neurosci. 2008 Aug;11(4):193-8. doi: 10.1179/147683008X301513. PMID: 18681988.
5. Antonio J, Ciccone V. The effects of pre versus post workout supplementation of creatine monohydrate on body composition and strength. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2013 Aug 6;10:36. doi: 10.1186/1550-2783-10-36. PMID: 23919405; PMCID: PMC3750511.
6. Wang BS, Wang H, Wei ZH, Song YY, Zhang L, Chen HZ. Efficacy and safety of natural acetylcholinesterase inhibitor huperzine A in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease: an updated meta-analysis. J Neural Transm (Vienna). 2009 Apr;116(4):457-65. doi: 10.1007/s00702-009-0189-x. Epub 2009 Feb 17. PMID: 19221692.
7. Ripps H, Shen W. Review: taurine: a “very essential” amino acid. Mol Vis. 2012;18:2673-86. Epub 2012 Nov 12. PMID: 23170060; PMCID: PMC3501277.
8. Sleivert G, Burke V, Palmer C, Walmsley A, Gerrard D, Haines S, Littlejohn R. The effects of deer antler velvet extract or powder supplementation on aerobic power, erythropoiesis, and muscular strength and endurance characteristics. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2003 Sep;13(3):251-65. doi: 10.1123/ijsnem.13.3.251. PMID: 14669926.
9. Nielsen OB, Clausen T. The Na+/K(+)-pump protects muscle excitability and contractility during exercise. Exerc Sport Sci Rev. 2000 Oct;28(4):159-64. PMID: 11064849.
10. Pérez-Guisado J, Jakeman PM. Citrulline malate enhances athletic anaerobic performance and relieves muscle soreness. J Strength Cond Res. 2010 May;24(5):1215-22. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0b013e3181cb28e0. PMID: 20386132.
11. Hobson RM, Harris RC, Martin D, Smith P, Macklin B, Gualano B, Sale C. Effect of beta-alanine, with and without sodium bicarbonate, on 2000-m rowing performance. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2013 Oct;23(5):480-7. doi: 10.1123/ijsnem.23.5.480. Epub 2013 Mar 26. PMID: 23535873.
12. Antonio J, Ciccone V. The effects of pre versus post workout supplementation of creatine monohydrate on body composition and strength. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2013 Aug 6;10:36. doi: 10.1186/1550-2783-10-36. PMID: 23919405; PMCID: PMC3750511.
13. Trepanowski JF, Farney TM, McCarthy CG, Schilling BK, Craig SA, Bloomer RJ. The effects of chronic betaine supplementation on exercise performance, skeletal muscle oxygen saturation and associated biochemical parameters in resistance trained men. J Strength Cond Res. 2011 Dec;25(12):3461-71. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0b013e318217d48d. PMID: 22080324.
14. Yavuz HU, Turnagol H, Demirel AH. Pre-exercise arginine supplementation increases time to exhaustion in elite male wrestlers. Biol Sport. 2014 Aug;31(3):187-91. doi: 10.5604/20831862.1111436. Epub 2014 Jul 15. PMID: 25177096; PMCID: PMC4135062.
15. Richardson DL, Clarke ND. Effect of Coffee and Caffeine Ingestion on Resistance Exercise Performance. J Strength Cond Res. 2016 Oct;30(10):2892-900. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000001382. PMID: 26890974.
16. Balshaw TG, Bampouras TM, Barry TJ, Sparks SA. The effect of acute taurine ingestion on 3-km running performance in trained middle-distance runners. Amino Acids. 2013 Feb;44(2):555-61. doi: 10.1007/s00726-012-1372-1. Epub 2012 Aug 2. PMID: 22855206.
17. Young SN. L-tyrosine to alleviate the effects of stress? J Psychiatry Neurosci. 2007 May;32(3):224. PMID: 17476368; PMCID: PMC1863555.
18. Derosa G, Maffioli P, Sahebkar A. Piperine and Its Role in Chronic Diseases. Adv Exp Med Biol. 2016;928:173-184. doi: 10.1007/978-3-319-41334-1_8. PMID: 27671817.
19. Research highlights. BioPerine®. (2021, September 11). Retrieved December 7, 2023

Anthony O'Reilly, CPT

Anthony O'Reilly is a NASM-certified nutrition coach and personal trainer whose work has been featured in Muscle & Fitness and BarBend, and previously was an award-winning reporter and photographer for newspapers on Long Island and Queens, NY. After spending most of his life overweight, he dropped 80 pounds and took control of his health and fitness. Outside of work, he still enjoys Little Debbie cakes but offsets them with rigorous hikes and workouts. He's an avid Manchester United supporter, through thick and thin.

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