Top 10 Prewrokouts and how to choose the best for you

With many preworkout products on the market, it can be a little overwhelming when deciding on which to get, and which one will be good enough for my needs and goals.

Therefore in this article, I will give you my top 10 preworkouts list and how to choose the best one for you.

For those of you who don’t have time to read, here is the quick version of it:


  1. TOTAL WAR (the best overall)
  2. PREJYM (The highest stimulant)
  3. PRE-KAGED (Stimulant-Free)
  4. LEAN (for weight loss)
  5. BULK  (for building muscle)
  6. C4 RIPPED (for cutting)
  7. PULSE (for strength)
  8. NLA FOR HER UPLIFT (for ladies)
  9. GOLD STANDARD PREWORKOUT (trusted quality)
  10. NITROSURGE (the lowest cost)

Here is how to choose your preworkout:

  • Your goal: there are different types of preworkouts with many different ingredients, therefore you need to determine what you are looking to gain from this preworkout. Is it strength, build muscle, lose fat or something else?
  • Customer Ratings and Reviews: before buying a pre-workout online (or anything to be honest), you should look for the best rating and customer reviews.
  • Ingredients: the main ingredients included in the product is the most important thing in the selecting process. Look for ingredients that well-known to be effective and proven by science. Also, if you must check the dosage of each ingredient.
  • Flavor: The ingredients might be great, but if the taste isn’t, then you’re probably not going to buy it again.
  • Cost: everyone has a budget; therefore, you select the best product for what you can afford. Don’t waste any additional money just to buy an expensive product with fancy name. most preworkout are pretty much the same with different percentages of ingredients.
  • Brand reputation: Choosing pre-workout products from proven brands that have good reputations is preferred. That’s because they’ve been around for a while and many people have had a chance to test out and provide feedback on the products. 

Finally, here is the list that I made in detail:


1- TOTAL WAR

TOTAL WAR preworkout

My opinion: the best overall.

Brand: Redcon1

Product description:

  •  HITS AS HARD AS THE FIRST TIME, no matter whether it’s your first time using Total War or last scoop in your tub, Total War will hit you just as hard as the first time your tried it.
  •  GUARANTEED RESULTS OR YOUR MONEY BACK, if you are not 100% satisfied, we will help you resolve your concern or provide a full refund.
  • BANNED SUBSTANCE FREE, Total War pre-workout powder is third party tested to be free from banned substances. See exactly what’s in each product with full ingredient transparency on the label.
  • The powerful combination of stimulants and focus factors along with N.O. compounds make Total War an all-in-one pre workout supplement. * Enjoy the most energy, focus, and skin splitting pumps you’ve ever felt during a workout.
  • INCREASE ENDURANCE, boost energy and increase focus with Redcon1’s award winning preworkout with the perfectly formulated, quality ingredients.

Rating: 4.4/5 (+7k reviews).

Main Ingredients: Caffeine, Beta-Alanine, Agmatine Sulfate and Citrulline Malate.

Available Flavors: more than 20 different flavors.

Cost: 35 USD for 30 servings.


2- PREJYM

My opinion: The highest stimulants per serving.

Brand: JYM Supplement Science

Product description:

  • Enhanced strength & endurance – Creatine HCl, beta-alanine and Betaine help fuel your muscles for more strength and stamina during workouts. The BCAAs (branched-chain amino acids) found in pre JYM provide a direct source of energy during your workout.
  • Great taste – No other pre-workout supplement surpasses the great taste, texture, and nutrition of pre JYM. Simply mix with 12-32 ounces of water and drink 30 minutes before your workout for the best results.
  • Mental focus – Caffeine and Huperzine A have been suggested to naturally enhance mental focus. You’ll feel super “in the zone” And ready to crush your workout. Pre JYM is not loaded with stimulants that create jitters, make you explode and lead to a crash.
  • Versatile use – Pre Jym powder is great for men and for women. Whether you want more energy for cardio, to bulk, or to get Ripped it is the ultimate addition to any work out or fitness program.

Rating: 4.6/5 (+3K reviews)

Main Ingredients: Caffeine, Creatine HCL, BCAA, beta-alanine and Betaine.

Available Flavors: 8 different flavors

Cost: 45-50 USD for 30 servings.


3- PRE-KAGED

My opinion: the best Stimulant-Free preworkout.

Brand: Kaged Muscle

Product description:

  • PERFECT FOR EVENING & LATE-NIGHT WORKOUTS: PRE-KAGED Stimulant Free delivers a unique combination of premium, patented, and scientifically tested ingredients to deliver a clean and controlled training experience without keeping you up at night.
  • TRIGGERS BIGGER, LONGER-LASTING MUSCLE PUMPS: Every serving of this preworkout for men and women delivers a massive dose of pure L-citrulline which helps drive nutrient-rich blood deep into your muscles for dense, hard muscle pumps.
  • FORMULATED TO INCREASE MUSCLE, STRENGTH & PERFORMANCE: This award-winning pre-workout powder supports increases in size, strength & performance.  This includes Patented Creatine HCl, patented CarnoSyn beta-alanine, and patented BetaPower.
  • THE INDUSTRY’S LARGEST, MOST FULLY DOSED SCOOP: With max dose ingredients, and a massive 32g per serving, just one scoop does it all. There’s a reason it’s one of the highest-rated & most-awarded pre-workout supplements available.
  • THE KAGED MUSCLE DIFFERENCE: Made with some of the most premium and patented ingredients available, Kaged Muscle supplements are formulated for performance-minded men and women who not only want results, but also want clean, quality products.

Rating: 4.4/5 (+500 reviews)

Main Ingredients: FERMENTED VEGAN BCAAs, FERMENTED VEGAN L-CITRULLINE, BETAPOWER BETAINE EXTRACT, CARNOSYN BETA-ALANINE and PATENTED CREATINE HCL.

Available Flavors: 1 flavor (fruit punch).

Cost: 42 USD for 30 servings.


4- LEAN

My opinion: the best for weight loss.

Brand: Transparent Labs

Product description:

  • PreSeries LEAN is an exceptional “cutting” pre-workout supplement available for men and women alike.
  • The key ingredients, citrulline malate, beta-alanine, betaine, and branched-chain amino acids, are all included in clinically effective dosages and contain zero-colored dyes, unnecessary fillers, or harmful additives. With 100% formula transparency and a potent Fat Burning and Thyroid Support complex, which includes Chromium Picolinate, Zinc, and Guggulsterones.
  • PreSeries LEAN is most effective for those looking to target stubborn fat, while simultaneously focusing on preventing lean muscle loss. Each serving exceeds 15 grams and includes 21 active ingredients synergistically designed to provide a high-intensity pre-workout experience while focusing systematically on fat loss and additional energy expenditure.
  •  PreSeries LEAN contains fermented vegan BCAAs and is a vegan-friendly product.

Rating: 4.4/5 (+1K reviews)

Main Ingredients: AnhydrousCitrulline Malate, BCAA 2:1:1, BetaPure™ Betaine (Anhydrous), Beta-Alanine, N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine, Choline Bitartrate, Caffeine Anhydrous.

Available Flavors: 6 different flavors.

Cost: 50 USD for 30 servings.


5- BULK

My opinion: the best for building muscle.

Brand: Transparent Labs

Product description:

  • Greater Energy and Endurance with BCAA: Valine is essential in pre-workout supplementation due to its involvement in metabolism and muscle growth. It helps to reduce tryptophan build-up in the brain and allows for greater energy and endurance. Leucine is a strong activation of the gene responsible for protein synthesis which significantly increases strength and prevents muscle degradation while preserving lean mass. Isoleucine aids metabolism during workouts and executes anti-catabolism effects.
  • Citrulline malate is the “star child” of pre-workout science. We chose citrulline malate over L-arginine because it provides better absorption, higher plasma arginine levels, and has been found to: Improve strength, aerobic performance, and muscle endurance. Be at least twice as effective as L-arginine supplementation at raising nitric oxide. Enhance the use of branch chain amino acids like leucine during exercise.
  • Muscle Growth and Decrease Cortisol: Clinical studies suggest that betaine supplementation triggers a significant muscle growth response. This response is independent of testosterone. Betaine supplementation has also been shown to: Reduce fatigue when taken before and during weight training. Increases total repetitions and volume on the bench press exercise versus placebo. In a recent study, betaine was found to significantly increase IGF-1, while decreasing cortisol in bodybuilding men.
  • Delay Fatigue and increased cellular carnosine levels: Beta-Alanine increases cellular carnosine levels, which are quickly depleted during intense exercise. Most pre-workout supplements contain beta-alanine but at significantly underdosed levels. Proper dosing of STIM-FREE delays the onset of neuromuscular fatigue in men and women during intense exercise and Promotes the formation of healthy proteins Significantly increase lean mass and decrease fat in wrestlers.
  • Long-Lasting Mental Focus and Performance: Infinergy prolongs the ergogenic effects of caffeine and provides a longer-lasting increase in mental performance and thermogenesis without the jitters and crashing from ordinary caffeine. L-tyrosine reduces the effects of stress and allows for greater mental focus and endurance. L-tyrosine improves memory and performance in bodily stressing climates, and it is believed to counteract the hypothyroid promoting conditions associated with extensive exercise.

Rating: 4.3/5 (+3k reviews)

Main Ingredients: Citrulline Malate, Beta-Alanine, BCAA 2:1:1, Betaine Anhydrous, Infinergy, Astragin, Theobromine, Caffeine Anhydrous, L-Theanine, Alpha-GPC300, L-Tyrosine, Taurine.

Available Flavors: 7 different flavors.

Cost: 50 USD for 30 servings.


6- C4 RIPPED

My opinion: the best for cutting.

Brand: Cellucor

Product description:

  • C4 PRE-WORKOUT POWDER FOR MEN & WOMEN – America’s Number 1 Selling Pre-Workout Brand has been trusted since 2011 with over 2 billion servings sold* For advanced energy support, endurance, force, and pumps
  • C4 Ripped is a pre-workout supplement that combines the explosive energy of C4 with ingredients specific to fat loss. This formula helps you train harder while supporting your body’s ability to burn fat.
  • BUILD MUSCLE & STRENGTH – Formulated with a super creatine compound to support strength and performance
  • INCREASE REP COUNT – Formulated with CarnoSyn Beta-Alanine, a premium clinically studied beta-alanine, which has been studied to support muscular endurance and fight fatigue
  • MORE CAFFEINE, PLEASE – Formulated with a patented and clinically studied compound that may help the body prolong its caffeine tolerance buildup

Rating: 4.5/5 (+3K reviews)

Main Ingredients: 150mg Caffeine, 1.6g CarnoSyn® Beta-Alanine, Weight Loss Blend.

Available Flavors: 9 different flavors

Cost: 40 USD for 30 servings.


7- PULSE

My opinion: the best for strength training.

Brand: Legion Athletics Store

Product description:

  • 100% ALL NATURAL PRE WORKOUT POWDER. Pulse is a naturally sweetened and flavored pre workout supplement that contains large and effective doses of the best science-backed ingredients, including those found in many nitric oxide supplements: L citrulline malate, betaine, beta alanine, alpha gpc, caffeine, and L theanine.
  • BOOSTS ENERGY & FOCUS. Mix a serving of this preworkout for women and men with water, swig it down, and get fired up and zeroed in and crush your workout . . . and without the jitters, upset stomach, or post-workout crash.
  • ENHANCES STRENGTH & ENDURANCE. This all natural preworkout powder is a nitric oxide booster and helps you push more weight and reps, get bigger and better pumps, and gain more muscle and strength.
  • GUARANTEED RESULTS OR YOUR MONEY BACK. If you’re not 100% satisfied with this preworkout for men and women, just notify us and we’ll give you a prompt and courteous refund on the spot. No complicated forms and no return necessary.
  • THE MAN BEHIND THE BRAND. Tired of the exaggeration and lies of the workout supplements industry? So was Mike Mathews, international bestselling fitness author with over a million books sold, and that’s why he created Legion Athletics.

Rating: 4.3/5 (+11K reviews)

Main Ingredients: Caffeine, L-Theanine, Citrulline Malate, Beta-Alanine, Betaine and Alpha-GPC.

Available Flavors: 10 different flavors.

Cost: 40 USD for 30 servings.


8- UPLIFT

My opinion: the best for ladies.

Brand: NLA for Her

Product description:

  • UPLIFT PRE WORKOUT is our powerful pre-workout formula complete with 169mg of caffeine and 500mg of Beta Alanine per serving (40 SERVINGS!).
  • CLEAN AND SUSTAINED ENERGY – Our Uplift pre-workout combines the highest quality ingredients to boost energy and focus without that dreaded crash or jittery feeling. We use premium ingredients like patented-Dynamine, caffeine, and more to help you crush your workouts!
  • IMPROVED ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE – Uplift pre-workout will help you attack your workouts with intensity and focus, giving you sustained energy that helps you to push your body to a whole new level.
  • SPECIFICALLY FORMULATED FOR WOMEN – Our Uplift is creatine-free so there is no water retention or bloating. Just powerful, clean energy to help you workout harder and longer than before!
  • THE NLA DIFFERENCE: NLA for Her is the pioneer of women’s sports supplements! It’s our mission to provide women of all fitness levels with the highest quality, best tasting, effective sports supplements on the market!

Rating: 4.5/5 (+1k reviews)

Main Ingredients: Caffeine, L-Carnitine, Dynamine.

Available Flavors: 3 different flavors.

Cost: 43 USD for 30 servings.


9- NITROSURGE

My opinion: The lowest cost per serving, great reviews and ingredients.

Brand: Jacked Factory

Product description:

  • Pre Workout Powder for Energy, Strength, and Pumps: Nitrosurge is a pre-workout for men and women that has been scientifically-crafted using the latest cutting-edge research on strength and performance ingredients. This maximum strength pre-workout supplement without creatine delivers everything you need for explosive workouts and head-turning results. Experience explosive energy, instant strength gains, laser-sharp focus, endless endurance, and powerful pumps.
  • Pre-Workout Drink for Physique Improvements: This powerhouse preworkout energy powder promotes an enhanced body composition over time. The formula contains the most cutting-edge, potent ingredients available: L-Citrulline, Betaine Anhydrous, Beta Alanine, Caffeine, L Theanine, and it’s creatine-free.
  • Nitric Oxide Boosting Pre Workout Supplement: Boost nitric oxide (NO) levels and blood-flow to the muscle to maximize pumps, endurance, strength, and fuel muscle growth. This potent pre workout powder contains no artificial fillers or food dyes and is like no other preworkout supplements on the market.
  • Manufactured in the USA in a cGMP certified facility.

Rating: 4.4/5 (+14K reviews)

Main Ingredients: Citrulline, Beta-Alanine, Betaine, Caffeine, L-Theanine, Theobromine, Astragin.

Available Flavors: 12 different flavors.

Cost: 25 USD for 30 servings.


10- GOLD STANDARD PREWORKOUT

My opinion: the most trusted quality, but most ingredients are underdosed.

Brand: Optimum Nutrition

Product description:

  • ON’s Gold Standard Pre-Workout unleashes amplified energy, focus, and supports enhanced endurance to help you reach the pinnacle of your game, crush your next set, get that last rep, and achieve some true gains.
  • VITAMIN D Provides Immune Support
  • PACKAGING MAY VARY – New look, with the same trusted Quality
  • 175MG OF CAFFEINE- help fuel your mind and body to train at the highest level
  • 3G CREATINE – help support overall performance
  • 1.5G BETA-ALANINE – help support enhanced endurance
  • 1.5G CITRULLINE MALATE – a precursor to nitric oxide
  • 375MG ACETYL-L-CARNITINE HCL and 250MG N-ACETYL-L-TYROSINE
  • BANNED SUBSTANCE TESTED – helps ensure you can trust what you are putting in your body

Rating: 4.5/5 (+34K reviews).

Main Ingredients: Caffeine from Natural Sources, Beta-Alanine, Creatine Monohydrate, L-Citrulline Malate.

Available Flavors: 4 different flavors.

Cost: 35 USD for 30 servings.


At the end of the day, perworkouts are a great boost to your workout especially if you feel tired too soon, but they are not suitable for everyone. So please ask your doctor before taking any dietary supplement.