Strongest Pre-Workout: The Best High-Stim Picks of 2025

Whether you’re starting your fitness journey or are a seasoned gym rat, you’ve probably come across pre-workout. The strongest pre-workouts stand out from the pack because they are formulated with scientifically backed ingredients and doses to enhance your physical and mental performance. “How strong a pre-workout is depends on the compounds it has that stimulate the central nervous system, which helps increase energy and wakefulness,” says Alex Oskian, M.S., R.D.N.

As a certified personal trainer, when I’m looking for the strongest pre-workout, I make sure it has four key ingredients: caffeine (at least 200mg), L-citrulline (at least 4,000mg), beta-alanine (at least 3,200mg), and betaine (at least 2,500mg). Caffeine is a stimulant that gives you an energy boost, L-citrulline is an amino acid that helps improve blood flow, beta-alanine is an amino acid that helps muscular endurance, and betaine is another amino acid that can help increase strength. 

Our Picks for the Strongest Pre-Workouts of 2025:

Our team of expert testers, including personal trainers and nutritionists, tried more than 70 pre-workouts and reported which supplements delivered the most focus, power, and tingles. We then narrowed down our list to the nine strongest pre-workouts.

This content is meant to be informative, but should not be taken as medical advice. It is not intended for use as diagnosis, prevention, or treatment of health problems. Always speak with your doctor before starting any new supplement or exercise regimen.

Strongest Pre-Workout for Power: Transparent Labs BULK BLACK

If your goal is to improve athletic performance and power output in the gym, then we recommend Transparent Labs BULK BLACK. This supplement contains a potent combination of 4,000mg of beta-alanine, 2,500mg of betaine anhydrous, and 10 other active ingredients. Beta-alanine, a nonessential amino acid, may improve potential power output by reducing muscle fatigue, allowing you to push out a few more reps while you exercise. And studies show betaine anhydrous may improve muscular endurance. These ingredients work together to enhance your training, paving the way for strength gains over time.

I like to reach for a scoop of BULK BLACK before bodybuilding workouts (especially the Peach Mango and Watermelon Peach flavors) because it’s made with 8,000mg of citrulline malate. Some studies suggest citrulline malate may boost exercise and muscular performance, but more research is needed.

Cory Kessler, C.P.T., C.F.N.C., has tried more than 25 pre-workouts. He tested the Blue Raspberry flavor of BULK BLACK before a cardio workout. “This has a subtle blue raspberry taste, but is very sweet, likely from the stevia,” he says. “While there are better-tasting strong pre-workouts, Bulk Black completely dissolved in my shaker bottle in only a few seconds with no clumps, grittiness, or residue.”

After taking BULK BLACK, Kessler says he felt more energized and focused throughout his workout. “I started sweating almost immediately, and within five to 10 minutes, I had a boost of energy, a massive pump, and felt like I could lift harder and stronger,” he says. Kessler says while using this pre-workout, he felt the tingling sensation common with high doses of beta-alanine.

Each serving of BULK BLACK contains 350mg of caffeine, which is close to the recommended daily limit of 400mg and may be too intense for some people.

Related: Transparent Labs BCAA Glutamine Review

Strongest Pre-Workout for Energy: Legion Pulse Pre-Workout

As a certified sports nutrition coach, I look for four main ingredients in a high-quality pre-workout supplement: caffeine, beta-alanine, betaine anhydrous, and L-citrulline. Each plays a key role in enhancing athletic performance. Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system, research shows beta-alanine may boost muscular endurance, betaine anhydrous can improve strength, and L-citrulline enhances oxygen and nutrient delivery to the muscles. Legion Pulse is our pick for the strongest pre-workout for energy because it contains all four of these ingredients, and it’s the only pre-workout on our list testers gave 5/5 for taste and effectiveness.

I’ve tried more than 50 pre-workouts and think Legion Pulse is top-tier. I like that it’s free from artificial sweeteners, flavors, and colors, and is third-party tested. It’s my pre-workout of choice for my morning training session because it gives me a nice burst of energy and a good pump. 

Tester Kayla Godfrey has tried five different brands of pre-workout and says Pulse is her favorite because of its effectiveness. “I’ve been using Pulse three times a week for six months, and it always makes me feel energized and focused,” she says. “My goal is to improve my personal records and lift harder, so Pulse is my go-to when I train,” Godfrey says it typically takes 15 minutes for this pre-workout to kick in, and while it does give her tingles, it’s not overwhelming. “I never feel a drop-off, but rather a slow energy release,” she says. 

Pulse comes in 20 flavors, so there’s something for everyone. Some of my personal favorites are Pink Lemonade, Cherry Limeade, Strawberry Kiwi, and Peach Ring. Godfrey also tried Pink Lemonade but says it’s a little too sweet for her liking. She typically dilutes it with more water than the recommended 10 to 12 ounces.

Each serving of Pulse contains 350mg of caffeine, which is very close to the recommended daily limit of 400mg. If you decide to try Pulse, it’s a good idea to monitor your caffeine intake from other sources like coffee or tea. If you’re new to pre-workout or are caffeine-sensitive, a non-stim pre-workout may be a better option.

Strongest Pre-Workout for Focus: Onnit Alpha Brain Pre-Workout

Onnit Alpha Brain is designed to increase mental acuity and focus. Testers say that’s exactly how they felt after trying Onnit Alpha Brain, which is why it’s our pick for the strongest pre-workout for focus. “What makes this pre-workout stand out is the cognitive effects. I felt significantly more focused after taking Alpha Brain than any other pre-workout I’ve tried,” says tester Ellie Baldini. Other testers agreed, saying Alpha Brain helped them feel present and ready to work out without being overstimulated.

Onnit Alpha Brain’s formula differs from most other strong pre-workout supplements on our list—it contains nootropics, substances that enhance learning and memory. One of the key ingredients, NooGandha, is an ashwagandha extract used to reduce stress and enhance well-being by reducing cortisol levels in the body. Another key ingredient, AlphaSize, may promote the production of acetylcholine, a powerful neurotransmitter that enhances cognitive function. However, studies demonstrating the effect of alpha-GPC on cognitive performance used 200 to 400mg doses per day, and a serving of Onnit Alpha brain has 125mg.

The other unique ingredient in Onnit Alpha Brain is Dynamine. It works similarly to caffeine, by blocking the body’s adenosine receptors that cause you to feel tired. However, this ingredient is banned in all sports supplements in Australia. While Dynamine is still allowed for sports competitions in the U.S., it is possible it will be banned in the future. Competitive athletes may want to steer clear of this product.

Baldini says Alpha-Brain is middle-of-the-road compared to other strong pre-workouts when it comes to physical energy. “After taking other strong pre-workouts, I usually experience a boost in energy. After taking this pre-workout, the mental effects were much more noticeable than the physical ones,” she says. That may be in part because Alpha Brain lacks ingredients like betaine anhydrous, taurine, and creatine, which can support muscle growth and recovery.

Strongest Pre-Workout for Energy: Nutricost Pre-X

Most strong pre-workouts cost between $2 and $3 per serving. Nutricost Pre-X is our pick for the strongest budget pre-workout because it costs $1 per serving. One tester called it “the best value on the market,” and I agree.  While some other budget pre-workouts are missing key ingredients, Pre-X contains the four main ones I like to see in a pre-workout: caffeine, beta-alanine, betaine anhydrous, and L-citrulline. “The price is better than most other pre-workouts I’ve tried, especially for a supplement this good,” says one tester.

Each serving of Pre-X has 300mg of caffeine and 4,000mg of L-citrulline, so you should feel energized and get a good pump with this pre-workout. “I got a decent pump and had a calm focus without feeling overstimulated,” one tester says. While Pre-X has a slightly lower dosage of beta-alanine than some other pre-workouts on our list, testers say they experienced noticeable tingles during their workout.

Nutricost Pre-X comes in five flavors, including Blue Raspberry. “This tastes great ice cold or at room temperature. I look forward to drinking it before my workouts,” says one tester. While testers did not experience any negative side effects when trying Pre-X, this pre-workout is made with the artificial sweetener sucralose. Some health experts have raised concerns about taking sucralose in high doses.

Strongest Pre-Workout for Taste: Jacked Factory NitroSurge Pre-Workout

Whether you like a strong pre-workout that’s sweet, sour, fruity, or tart, Jacked Factory NitroSuge has a flavor for you. Testers like it so much that one said they could drink it poolside with ice. My personal favorites are Cherry Limeade, Sour Peach Rings, and Blueberry Lemonade. Tester Matt Cummings says he prefers Jacked Factory Nitro Surge to some other strong pre-workouts he’s tried. “I did not like the Pink Lemonade flavor of Legion Pulse, but I would definitely use the Grape NitroSurge again,” he says.

Cummings says about 20 minutes after taking NitroSurge he felt like he could lift harder. “I usually work out in the morning because I feel most rested then, but even after taking this in the afternoon, I felt ‘jacked up’ and ready to go,” he says. Cummings says he experienced tingles and a slight drop off, but that neither was overwhelming.

I’ve used Jacked Factory NitroSurge extensively for years. Besides the taste, I like that it’s budget-friendly while still including evidence-backed ingredients, like L-citrulline, beta-alanine, betaine anhydrous, caffeine anhydrous, L-theanine, theobromine, and AstraGin. AstraGin, also found in Transparent Labs BULK BLACK, is a plant-based compound formulated to enhance nutrient absorption. While AstraGin is safe at 0.5 milligrams per kilogram of body weight per day, more research is needed on the potential performance-enhancing benefits.

Like some of the other pre-workouts on our list, NitroSurge is made with the artificial sweetener sucralose, which some health experts have raised concerns about taking in high doses. Also, Jacked Factory supplements do not undergo third-party testing. Third-party testing ensures the product includes the ingredients listed on the label and nothing else. This is especially important for athletes who undergo drug testing for banned substances.

Strongest Natural Pre-Workout: Ora Organic Renewable Energy

If you’re looking for a clean pre-workout, we recommend Ora Renewable Energy. It’s our pick for the best natural pre-workout because it does not contain any artificial ingredients, is certified vegan, UDSA-certified organic, and is non-GMO. We also like that it is third-party tested for potency, heavy metals, pesticides, and more. 

Renewable Energy does not contain most of the other ingredients typically found in strong pre-workouts, such as beta-alanine. Instead, it’s made with a combination of natural ingredients, including adaptogens like ashwagandha and Rhodiola.

Adaptogens help our bodies respond to stress; research shows ashwagandha may reduce stress and fight fatigue. Rhioldia may increase focus and endurance. Renewable energy also contains nitric-oxide-boosting ingredients to increase blood flow. Nitric oxide precursors, like citrulline, are commonly used in pre-workouts. Instead, Renewable Energy users pomegranate juice powder, which studies suggest may improve strength and performance. Most of the performance-enhancing ingredients in Renewable Energy are in proprietary blends, so it’s unclear if they are in science-backed doses. 

Each serving of Renewable Energy contains 90mg of caffeine, which is significantly less than any of the other strong pre-workouts we tested. This makes it a good choice if you’re caffeine-sensitive, but those used to a high-stim supplement may want to choose another pre-workout.

Strongest Pre-Workout for Tingles: Crazy Nutrition Intensive Pre-Train

If you like feeling skin tingles after taking your pre-workout, check out Crazy Nutrition Intensive Pre-Train. I love the prickly skin sensation because it lets me know my pre-workout is kicking in and it’s time to train. This temporary side effect, called paresthesia, is caused by beta-alanine, which works to increase muscular endurance. Intensive Pre-Train has 3,500mg of beta-alanine per serving, which is more per serving than almost all of the other pre-workouts on our list. “Beta-alanine is found in most pre-workout supplements, likely because it helps reduce fatigue and improve endurance in the short term,” says Oskian. “This is because it reduces acidity in the body, which comes from lactic acid build-up.”

Godfrey tested Crazy Nutrition Intensive Pre-Train before a H.I.T.T. workout and felt the tingles within 15 minutes. “These were strong compared to some other pre-workouts I’ve tried,” says Godfrey. “I felt good tingles in my hands and face which lasted for about an hour.”

This intense pre-workout comes in three flavors: Blue Raspberry, Fruit Punch, and Green Apple. Godfrey tried the Green Apple flavor, which is caffeine-free. She says it wasn’t too sweet, tasting more like a greens powder than a sour apple. “I’m rather caffeine dependent, so I didn’t feel a burst of energy. I prefer caffeinated pre-workouts, but this is a great option for a late-night lifting session,” says Godfrey. Other testers who tried the Fruit Punch flavor say they enjoyed the tangy taste. To enhance the flavor, Crazy Nutrition is sweetened with the artificial sweetener sucralose. While the FDA says sucralose is safe, some health experts urge caution.

Strongest Pre-Workout for Pump: Gorilla Mode

For bodybuilders, a “pump” is a sign of a successful training session. Increased blood flow to the muscles makes them feel fuller and appear larger and more vascular during and after a workout. A pump also promotes muscle growth by delivering essential nutrients and oxygen to the muscles as blood flow increases. While you can achieve a pump through high-rep sets, drop sets, and supersets, high-stim pre-workouts, like Gorilla Mode, are specially designed to improve your pump.

Gorilla Mode contains several pump-enhancing ingredients, including 10,000mg of pure L-citrulline (more per scoop than any other pre-workout on our list) and 4,000mg of Hydro Prime glycerol powder. L-citrulline works to widen blood vessels, increasing blood flow to the muscles. Glycerol powder is rapidly absorbed by the muscles and draws in water which can cause muscle cell swelling.

Tester Josh Himes uses strong pre-workouts several times a week and tried Gorilla Mode before an upper body workout. “Not only did I have a good pump, I also felt more focused. I knocked out a few more reps than usual during my workout,” Himes says. “I like the Fruit Punch flavor, although it was sweeter than I thought it would be.” While Himes enjoyed Gorilla Mode’s taste, he says the powder was gritty and difficult to mix properly. This is likely due to the glycerol powder which absorbs moisture, leading to clumping.

If you’re caffeine-sensitive or budget-conscious, this intense pre-workout may not be the best for you. One serving contains 400mg of caffeine which is the total amount the FDA says is safe for adults to consume per day. Gorilla Mode says there are 40 single-scoop servings in each container. However, consuming the researched-backed doses of the ingredients requires two scoops per serving. That brings the cost per serving to $3, making Gorilla Mode the most expensive supplement on our list.

Strongest Pre-Workout with Creatine: C4 Ultimate

The first strong pre-workout I tried over a decade ago was the original C4. The latest version, C4 Ultimate, is more concentrated than the classic formula, combining both exercise performance and cognitive-enhancing ingredients. I tried C4 Ultimate before a 30-minute HIIT. workout. The caffeine blend got me zoned in before my training, and I felt great throughout the entire workout.

This high-stim pre-workout is sweetened with sucralose, which some health experts have raised concerns about. I enjoy a very sweet pre-workout, but the Icy Blue Razz flavor was a little too sugary even for me. Mixing it in more water than recommended balances out the sweetness.

C4 Ultimate is the only supplement on our list that pairs a pre-workout with creatine. Creatine is a popular supplement among athletes and bodybuilders for its ability to boost strength, enhance recovery, and prevent injury. Because of its performance-enhancing capabilities, some people like to take creatine in addition to their pre-workout. If you want the best of both worlds, we recommend C4 Ultimate. Keep in mind that one serving contains 1.5 grams of creatine per serving, which is less than the recommended value of 3 to 5 grams daily. If you want to get the most performance-enhancing benefits from creatine, you should invest in a standalone supplement to help support your fitness goals.

If you compete in a sport that requires drug testing, C4 Ultimate may not be the best strong pre-workout for you because it’s made with Dynamine, which is currently banned for use in Australia.

What Makes a Pre-Workout ‘Strong’?

A strong pre-workout contains a combination of performance-enhancing ingredients in research-backed dosages. “Usually, the strength of a pre-workout is based upon the amount of stimulants it contains. High doses of caffeine (300mg+) are usually a quick identifier of the pre-workout’s strength,” Oskian says. 

However, the potency of a pre-workout goes beyond the caffeine content. Other active ingredients like L-citrulline, beta-alanine, and betaine anhydrous can impact energy, focus muscular endurance, and power output. “Stronger via the amount of caffeine isn’t always better. If the goal is a bigger pump in the gym, other ingredients like L-citrulline may be better,” says Oskian. “Another common ingredient that can help a pre-workout feel stronger is beta-alanine, which may cause a tingling or ‘pins and needles’ sensation on the skin.”

How We Tested The Strongest Pre-Workouts

Our team of expert testers, including personal trainers, nutrition coaches, and fitness enthusiasts, tried more than 70 pre-workouts. We tested each supplement before a workout, and in some cases for several weeks or months, to evaluate its performance-enhancing benefits, taste, and whether the supplement had any negative side effects. We rated each stong pre-workout for a variety of factors, including:

• Ingredients and dosage: Does research show the type and amount of each ingredient is effective? What amount of the pre-workout is needed for optimal results? How often do you need to take the pre-workout for optimal results? 
• Stimulants: When looking for the strongest pre-workouts, we looked at options with caffeine. We wanted options with at least 200mg of caffeine per serving. As a C.P.T., I believe this is the minimum effective dose for a strong pre-workout.
• Third-party testing and certifications: Do independent labs or facilities test the pre-workout for efficacy? Is it NSFC-certified or Informed Choice Certified?
• Flavor and taste: How many flavors does the brand offer? What do those flavors taste like? Do they match the advertised flavor?

At the end of the testing period, we compared feedback to narrow down our list. We also received input from Oskian on what makes a strong pre-workout.

Benefits of Strong Pre-Workouts

A strong, well-dosed pre-workout supplement may help you train harder by boosting your energy, focus, and endurance. “There are a few things that are really helpful when you are looking for a great gym session: energy to do the work, mental clarity to help focus on what you are doing (not just to work the muscle, but to prevent injury), and a great workout. Using a pre-workout may just help you achieve all of these,” Oskian says.

Increased Energy

Caffeine is one of the most popular stimulants used in pre-workout supplements to enhance energy levels and improve focus. Almost all of the pre-workouts on our list use caffeine and L-theanine. Studies have shown when paired with caffeine, L-theanine may improve cognitive performance. “Most pre-workouts contain the stimulant caffeine in higher dosages. L-theanine helps counteract the unwanted effects of caffeine supplementation: jittery feelings and a post-caffeine crash,” Oskian says. “You might see less mental fatigue, improved reaction time, and fewer headaches while regularly supplementing with L-theanine.”

Enhanced Focus

I like taking a pre-workout to improve my focus because it helps intensify my workout. Several pre-workouts on our list contain Alpha-GPC and tyrosine to give you that zoned-in feeling. Research suggests Alpha-GPC may improve cognitive function, and tyrosine may increase dopamine levels and cognition. One study found L-tyrosine helped improve people’s memory while they worked on a demanding task.

Improved Endurance

A pre-workout may help you squeeze out a few more reps as you work to build strength and muscle. Two ingredients commonly used in pre-workout, beta-alanine and betaine anhydrous, may help reduce fatigue and support muscular endurance. “Research suggests betaine anhydrous can improve muscle strength and power via increased total work capacity and improved protein synthesis within the body. Simply put, you can do more work, which leads to increased strength and muscle growth,” says Oskian. Another common ingredient, taurine, may improve your performance and power.

Precautions When Taking a Strong Pre-Workout

Oskian says not every pre-workout is created equal, so it’s important to pay attention to what’s on the label. “Supplements are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This means the supplement might not contain all the ingredients you’re looking for and may even contain unwanted ingredients,” she says. Oksian recommends looking for supplements that undergo third-party testing.

No matter which pre-workout you choose, it’s important to follow the recommended intake guidelines. Remember, pre-workouts should not be taken more than once per day. If you choose a high-stim pre-workout, be mindful of your caffeine intake from other sources like coffee, tea, or soda so that you don’t go over the daily recommended value of 400mg. This will help prevent potential negative side effects like jitters, anxiety, or trouble falling asleep. “Consuming caffeine at the end of your day may cause sleep disturbances, which only hurts performance in the long run,” says Oskian.

If you take medication or have any underlying health conditions, consult your doctor before adding a pre-workout to your daily routine. 

How to Choose the Best Strong Pre-Workout for You

There are a number of important factors to consider when deciding which strong pre-workout is right for you.

Ingredients and Dosage

Many strong pre-workouts incorporate a variety of active ingredients. When choosing a pre-workout supplement, consider your goals. For example, a bodybuilder may prefer a pre-workout powder that’s highly caffeinated and contains ingredients such as L-citrulline, betaine anhydrous, and creatine to help improve performance. On the other hand, an endurance athlete may want a pre-workout with less caffeine, but that includes beta-alanine, BCAAs, and mineral electrolytes.  

Third-Party Testing

I always choose supplements that are tested by a third party for purity and have transparent labeling. Athletes who undergo drug testing should look for certifications from Informed Choice and NSF, which ensure the product does not include any banned substances.

Customer Reviews

Although we test all of the products we recommend, it’s important to check out customer reviews, especially from people with similar fitness goals and preferences. They can provide valuable insights into the product’s overall effectiveness, potential side effects, and the most popular flavors.

Flavor Options

“Taste plays a big role in pre-workout selection. If you don’t like a particular flavor, then you likely won’t drink the pre-workout no matter its benefits,” Oskian says. It’s also important to consider the use of artificial flavors, colors, and sweeteners.

Cost

The price of a pre-workout doesn’t necessarily reflect the effectiveness of the product. Understanding the ingredients list and dosage levels is important to ensure you’re paying for a high-quality supplement and not just expensive marketing. 

What to Avoid in a Strong Pre-Workout

There are a few potential red flags you want to avoid when picking out a pre-workout.

Proprietary Blends

I like to avoid supplements made using proprietary blends. These blends are combinations of ingredients, but the individual doses are not fully disclosed. This lack of transparency makes it impossible to assess the effectiveness and safety of the supplement. 

Artificial Ingredients

Many fitness enthusiasts and athletes prefer all-natural ingredients and products free from unnecessary fillers or additives. “If sugar alcohols and artificial sweeteners wreak havoc on your stomach, make sure those aren’t on the ingredient list,” Oskian says.

Banned Substances

Athletes who compete in sanctioned organizations should make sure the supplements they use are third-party tested and certified banned substance-free. 

Takeaway: Is a Strong Pre-Workout Worth It?

If you have big fitness goals, choosing a strong pre-workout formulated with safe and effective doses of science-backed ingredients is worth it to deliver performance-enhancing effects. Keep in mind that even the strongest pre-workouts on the market aren’t going to make you run faster, lift heavier, or exercise longer on their own. These supplements are designed to help you put in the work at the gym to make gains and enhance your performance over time.

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

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