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Published: Nov 21, 2024, 9:05am
Expert Reviewed
| Physical TherapyIf you’re looking for the best pre-workout but are unsure which type to purchase, you’re likely not alone. Not only are there many brands available, but pre-workout itself is sold in various forms like powders, pills and drinks.
Pre-workout supplements are designed for consumption before exercise to enhance athletic performance, especially when you’re feeling low on energy. Most pre-workouts contain specific vitamins, minerals and other ingredients such as caffeine, beta-alanine, taurine and creatine, purported to help increase energy and endurance.
To pick the best supplements out there, the Forbes Health editorial team consulted a panel of five accredited experts, who provided their recommendations for the best pre-workouts of 2025. The Forbes Health editorial team determined star ratings based on cost, whether it includes artificial ingredients, number of flavor options, number of expert recommendations and third-party testing. Read on to learn about the top pre-workout picks that made our list.
Note: All product prices are accurate as of publication and are subject to change.
The Forbes Health editorial team prioritizes integrity in all of our vitamin and supplement rankings. Our rankings are based on expertise and professional recommendations from medical and nutrition experts and are free from conflicts of interest. We carefully fact check the information featured on our rankings and are committed to producing rankings and supplemental content about dietary supplements that readers can trust. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and our supplement methodology for the rankings below.
This pre-workout is recommended by Kara Collier, a registered dietitian,co-founder and VP of Health at Nutrisense and Forbes Health Advisory Board member. “Naked Energy is a minimalist pre-workout that uses only natural ingredients without any artificial additives, sweeteners or colors,” says Collier. Naked Energy is also a top pick of Brittany Werner, M.S., R.D.N., a registered dietitian and Forbes Health Advisory Board member. Werner points out that this pre-workout claims to boost mental focus, training and recovery and “contains a clean list of 10 ingredients and is third-party tested.”
“I’m a real fan of the Optimum Nutrition line in general… they put a lot of scientific rigor behind their products compared to most other manufacturers,” says Taylor Wallace, Ph.D.,, principal and CEO of food and nutrition research firm Think Healthy Group and a Forbes Health Advisory Board member. Dr. Wallace also appreciates the formulation of this supplement and says that it stands out for its low caffeine content, which is akin to a cup of coffee. “I’m not aware of any studies that strongly suggest higher amounts are more beneficial to sport and exercise,” he says.
Legion Pulse is one of Collier’s top pre-workout picks. “Legion Pulse is known for its transparent labeling and use of clinically-effective dosages of ingredients,” she says. “[Optimum Nutrition’s ]products are third-party tested for purity and potency, and [it] use[s] only high-quality, research-backed ingredients.” Additionally, Collier points out that this product is free of artificial flavors, colors and sweeteners.
Collier recommends this product for its quality ingredients, emphasizing that it’s free of artificial sweeteners, coloring and preservatives. “It’s formulated with transparent labeling, so you know exactly what’s in it and in what amounts,” she says. Additionally, supplements from Transparent Labs undergo third-party testing for quality and purity.
For those looking to maximize performance and optimize strength, output, focus and recovery, this pre-workout might be worth a try, according to Werner. She explains that it contains naturally-derived ingredients and is NSF Certified for Sport, meaning that it’s been tested to ensure that it’s free of banned substances for athletes. Werner also highlights that it contains Peak ATP, a synthetic form of ATP, which is used for energy production in the body.
“This product has less caffeine than the others, so while it has some, it is good for those who are more sensitive to caffeine,” says Myles Spar, M.D., an integrative medicine specialist and Forbes Health Advisory Board member. He recommends Klean for “people who want the basics with less caffeine.” This supplement contains no artificial flavors, coloring or sweeteners.
Dr. Wallace recommends this pre-workout supplement for its impressive list of ingredients, which includes choline, L-citrulline and L-arginine. He also points out that it provides a lower amount of vitamin B6 and vitamin B12 per serving compared to other products, some of which contain an excessive amount, per Dr. Wallace.
Not only is this pre-workout supplement easy to mix and available in multiple flavors, but it also provides naturally-sourced caffeine for a steady stream of energy, according to Werner. She also appreciates that everything is listed directly on the label. “100% transparent ingredients mean no proprietary blends, so you know exactly what you’re putting into your body,” says Werner.
“This product is all natural—GMO, gluten and soy-free—and tastes great as a fizzy formulation,” says Dr. Spar. “It has beetroot juice powder, which helps dilate blood vessels to increase blood flow.” This supplement also supports stress relief, according to Dr. Spar, by including naturally occurring amino acids like L-theanine and 5-HTP. Best Pre-Workout for Stress Relief EBOOST Pow Pre-Workout
4.0 All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team. On Amazon Expert's Take Integrative Medicine / Men’s Health Dr. Myles Spar is a double board-certified medical expert in personalized and performance medicine, men’s health, advanced testing and integrative medicine. He’s also an author, teacher, clinician and researcher. As a specialist in integrative men’s health, Dr. Spar has advised NBA players, celebrities and executives on maximizing performance through optimizing health. He has contributed articles to the L.A. Times and Men’s Journal and has appeared on multiple national media outlets, and he serves as a clinical faculty member of the University of Arizona School of Medicine. Dr. Spar is also the chair of the American Board of Integrative Medicine and a veteran of Doctors Without Borders—both as a field worker and board member. He practices medicine in person in New York City and virtually across the U.S. Myles Spar, M.D., M.P.H. Integrative Medicine / Men’s Health Dr. Myles Spar is a double board-certified medical expert in personalized and performance medicine, men’s health, advanced testing and integrative medicine. He’s also an author, teacher, clinician and researcher. As a specialist in integrative men’s health, Dr. Spar has advised NBA players, celebrities and executives on maximizing performance through optimizing health. He has contributed articles to the L.A. Times and Men’s Journal and has appeared on multiple national media outlets, and he serves as a clinical faculty member of the University of Arizona School of Medicine. Dr. Spar is also the chair of the American Board of Integrative Medicine and a veteran of Doctors Without Borders—both as a field worker and board member. He practices medicine in person in New York City and virtually across the U.S. Integrative Medicine / Men’s Health Pros & Cons
*Dietary supplements are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and ingredients and their amounts may vary. Be sure to talk to your doctor before taking any supplement.
Nutrition / Metabolism / Glucose
Integrative Medicine / Men’s Health
Nutrition
To determine the best pre-workout of 2025 the Forbes Health editorial team consulted a panel of four accredited nutrition experts who provided their product recommendations for the best pre-workout supplements. The Forbes Health editorial team determined star ratings, factoring in cost, third-party testing, whether it includes artificial ingredients, number of flavors available and number of expert recommendations.
Percentage breakdowns for our rankings are as follows:
Read more about our vitamins and supplements review methodology.
Pre-workout is a multi-ingredient supplement blending a combination of stimulants that can promote maximum energy, focus, strength and velocity during exercise. Most contain caffeine and a mix of other ingredients like vitamins, minerals and branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), all designed to performance-enhance your workout, says Wendy Bazilian, doctor of public health, nutritionist and author of the Eat Clean, Stay Lean series.
Consumed 30 to 60 minutes prior to exercise (that’s how long it can take for a pre-workout to kick in), the supplement typically features caffeine of varying amounts (excluding the caffeine-free versions), which has long been hailed for its ability to improve a slew of exercise benefits, including muscular endurance and movement velocity.
Pre-workout is intended to help build muscle, increase focus and provide extra energy, according to the National Academy of Sports Medicine. The ingredients in pre-workout supplements, such as caffeine, beta-alanine, amino acids and creatine, work together to bring about these possible benefits.
Pre-workout supplements are usually taken about 15 to 30 minutes prior to exercise, but can also be consumed during your workout. Read the label instructions on the pre-workout you are considering to see what is recommended.
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While post-workout nutrition and recovery is crucial, what takes place prior to exercise is just as important, says Bazilian. The best pre-workout can provide a variety of benefits including aiding in performance, strength and stamina. “Such a supplement is also intended to benefit muscle gain and recovery to help you continue training at your best,” she says.
A body of studies show pre-workout is effective at improving anaerobic peak and power. Research also proposes the following benefits:
While many pre-workout formulations are generally considered safe, they can also produce a few side effects in some individuals, including heart abnormalities, skin reactions and nausea. It’s also essential for consumers to keep a tally of their overall ingestion of certain ingredients such as caffeine and niacin, as too much of both of these supplements can cause adverse reactions in many people.
Additionally, not all pre-workouts are third-party tested, which means some brands may include ingredients not listed on the label, or a higher or lower amount of listed ingredients.
| PRE-WORKOUT PROS | PRE-WORKOUT CONS |
|---|---|
| Enhanced muscular endurance | Nausea (side effect) |
| Increased blood flow (during workouts) | Skin reactions (side effect) |
| Increased resting energy expenditure (REE) | Heart abnormalities (side effect) |
| Minimized muscle fatigue | May include supplements already contained in daily multivitamins, leading to overconsumption |
| Improved cognitive function | Brands that are not third-party tested may include ingredients/contaminants not listed on label |
Not everyone requires a pre-workout, especially if your exercise routine is of a lighter nature. If you want a boost for harder workouts, follow the dose according to the instructions, or you might experience heart abnormalities and nausea, not to mention a reduction in sleep duration or even insomnia, given the caffeine content.
“A pre-workout should not be taken in place of a health-promoting and performance-supporting diet,” says Bazilian. In sports nutrition, an individualized approach is required for eating and supplementation, meaning what works for one person may not work for you.
Those who are sensitive to certain ingredients contained in pre-workout supplements may experience a decrease in energy levels as the stimulating effects of these ingredients are broken down and cleared from the body by the liver and kidneys. Caffeine, for example, may cause symptoms like reduced energy, drowsiness and decreased alertness as the stimulant wears off.
Ingredients found in pre-workout supplements vary but may include:
| INGREDIENT | BENEFIT |
|---|---|
| Beta-alanine | This amino acid improves exercise performance, particularly high-intensity interval training (HIIT). |
| Caffeine | As a pre-workout ingredient, is effective in increasing alertness and helping individuals feel less tired during workouts. It can also promote endorphin release and improve neuromuscular function. |
| Creatine is most effective for , as it helps provide energy for muscles, promoting the ability to train longer and with heavier weights. | |
| Citrulline | Helps enhance nitric oxide, which increases blood flow, and in turn, can help improve resistance and HIIT performance. |
| Taurine | Purported to help improve recovery from training and limit muscle damage. |
| B vitamins | May help increase physical performance and reduce fatigue. |
The type and amount of ingredients in pre-workout is what determines how long its effects last, along with the specific person consuming it. Research suggests that creatine reaches peak concentration in the body approximately one hour after consumption and remains at elevated levels for up to four hours. Caffeine, on the other hand, reaches peak levels within 30 minutes to one hour after consumption and can remain in the body for up to 10 hours, depending on an individual’s personal health history.
Pre-workout supplements may be worth taking for individuals whose exercise routines involve greater intensity activities like strength training and HIIT. However, it’s important to make sure that the pre-workout supplement of your choosing is third-party tested for heavy metals and other harmful ingredients. Consult with your health care provider to determine if it’s safe for you to add pre-workout supplements to your wellness routine.
Pre-workout supplements are available in a variety of retail and online stores such as Amazon, Target, GNC, Walmart and more.
When selecting a pre-workout, Bazilian says to be mindful of unwanted added ingredients, such as sugar, and to focus on products that add to your current lifestyle and a nutrient-rich eating approach.
“You should choose one that shows and follows GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) on the bottle—imperative for ensuring the product is processed to the best standards and that checkboxes are safely met, including third-party testing.” This covers each step of the supplement manufacturing process from ingredient sourcing, formulation, labeling and packaging.
The cost of pre-workouts can add up quickly, so be mindful of how they fit into your budget. Bazilian warns against the continuation of any supplement not to your liking, be that taste, texture or if it disagrees with your digestion. There are plenty of others up for grabs.
Naked Energy’s Pre-Workout tops our list for the best pre-workout due to the fact that it is recommended by multiple experts and is affordable, third-party tested and features a clean ingredient list. Optimum Nutrition’s Essential Amino Energy and Legion’s Pulse Pre-Workout are our second and third-place winners, respectively.
-Rachael Ajmera contributed to this article.
| PRODUCT | FORBES HEALTH RATINGS | BEST FOR | LEARN MORE |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5.0 | Most Recommended Pre-Workout
| On Amazon | |
| 4.8 | Best Budget Pre-Workout
| On Amazon | |
| 4.7 | Best Pre-Workout for Flavor Variety
| On Amazon | |
| 4.7 | Best Pre-Workout for Added Nootropics
| On Transparent Labs' Website
| |
| 4.6 | Best Sport Pre-Workout
| On Amazon | |
| 4.6 | Best Low Caffeine Pre-Workout
| On Amazon | |
| 4.4 | Best Pre-Workout for Pump
| On Amazon | |
| 4.4 | Best Calorie-Free Pre-Workout
| On Amazon | |
| 4.0  | Best Pre-Workout for Stress Relief
| On Amazon |
The most effective pre-workout supplement is one that you feel comfortable taking and is third-party tested for quality and safety.
Dietary supplements, including pre-workout, are not reviewed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for safety or effectiveness. Contact your doctor or a nutritionist to determine if pre-workout is safe for you to use.
Studies have shown pre-workout to be safe for both men and women, but it’s best to speak with a nutritionist or your doctor to determine if you should be consuming pre-workout.
It’s generally advised to take pre-workout 15 to 30 minutes prior to exercising, although pre-workout supplements can also be taken during a workout. Speak with your doctor to determine if it’s safe for you to take pre-workout every day.
The pre-workout supplement with the highest caffeine content on our list is Legion’s Pulse Pre-Workout, which provides 350 milligrams of caffeine per one-scoop serving.
Dry scooping is consuming pre-workout powder without mixing it with a liquid. It is not safe to dry scoop pre-workout as it can cause heart or breathing problems.
Information provided on Forbes Health is for educational purposes only. Your health and wellness is unique to you, and the products and services we review may not be right for your circumstances. We do not offer individual medical advice, diagnosis or treatment plans. For personal advice, please consult with a medical professional.
Forbes Health adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. To the best of our knowledge, all content is accurate as of the date posted, though offers contained herein may no longer be available. The opinions expressed are the author’s alone and have not been provided, approved or otherwise endorsed by our advertisers.
Leoni Jesner is a fitness and health writer contributing content to Verywell Fit, Byrdie, Forbes Health, Everyday Health and Insider, as well as providing expert features to LIVESTRONG, Bustle, CNET and Fitbit. Leoni is passionate about all things fitness and holds qualifications as an ACE CPT, Level 3 mat Pilates instructor and nutrition coach.
Josh Rieders is a clinical director and physical therapist at Spear Physical Therapy in New York City. His clinical experience includes orthopedics, sports rehabilitation, acute rehabilitation and adult neurological rehabilitation. Dr. Rieders focuses on manual therapy techniques and neuromuscular reeducation to maximize translation to functional movement patterns. He has experience in lower extremity rehabilitation with a goal to return to impact sports, as well as experience in rehabilitation of the throwing athlete. In addition to a passion for treating high-level athletes, Dr. Rieders is skilled in the treatment of primary headaches, which include migraine and tension-type headaches, and regularly provides educational lectures to physical therapists and students on this patient population. During his free time, he enjoys spending time outdoors, cooking, fishing and spending time with family and friends.
