September 2023

Pre-Workout Supplements: MetaRanking

This page highlights the aggregate summary of pre-workout supplements rankings posted by key online experts, as of September 2023.

Summary

On 3 Sep 2023, ReviewFinder team examined a total of 110 pre-workout supplement endorsements from 10 reputable publishers.

70 pre-workout supplements were endorsed in total, only 22 made it into this month's ranking. (ReviewFinder requires a minimum of 2 endorsements to be included)

As of 3 Sep 2023, Transparent Pre Series Bulk takes the cake as the most critically-acclaimed pre-workout supplement with 5 expert endorsements. 3 experts out of 5 recommended it as the '#1 pre-workout supplement' this month.

Brand breakdown
Show all brands

Price breakdown
As can be seen in the chart below, lowest high-ranking pre-workout supplements start at $16.99 (Cellucor C4 Original) and go up to $59.97 (Kaged Muscle Pre-Kaged Elite). Median pre-workout supplement costs $38.13 (Pre-Kaged Stimulant-Free).
$16.99
$59.97

At a glance - September Ranking

Scroll horizontally to browse this ranking table
Rank Change Price Pre-Workout Supplement
WellnessVerge
FitnessVolt
TheSportReview
MensJournal
The Supplement Reviews
JackedGorilla
Body Building
LiftVault
greatist
BarBend
1
- Check price
Transparent Pre Series Bulk
The Transparent Pre Series Bulk is a pre-workout supplement that is free of artificial sweeteners, has undergone third-party testing, and is highly regarded for its taste and flavor.
-
1
-
3
2
-
-
1
-
1
2
- $50
Huge Supplement Wrecked
The Huge Supplement Wrecked is a pre-workout supplement with 17 scientifically backed ingredients that enhance workout performance, but its taste and stimulant-heavy formula may not be suitable for everyone.
-
2
-
1
-
1
-
12
-
5
3
- $42
Kaged Muscle Pre-Kaged
Kaged Muscle Pre-Kaged Pre-Workout Supplement is a highly recommended option for individuals looking to enhance their athletic performance, with its well-dosed ingredients, enjoyable taste, and extensive third-party testing.
5
11
-
7
-
6
-
5
5
-
4
- Check price
4Gauge Pre-workout
The 4Gauge Pre-workout supplement is highly praised for its natural ingredients, lack of artificial additives, and effective combination of active ingredients that enhance energy, focus, and exercise performance.
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3
4
-
3
3
-
-
-
-
5
- Check price
Huge Nutrition Pump Serum Stim
-
5
-
2
-
5
-
4
-
-
6
- Check price
Black Wolf Workout
The Black Wolf Workout Pre-Workout Supplement is a highly recommended and effective option for individuals looking to enhance their workout performance and recovery, with positive customer reviews and endorsements from professional athletes.
-
-
-
-
1
2
-
-
-
-
7
- Check price
Powher Up
Highly effective and great-tasting pre-workout supplement that is safe to use and recommended for individuals looking to enhance their workouts and improve their exercise capacity.
-
9
2
-
-
4
-
-
-
-
8
- Check price
Pre Lab Pro Next-Gen
The Pre Lab Pro Next-Gen Pre-Workout Supplement is a clean and effective product that contains natural ingredients to enhance exercise performance and support overall health, with positive customer reviews and third-party testing to ensure quality and purity.
-
-
1
-
-
13
-
-
-
-
9
- $49
Jym Pre
The Jym Pre Pre-Workout Supplement is a popular choice for individuals looking to enhance their workout performance and muscle growth, with its 13 active ingredients and enjoyable taste, but lacks third-party testing and certification.
-
-
-
5
5
7
-
-
-
-
10
- Check price
Cira Pre-Game
The Cira Pre-Game Pre-Workout Supplement is a comprehensive and well-received product that enhances energy, endurance, focus, and strength during workouts, but it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before use.
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10
-
-
-
-
6
8
-
-
11
- $32
Legion Pulse
Legion Pulse pre-workout supplement has received positive reviews for its effective ingredients, lack of artificial sweeteners, and inclusion of electrolytes, making it a suitable choice for individuals looking for a safe and high-quality pre-workout supplement.
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12
-
6
7
-
-
-
-
-
15
- $60
Kaged Muscle Pre-Kaged Elite
The Kaged Muscle Pre-Kaged Elite is a pre-workout supplement that contains a variety of active ingredients aimed at enhancing workout performance, including creatine, L-Citrulline, Beta-Alanine, caffeine, B vitamins, and minerals, and has undergone third-party testing for safety and quality.
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-
-
-
-
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2
7
-
-
16
- $31
Alani Nu Pre Workout
The Alani Nu Pre Workout is a popular pre-workout supplement known for its great taste and effectiveness in enhancing workout performance, making it a suitable choice for individuals looking for a tested and safe product for sports.
2
-
-
10
-
-
-
-
-
-
17
- $17
Cellucor C4 Original
The Cellucor C4 Original Pre-Workout Supplement is a popular choice for individuals looking to enhance their workout performance, with positive reviews on taste and flavor, but it does not have third-party testing or certification for sports safety.
-
-
-
-
10
-
-
-
3
-
18
- Check price
Transparent Labs LEAN
The Transparent Labs LEAN Pre-Workout Supplement is a highly regarded, third-party tested product that enhances performance, improves cognitive function, and supports recovery, with positive reviews on taste and flavor.
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4
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
7
19
- $21
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard
The Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Pre-Workout Supplement is a popular and trusted choice for individuals looking to enhance their performance during workouts, with a wide range of flavors and third-party testing for quality and purity.
3
15
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
20
- Check price
Transparent Labs PreSeries STIM-Free
The Transparent Labs PreSeries STIM-Free pre-workout supplement is a highly regarded and effective option for enhancing athletic performance and improving focus during workouts, with a clean ingredient profile and positive customer feedback.
6
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
8
-
21
- $35
Redcon1 Total War
Pre-workout supplement that contains a combination of active ingredients known for their potential benefits in improving blood flow, increasing energy levels, and reducing muscle fatigue, but it has mixed reviews on taste and may not be specifically tested for banned substances in sports.
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6
-
-
-
8
-
-
-
-
22
- Check price
Gat Nitraflex
Pre-workout supplement that aims to enhance athletic performance, increase energy levels, improve focus, and promote muscle pumps, but taste preferences and third-party testing may vary.
-
-
-
-
8
12
-
-
-
-
23
- Check price
Swolverine PRE
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17
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
6
24
- $20
Jacked Factory Nitrosurge
The Jacked Factory Nitrosurge Pre-Workout Supplement is a highly regarded product that contains scientifically backed ingredients, has a good taste, and is manufactured in cGMP-certified facilities, making it a popular choice for enhancing workout performance.
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19
-
-
-
11
-
-
-
-
25
- $44
Ghost Legend
Ghost Legend pre-workout supplements are praised for their active ingredients and benefits, but concerns about artificial sweeteners and limited third-party testing may make some individuals hesitant to try it.
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20
-
11
-
-
-
-
-
-

; ; ;
#17 $16.99 Cellucor C4 Original
#24 $19.99 Jacked Factory Nitrosurge
#19 $20.94 Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard
#16 $31.05 Alani Nu Pre Workout
#11 $31.99 Legion Pulse
#21 $34.70 Redcon1 Total War
#3 $41.98 Kaged Muscle Pre-Kaged
#25 $44.38 Ghost Legend
#9 $48.84 Jym Pre
#2 $49.95 Huge Supplement Wrecked
#15 $59.97 Kaged Muscle Pre-Kaged Elite

We ranked Transparent Pre Series Bulk #1 in September 2023 because:

  • 5 independent experts mentioned it in their “best pre-workout supplements” rankings.
  • Out of those, 3 experts ranked Transparent Pre Series Bulk as #1.
Critic endorsements:
FitnessVolt

Best Pre-Workout Overall

Go to ranking

MensJournal

Go to ranking

The Supplement Reviews

Best For High Intensity Workouts

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LiftVault

Best Overall Pre-workout

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BarBend

Best Pre-Workout Overall

This pre-workout is transparent with clearly labeled, research-backed, and effectively-dosed ingredients.
BULK has boron and zinc that might help increase testosterone which is important for building muscle.
This pick contains alpha-GPC, taurine, and tyrosine, all of which may help with focus.

The large dose of beta-alanine may cause too much tingling for some people who are sensitive to it.
BULK is somewhat expensive compared to similar options.
Transparent Labs uses stevia to sweeten this, which might leave a bitter aftertaste for some people.

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We ranked Huge Supplement Wrecked #2 in September 2023 because:

  • 5 independent experts mentioned it in their “best pre-workout supplements” rankings.
  • Out of those, 2 experts ranked Huge Supplement Wrecked as #1.
Critic endorsements:
FitnessVolt

Strongest Pre-Workout

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MensJournal

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JackedGorilla

Best Pre-Workout Overall

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LiftVault

Best Pre-Workout Without Creatine

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BarBend

Best Pre-Workout for Pumps

This formula is great if you’re looking for a potent formula. It has doses that are practically double that of most pre-workouts.
This formula has large doses of ingredients like glycerol and citrulline for blood flow and pumps.
The l-citrulline in this product may facilitate muscular endurance, and beta-alanine might aid with lactic acid buffering.

The caffeine content is very high at 350mg per serving, which may be too much if you’re a beginner or don’t have a high tolerance.
There’s no creatine in Wrecked’s formula.
The serving size is quite large at 30.2g per serving. That’s about the same weight as a scoop of some protein powders.

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Methodology: combine opinions of key experts

Identify Experts

We identify key publishers and experts that consistently review and recommend pre-workout supplements.

Capture Rankings

For each publisher we find a currently recommended "top 10" list of pre-workout supplements, it must be updated in the last 9 months.

Aggregate Rankings

We put all those lists together and aggregate them. The more frequently a product is recommended, the higher it is in our ranking

Experts chosen for September 2023 ranking

We ranked Kaged Muscle Pre-Kaged #3 in September 2023 because:

  • 6 independent experts mentioned it in their “best pre-workout supplements” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
WellnessVerge

Best for Building Muscle

Banned substance free
Most ingredients are in clinically studied doses
Vegan-friendly

Some users report poor mixability
Bitter taste
Contain some unnecessary fillers like fruit concentrates

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FitnessVolt

Best Pre Workout for Nutrition

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MensJournal

Go to ranking

JackedGorilla

Go to ranking

LiftVault

Best Pre-Workout for Muscle Growth

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greatist

Best pre-workout for strength trainers

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We ranked 4Gauge Pre-workout #4 in September 2023 because:

  • 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best pre-workout supplements” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
FitnessVolt

Best Pre-Workout for Muscle Gain

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TheSportReview

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The Supplement Reviews

Good for muscle gain

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JackedGorilla

Go to ranking

We ranked Huge Nutrition Pump Serum Stim #5 in September 2023 because:

  • 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best pre-workout supplements” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
FitnessVolt

Best Non-Stimulant Pre-Workout

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MensJournal

Go to ranking

JackedGorilla

Best Stimulant-Free Pre-Workout

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LiftVault

Best Pre-Workout for Pumps

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We ranked Black Wolf Workout #6 in September 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best pre-workout supplements” rankings.
  • Out of those, 1 expert ranked Black Wolf Workout as #1.
Critic endorsements:
The Supplement Reviews

Best Pre Workout Supplement Overall

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JackedGorilla

Go to ranking

We ranked Powher Up #7 in September 2023 because:

  • 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best pre-workout supplements” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
FitnessVolt

Best Pre-Workout For Women (Low Caffeine)

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TheSportReview

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JackedGorilla

Best Pre-Workout for Women

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We ranked Pre Lab Pro Next-Gen #8 in September 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best pre-workout supplements” rankings.
  • Out of those, 1 expert ranked Pre Lab Pro Next-Gen as #1.
Critic endorsements:
TheSportReview

Go to ranking

JackedGorilla

Go to ranking

We ranked Jym Pre #9 in September 2023 because:

  • 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best pre-workout supplements” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
MensJournal

Go to ranking

The Supplement Reviews

Good for men

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JackedGorilla

Go to ranking

We ranked Cira Pre-Game #10 in September 2023 because:

  • 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best pre-workout supplements” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
FitnessVolt

Best Pre-Workout For Women

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Body Building

Best For Women

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LiftVault

Best Pre-Workout for Women

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We ranked Legion Pulse #11 in September 2023 because:

  • 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best pre-workout supplements” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
FitnessVolt

Best Pre-Workout For Strength

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MensJournal

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The Supplement Reviews

Good for bodybuilding

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We ranked Kaged Muscle Pre-Kaged Elite #12 in September 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best pre-workout supplements” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
Body Building

Best High-Energy Pre-Workout

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LiftVault

Best Pre-Workout for Men

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We ranked Alani Nu Pre Workout #13 in September 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best pre-workout supplements” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
WellnessVerge

Best for Women

Great taste
Low in calories
Produced in a GMP-certified facility

Expensive
Contains artificial sweeteners

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MensJournal

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We ranked Cellucor C4 Original #14 in September 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best pre-workout supplements” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
The Supplement Reviews

The Top Most Popular Pre Workout On The Market

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greatist

Best pre-workout for CrossFit and HIIT athletes

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We ranked Transparent Labs LEAN #15 in September 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best pre-workout supplements” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
FitnessVolt

Best For Fat Loss

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BarBend

Best Pre-Workout for Weight Loss

LEAN has ingredients you might typically find in a fat burner.
This product is free of artificial sweeteners and colors, like nearly all of Transparent Labs’ products.
This product comes in a variety of tasty flavors so it won’t be a chore to drink your pre-workout.

The caffeine content might be too low for some people, especially if you’ve already built up a bit of a tolerance.
LEAN is a solid product, but it may not be enough for those looking for a dedicated fat burner. Remember that it’s a pre-workout with fat-burning ingredients, not the other way around.

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We ranked Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard #16 in September 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best pre-workout supplements” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
WellnessVerge

Best for Men

Affordable price
Excellent customer reviews
Some ingredients are research-backed

Not third-party tested
Contains artificial sweeteners

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FitnessVolt

Best Low-Cost Pre-Workout

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We ranked Transparent Labs PreSeries STIM-Free #17 in September 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best pre-workout supplements” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
WellnessVerge

Best without Caffeine

Third-party tested
Most ingredients are in clinically studied doses
Priced well compared to competition

Potential side effects from one ingredient present
A few ingredients have mixed results in efficacy

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greatist

Best overall caffeine-free pre-workout

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We ranked Redcon1 Total War #18 in September 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best pre-workout supplements” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
FitnessVolt

Best Pre-Workout for Boosting Focus

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JackedGorilla

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We ranked Gat Nitraflex #19 in September 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best pre-workout supplements” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
The Supplement Reviews

Good for women

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JackedGorilla

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We ranked Swolverine PRE #20 in September 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best pre-workout supplements” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
FitnessVolt

Best Pre-Workout For Simplicity

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BarBend

Best All Natural Pre-Workout

This is an all-natural supplement that doesn’t contain any artificial colors, preservatives, or ingredients.
PRE has less than one gram of sugar and no added sugars. Perfect if you’re trying to keep your carb intake low or tracking calories closely.
This is a stimulant-free pre-workout.

The price per serving is higher than some other similar options, though those may not have the same quality ingredients.
PRE doesn’t contain creatine, which many pre-workout users are looking for.
There are only two flavor options, and both are somewhat unique. It’d be a great addition to have a more mainstream flavor or two, like blue raspberry or fruit punch.

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We ranked Jacked Factory Nitrosurge #21 in September 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best pre-workout supplements” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
FitnessVolt

Best Pre-Workout For Cardio

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JackedGorilla

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We ranked Ghost Legend #22 in September 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best pre-workout supplements” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
FitnessVolt

Best Tasting Pre-Workout

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MensJournal

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