Best Pre-Workout for Focus (2024)

When you think about pre-workout supplements, is your first association a massive energy boost? That is undoubtedly part of it, but besides feeling amped up, pre-workouts can also enhance mental focus. Cognitive performance during training sessions is equally important, and the best pre-workout supplements contain key ingredients beyond stimulants to help.

Focus is a broad category, so we’re getting more specific and choosing our favorite six products for focus overall, with a pump, without stims, on a budget, best tasting, and best natural. Our expert testers provide authentic ratings for each product, and as a certified nutrition coach, I’ll also add my insight for each supplement in our best pre-workout for focus roundup.

The 6 Best Pre-Workouts for Focus of 2024

Medical disclaimer: The content on BarBend is meant to be informative in nature, but it should not be taken as medical advice. The opinions and articles on this site are not intended for use as diagnosis, prevention, and/or treatment of health problems. It’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor before beginning a new fitness, nutritional, and/or supplement routine. Individual needs for vitamins and minerals will vary.

How We Tested and Chose the Best Pre-Workout for Focus

Here at BarBend, our expert team consists of competitive athletes, personal trainers, and nutrition coaches. We put each product through our supplement testing methodology to provide honest ratings you can trust. We tested TK products to develop our list of the top six pre-workouts for focus. Here are the factors we focused on and why.

• Ingredients and Formulation: We look for high-quality, clinically dosed ingredients in any pre-workout. We prefer the ingredients in pre-workout formulas to be listed individually rather than in a proprietary blend. Some may include proprietary blends in patented ingredients, but we still like to know. For focus, we pay attention to stimulants, nootropics, and specific amino acids.
• Taste and Solubility: Our expert testers describe the taste, which often involves whether the sweet flavors are overpowering or if they leave an aftertaste. For solubility, they let us know if it mixes well, requires extra water to dissolve, and starts to clump or settle if you don’t chug it down as fast as possible.
• Effects: Our expert testers tell us how each product affects focus during their workout and whether it helped keep distractions at bay. 
• Price Per Serving: We divide the cost of a tub by the number of servings to determine how much one scoop costs. We like this measurement because if you take pre-workout fairly regularly, you know that lower is often better. Folks with different budgets don’t mind a higher cost for a higher-quality product, so we consider that, too.
• Third-Party Testing: The FDA does not regulate dietary supplements, so labels may be misleading; they could contain extra additives and may include banned substances. We score higher for brands with transparent third-party testing information on their websites so consumers and athletes can be sure that what they see is what they get.

Best Pre-Workout for Focus Overall: Onnit Alpha-BRAIN Pre-Workout

Pros

Moderate caffeine content for beginners

Nootropics enhance focus without excess stims

Cons

L-citrulline and beta-alanine are not clinically dosed

Onnit Alpha BRAIN Pre-Workout is our pick for the overall best pre-workout for focus. Why? It has moderate caffeine (200 milligrams), which is a great middle ground for getting you focused by not scattered. Plus, it adds more nootropics for focus. One of the primary benefits of nootropics is that you can get a cognitive function boost regardless of stimulants, and building that mind-muscle connection is key for training. (1)(2) 

The ingredient list includes 50 milligrams of Dynamine™, and 100 milligrams of theobromine, which are said to increase the caffeine effects without extra stims. (3)(4) The nootropics include 250 milligrams of PFBc, 125 milligrams of alpha GPC, and 225 milligrams of Ashwagandha extract (technically an adaptogen that has “nootropic properties”). (5)(6)(7)

And according to our tester, the stuff works. “Alpha BRAIN really helps with locking in. It helps me get through a full inbox and a presentation deck, which is unusual because pre-workouts are usually too physically oriented to help me with that. A 5 out of 5 for focus, for sure.”

Our expert reviewer and registered dietitian Chelsea Rae Bourgeois isn’t surprised by those effects. “I like that this formula contains Ashwagandha to help promote mental agility during stressful workouts.” Still, she’s more ambiguous about the formula overall, rating it a 3.25 out of 5. “I’m not a huge fan of supplements with proprietary blends, and this product has three of them. Dietary supplements aren’t regulated by the FDA, so adding a layer of mystery to the product by not disclosing the amount of each ingredient in the blend gives me pause.”

But all the focus and formula nuances in the world won’t matter if you can’t get the stuff down to begin with. “I had the Tiger’s Blood version, which is a tropical blend,” our tester explains. “The taste is sweet, and the aftertaste is a bit artificial. It did, alas, get cloying after a minute. I’d give it a 3 out of 5 for taste.” On the solubility front, they give it a 5 out of 5 — no problems there.

Best Pre-Workout for Focus and a Pump: Jacked Factory NitroSurge Build

Pros

Moderate caffeine level with the option for two scoops

Cons

Some ingredients are underdosed for one scoop

Contains artificial sweeteners

Our best pre-workout for focus and a pump goes to Jacked Factory NitroSurge Build. When judging the best pump pre-workouts, we look for L-citrulline or L-arginine content; both are nitric oxide boosters. With more nitric oxide production, blood vessels dilate, and blood flow increases, which leads to the pump. (8) The “focus” ingredients here are L-theanine and theobromine, both of which may enhance caffeine with fewer jitters. (9)(4) You also get 180 milligrams of caffeine. 

Some of the ingredient levels are low if you do one scoop, as registered dietitian Chelsea Rae Bourgeois explains: “Jacked Factory Nitro Surge contains many potent compounds, but in low doses.”  Overall, Bourgeois rates the formulation a 3.75 out of 5. “It gets high marks for the ingredients used but deductions for the low dosages.”

On the other hand, Bourgeois explains, “There’s certainly no getting bored with Jacked Factory’s Nitro Surge, as there are 13 different flavors to choose from. I am a fan of the moderate caffeine content. Each serving provides 180mg, so around two cups of coffee.”

Of these flavors, Kate Meier — a certified personal trainer, competitive weightlifter, and BarBend editorial team member — says of the Blue Raspberry flavor, “This is delicious. My favorite pre-workout is Jacked Factory NitroSurge Strawberry Margarita, and this is a very close second.” She gives it a 5 out of 5 rating for flavor, alongside a 4 out of 5 for solubility.

Because of the solid flavor and solubility — and the moderate caffeine content — our tester recommends taking two scoops to compensate for the relatively low doses of some ingredients.

Pump-wise, Meier reports a very noticeable pump, especially when taking two scoops before lifting weights. She had no adverse side effects to report, and says that she had just enough energy, focus, and pump without feeling overstimulated — exactly what we’re going for!

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

Pros

No caffeine or stimulants

Excellent clinical dosages of ingredients

Our pick of the best non-stim pre-workouts for focus is Transparent Labs Stim-Free. We love this brand for its clear labels, clinical dosages, and third-party testing. What it lacks in stims, it makes up for in pre-workout ingredients geared toward cognitive performance, like taurine (mixed research on cognition), L-tyrosine (increases neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine), and huperzine A (for mental energy). (10)(11)(12) 

You also get plenty of L-citrulline (nitric oxide booster for a pump), beta-alanine (reduces fatigue), and betaine anhydrous (for power output). (8)(9)(13)

Each ingredient reaches or exceeds the minimum (except L-tyrosine, falling slightly below). It offers a very solid ingredient profile, so it’s a 4.5 out of 5 on ingredients and formulation. I also give it a 5 out of 5 on third-party testing, the results of which are displayed on the website (in keeping with their Transparent name).

Although there are only four flavors, there are no artificial sweeteners. One of our expert testers used the Cherry Limeade flavor and has this to say: “A lot of Transparent Labs flavors are overly sweet, and I appreciate the sweetness level of this. I don’t have to dilute it like I do with other TL flavors. It gets a 3 out of 5 for taste.”

Our other tester gets some persistent chunks when trying to mix the powder, and only gives it a 2.75 out of 5 for mixability. They recommend drinking it pretty quickly so you don’t have as much of a solubility struggle.

In terms of the main event — the focus — both our testers were thrilled. “You get an amazing mental boost from the taurine and tyrosine combination,” one of them says. “It’s not an energy boost because it’s non-stim, but the mental impacts and the pump are amazing!” A 5 out of 5 for effects is nothing to scoff at, indeed.

Best Budget Pre-Workout for Focus: Nutricost Pre-X

Pros

High caffeine for an energy boost

Under one dollar per serving

Cons

Caffeine too high for beginners or low tolerances

Contains artificial sweeteners

Nutricost Pre-X is our pick for the best budget pre-workout for focus at only $0.93 per serving. With 300 milligrams of caffeine anhydrous per scoop, it’s also one of the strongest pre-workouts on our list, so you’re getting a lot of extra bang for your buck.

Along with caffeine for mental focus and cognition, you get taurine and tyrosine (for less mental stress and more neurotransmitters like dopamine). (1)((10)(11) Nutricost Pre-X also includes nootropics alpha GPC (for memory and learning), DMAE bitartrate (for attention and alertness), CDP choline (for brain function) and huperzine A (for mental energy). (6)(2)(14)(12) 

Focus aside, you also have nitric oxide boosters L-citrulline and Nitrosigine® (a type of arginine), plus beta-alanine for less fatigue and theobromine to work with caffeine. (15)(8)(9)(4) 

According to Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, RD, this is a pretty solid formula but doesn’t necessarily have the desired dosages or sweeteners. “I like that Pre-X Workout Complex contains L-citrulline to support performance and recovery, but it may fall short of the ideal dose per serving. It also contains sucralose, which may cause GI troubles for some people.”

She continues: “I’d score Nutricost Pre-X Workout Complex a 3.75 out of 5 for its formula. It contains powerful ingredients, but the doses of some miss the mark just a bit.”

In terms of actual experience, we’ll start with taste. Our testers, who have tried over 70 pre-workouts between them, both praise Blue Raspberry and Watermelon, averaging a 4.5 out of 5 for taste. “I genuinely look forward to drinking this stuff,” one of them says. The powder gets a 4 out of 5 from both of them on solubility.

Neither tester noticed a crash after taking the pre-workout, and both of them noted that it will hit you pretty fast, especially on an empty stomach. “I felt a lot more focused and like my energy was very sustainable instead of scattered all over the place,” one of our testers explains. That’s exactly what we’re looking for here — and all at relatively little cost to your wallet.

Best Tasting Pre-Workout for Focus: Gainful Pre-Workout

Pros

Customizable caffeine and creatine levels

Cons

Some ingredients underdosed

Our pick for the best-tasting pre-workout for focus is Gainful Pre-Workout. Gainful is a company that specializes in customizable supplements — which also means you can customize how they taste. They do pre-workouts, protein powders, and other supplements where you control how much and what goes into them. Their pre-workout allows you to add caffeine (150 or 200 milligrams) or not.

One of our testers really enjoys the Strawberry Lemonade flavor of the caffeinated version: “The powder itself has a sweet, pleasant odor and it was more or less true to the flavor.” While they don’t love that you can get a bit of stevia aftertaste, they describe a “very smooth boost of energy and focus.” 

Our other tester, who tried the non-stim version, opted for the watermelon flavor. They report that it’s “Like a shot of sweetness, but not overly sweet.” They rate the taste as a strong 4 out of 5, and love the focus this gives them without the caffeine jitters.

Theobromine (and caffeine, if you opt for it) are your primary focus boosters here, though it also has L-citrulline and beta-alanine for pumps and endurance. (1)(4)(8)(9)(16)

You can also add creatine (3 or 5 grams) or leave it out. Creatine benefits include faster ATP regeneration for high-intensity exercises like weightlifting and intense workouts. (17)

And, you’ll get all these ingredients with a solid taste and a lovely lack of huge amounts of sugar and artificial sweeteners. Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, RD, has this to say of the formula, giving it a 3 out of 5 (docking some points for lower doses of some ingredients): “I like that Gainful offers a choice between moderate and high-intensity pre-workout, with the latter containing a bit more leucine, creatine, and caffeine. I also like that there aren’t any artificial ingredients or an outrageous amount of sugar in their formula. Plus, Gainful’s Customized Pre-Workout gives you the option to nix the caffeine entirely if caffeine jitters aren’t your jam at the gym.”

Best Natural Pre-Workout for Focus: Legion Pulse

Pros

High caffeine content with caffeine-free option

Cons

Beta-alanine is underdosed

Our pick for the best natural pre-workout for focus is Legion Pulse because it has no artificial sweeteners, additives, or dyes. Our expert reviewer and registered dietitian Chelsea Rae Bourgeois explains: “Legion Pulse is made will all-natural ingredients, but don’t let that fool you. This pre-workout packs a punch. I love that Legion Pulse is available with or without caffeine, and there’s no added sugar, food dyes, or other chemicals.” 

That’s not the only praise Bourgeois has for this formulation. She continues: “Plus, It’s third-party tested for safety, giving you that extra peace of mind. While Pulse doesn’t contain any creatine, it does have citrulline malate, beta-alanine, and betaine anhydrous to support muscle endurance, recovery, and gain.” She gives it a whopping 4.5 out of 5 for formulation.

But all of that natural goodness doesn’t mean you’re making sacrifices in the taste department. You get 19 flavor options to choose from, and our testers are fans. One of our testers chose Blue Raspberry, and they gave it a 4 out of 5 for taste. “You definitely get a hint of the sweetener afterward,” they say, “But it’s a nice sweet flavor going down.” Another tester tried the Peach Ring flavor and reports that “It was a nice combination of sweet and bitter — I liked the effect a lot.” They also rate it a 4 out of 5 for taste. Both award it a 5 out of 5 for solubility, noting that the powder mixes extremely well.

In terms of that focus, one of our testers notes: “The L-theanine and caffeine combined were a dream for me. I wasn’t jittery, and I found myself excited to dive into my workout. This is absolutely the best pre-workout for focus and energy I’ve had — and it’s all-natural.” This one gets a 5 out of 5 for effectiveness.

Benefits of Pre-Workout for Focus

If you’ve combed through our ultimate guide to pre-workouts, you know we look for a few key ingredients when choosing our favorite supps. If you’re zeroing in on focus as your goal, you’ll want to look for caffeine or other stimulants, nootropics, and other amino acids that may help with cognitive function. Here are a few ways a focus-heavy pre-workout can boost your physical performance. 

• Cognitive Performance: Gymgoers know the mental and physical are connected, you can’t get your physical gains without that mind connection. Pre-workouts with caffeine and nootropics can boost attention, sharpness, reaction time, and brain function, so you can nail your lifts with expert form. (1)(2)
• Energy Boost: If you opt for a stim pre-workout, you get a bonus of higher energy levels. More physical energy and less fatigue can also increase your ability to stay focused.
• Stim-Free Options: We have focus-heavy options that don’t include stims if that’s not your thing. Some nootropics, like huperzine A, can help boost mental energy as well, which also sharpens focus. (18)
• Other Pre-Workout Benefits: Any pre-workout that you choose from to enhance focus comes along with other pre-workout benefits, too. These may include more blood flow, muscle pumps, muscular endurance, higher power output, and better athletic performance. (19)

How Much Do The Best Pre-Workouts for Focus Cost?

Now that you know the specs of each of our favorite pre-workouts for focus, how much will they cost you? Our top picks range from $0.93 to $2.99 per serving, with a few close to the lower end and a few closer to the higher end. Here’s how they stack up.

Best Pre-Workout for Focus Overall	Onnit Alpha-BRAIN Pre-Workout	$2.99 per serving
Best Pre-Workout for Focus and a Pump	Jacked Factory NitroSurge Build	$1.00 per serving
Best Stim-Free Pre-Workout for Focus	Transparent Labs Stim-Free	$1.66 per serving
Best Budget Pre-Workout for Focus	Nutricost Pre-X	$0.93 per serving
Best Tasting Pre-Workout for Focus	Gainful Pre-Workout	$1.85 per serving
Best Natural Pre-Workout for Focus	Legion Pulse	$2.25 per serving

What to Consider Before Buying the Best Pre-Workout for Focus

Although all our pre-workouts have focus-enhancing ingredients, you’ll also want to consider some other key factors to help you decide, like stimulants, creatine, price, sweeteners, and safety. Let’s not forget those pesky pre-workout side effects, typically jitters from stims, and tingles from beta-alanine.

Stimulants 

Pre-workouts may contain stimulants for an extra energy boost. Our picks here generally use caffeine, but other brands may use other substances. Knowing the stimulant content of your pre-workout will also help you determine when to take pre-workout. It is generally 20 to 30 minutes before your session, but high-stim pre-workouts are often best for morning training sessions since caffeine late in the day may disrupt sleep.

• Onnit Alpha-BRAIN Pre-Workout: 200 milligrams caffeine anhydrous
• Jacked Factory NitroSurge Build: 180 milligrams caffeine anhydrous
• Transparent Labs Stim-Free: No stims
• Nutricost Pre-X: 300 milligrams caffeine anhydrous
• Gainful Pre-Workout: 150 to 200 milligrams natural caffeine, option for caffeine-free
• Legion Pulse: 350 milligrams caffeine anhydrous

Creatine 

Some folks who take creatine may opt for a pre-workout that includes it. If you find yourself asking what is creatine, let us help — it’s an amino acid that builds up in your muscle cells to increase energy production and may help with muscle growth. (17) You have to take creatine consistently, so taking it occasionally in a pre-workout may not do much for you if you’re not a regular user. If you want to make sure you have creatine before your workout and don’t want to take multiple supps, you can either opt for Gainful’s creatine option or check out our list of the best pre-workouts with creatine.

• Onnit Alpha-BRAIN Pre-Workout: None
• Jacked Factory NitroSurge Build: None
• Transparent Labs Stim-Free: None
• Nutricost Pre-X: None
• Gainful Pre-Workout: Option to include or not (3 or 5 grams)
• Legion Pulse: None

Price 

Prices vary among pre-workout powders. When you divide the total cost by the number of servings, you find the price per serving, which is helpful if you know how frequently you like to take it. For people who take it often, you may want something on the lower end. You can also check if there is a lower price or a subscription offer on Amazon.

• Onnit Alpha-BRAIN Pre-Workout: $2.99 per serving
• Jacked Factory NitroSurge Build: $1.00 per serving
• Transparent Labs Stim-Free: $1.66 per serving
• Nutricost Pre-X: $0.93 per serving
• Gainful Pre-Workout: $1.85 per serving
• Legion Pulse: $2.25 per serving

Sweeteners 

Sweeteners come down to personal preference. You’ll most commonly see sucralose (an artificial sweetener) and Stevia (a natural sweetener). Both are alternatives to real “added sugar.” Though you’re not getting the grams of sugar, you’re still getting grams of these alternatives, and some people prefer the taste of one over the other.

• Onnit Alpha-BRAIN Pre-Workout: Stevia glycoside
• Jacked Factory NitroSurge Build: Sucralose
• Transparent Labs Stim-Free: Stevia extract
• Nutricost Pre-X: Sucralose
• Gainful Pre-Workout: Stevia leaf sweetener
• Legion Pulse: Erythritol and stevia leaf sweetener

Third-Party Testing

Since the FDA does not regulate dietary supplements like pre-workouts, they do not have to be proven to be safe or effective to be sold. Their labels may also be misleading, and they could contain banned substances. Third-party testing means an outside lab or source tests the products to confirm the ingredients are accurate. For competitive athletes, third-party testing may be a higher consideration to ensure you’re not taking anything banned.

• Onnit Alpha-BRAIN Pre-Workout: Yes
• Jacked Factory NitroSurge Build: No
• Transparent Labs Stim-Free: Yes
• Nutricost Pre-X: Yes
• Gainful Pre-Workout: No
• Legion Pulse: Yes

Best Pre-Workout for Focus FAQs

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