It’s time for the annual roundup of GNC’s top pre-workout supplements and I could not be more excited to introduce the winners of 2024! I’ve tried them all – yes, ALL of them. Now that I’m “pumped up” and “focused”, let’s break down how these best pre workout made the cut.
- Popularity – In this category we’re looking for our top sellers. Is it trending on social media? What do our customers have to say about it? I’m looking for those product reviews!
- Intensity – I tested the spectrum. From low dose caffeine and entry level ingredients to all out, max stimulation for all the sensory feels.
- Flavor – Which flavors tantalized my tastebuds? Fruity flavors stand out in the pre-workout space, but some are sweet, some are sour, and some feature collaborations that are too good to be true!
- Innovation – What’s new in the ingredient space? Research is constantly evolving to include innovate ingredients and technology.
Compared to 2023, some things changed, while others stayed the same. Alright, the suspense is killing me!! Let’s see who comes out on top in 2024!
The Top Pre-Workout Supplement Picks
- Best Overall Pre-Workout | Skip to review
- New and Buzzworthy | Skip to review
- Max Intensity Pre-Workout: GHOST® LEGEND® All Out | Skip to review
- Best Selling Flavor: Beyond Raw LIT Jolly Rancher Watermelon | Skip to review
- Best Non-Stim Pre-Workout: Kaged Elite Stim Free Pre-Workout | Skip to review
- Best Thermogenic/Best Fat Burning Pre-Workout: Cellucor® C4 Ultimate Shred | Skip to review
- Best Pre-Workout for Size & Gains^: PRE JYM X® Advanced Pre-Workout Complex | Skip to review
- Best Value: Beyond Raw® LIT™ | Skip to review
- Best Pre Workout for Men: Cellucor® C4 Ultimate Strength | Skip to review
- Best Pre Workout for Women: Bloom High Energy Pre-Workout | Skip to review
- Best Preworkout for Beginners: Podium® HWPO Athlete Pre-Workout | Skip to review
- Best Natural Flavor Preworkout: Alpha Brain Pre-Workout – Yuzu Peach | Skip to review
Our Beyond Raw® Brand – takes the top spot for best overall pre-workout… again. These formulas push the limits with expert dosing and unique innovations. The Brand is #1 for a reason and truly feature pre-workouts for everyone.
I’ve assigned each Beyond Raw® pre-workout an intensity level. LIT™, the original, starts us off at Level 1, with its clinically dosed ingredients. It’s oh so popular among customers with over 13,000 five-star reviews (GNC.com + Amazon).
Next up at Level 2 is, LIT™ AF. LIT™ AF includes even more clinically dosed ingredients than original LIT™ AND an extra oomph of caffeine. David M states, LIT™ has “Great flavor and packs a nice kick before and during my workout!!” Click on the review below or here to read more reviews of LIT AF!
And maxing out at Level 3 is Concept X. With even MORE clinically studied ingredients, plus support for muscle recovery and strength benefits. It’s a “game changer”. According to Erick B, he can “…definitely feel the difference in focus and strength…”. Click on the link here or on the review below to read more reviews of Concept X!
Concept X’s scoop is BIG. And its ingredients are INTENSE, so prefer to stick with original LIT™. My current flavor obsession is the Jolly Rancher® Blue Raspberry! It seriously tastes JUST like the candy. It’s such a treat before I work out!
I also need to give a shoutout to LIT™ On-The-Go. Another pre-workout option when, you guessed it, you’re on the go! It’s awesome when you’re in the car, in the office, and requires no mixing! Same amazing flavors on the road!
RAW Nutrition Bum Thuper Thavage pre workout is not only fun to say, but a pretty solid formula as well. It’s 400mg of caffeine plus 6.2mg of beta-alanine will get you buzzing. No wonder it’s our top pick in the New and Buzzworthy category! The Citrus Grapefruit flavor spoke to me – I love anything grapefruit! And this truly smelled and tasted like pink grapefruit. I highly recommend!
It’s a tie for the New and Buzzworthy category. RYSE™ Godzilla Pre-Workout is a very cool licensed collaboration. The formula is clinically dosed with a fully transparent label. It also breaks servings sizes down into total contents of one, or two scoops. While I prefer to take a single scoop, a double will surely have you feeling like Godzilla in the gym.
In the Max Intensity category, GHOST® LEGEND® ALL OUT takes the win for the second straight year. If it’s all out max intensity you seek, look no further. It’s fast acting and extended-release caffeine provide 400mg to get you focused and dialed in for all-out effort in the gym. Your pumps will be strong with this one. It’s “All Out” component packs 3.2g of beta alanine and 6g Citrulline. Max effort, max flavor with an electrifying blue color!
Our LIT™ Jolly Rancher® Watermelon is a staple flavor on rotation. Some Team GNC folks and I keep coming back for its nostalgic flavor. Best served cold, this refreshes the taste buds getting primed for a sweat sesh ON-THE-GO – I love it!
I always have a non-stim pre workout on hand. While I make every effort to start my day with a workout, it’s not always feasible. So, when I exercise later evening, I’ve been reaching for Kaged Elite Series Stimulant Free Pre-Workout. It’s Banned Substance Tested, vegan friendly, and non-GMO.
C4 Ultimate Shred tops the Best Thermogenic/Best Fat Burning category for the second year in a row. This 5th generation formulation from C4 Shred supports strenuous performance and fat-burning*. The Enhanced Fat Burning Matrix features MitoBurn®, Oligonol®, CaloriBurn®, and cayenne extract. Cayenne extract you say? Yes, it’s got a bit of a bite! But pairs nicely with the Pink Lemonade flavor. With 300mg of caffeine, get dialed in and focused for an explosive fat burning session at the gym.
Looking to bulk up? Then Pre Jym-Tiger’s Blood is for you. What exactly does Tiger’s Blood taste like? A tropical beach vacation! This one’s got it all – pumping agents, energy & nootropics, CON-CRET® Creatine HCl, and L-Leucine. All the right stuff to get after those gains^.
Beyond Raw’s, original LIT™ is back for the second time on our list, this time providing the best value. Second year in row! At just $39.99, this pre-workout sets the bar high with its clinically dosed formula.
A new category to the ranks, we’re featuring the best pre workout for men. C4 Strength provides a muscle strengthening boost from C4’s Muscle & Strength Matrix. Creatine monohydrate, PeptiStrong, creatine nitrate, and elevATP® join forces to help men max out their strength gains. The Frozen Bombsicle flavor is a nice touch too.
Not gonna lie, I was SUPER excited to try Bloom’s High Energy Pre-Workout. Bloom has been all the rage on social media and we love having the green powders in store. Their new High Energy Pre-Workout is perfect for you ladies out there. Basic ingredients, a bit extra in the caffeine department – 200mg, but I am HERE for it. Plus, beautiful packaging. The raspberry lemonade flavor was refreshing and to boot, there’s no artificial coloring. You can see specs of raspberry and greens when you mix it up! I’ll keep reaching for this one for sure!
Wondering what the best pre workout for beginners is? The Podium® HWPO Athlete Pre-Workout provides an essential combination of ingredients, and nothing more. I appreciate the mantra, “Hard Work Pays Off”, hence the HWPO. Compared to competitors, Podium® has a lower dose of caffeine and beta-alanine. I’m a lightweight when it comes to beta-alanine, so greatly appreciate this conservate approach.
It’s also banned substance tested, has 5g of creatine monohydrate, and tastes amazing. Two thumbs up from this Sports RD! Also giving a shout out to the cute little scoop hanger.
There aren’t many pre workouts with natural flavors on the market today. But On-It Alpha Brain® Pre-Workout is setting a new standard. The yuzu peach flavor is nice, light and refreshing. An enjoyable alternative to some of the candy flavors out there. Alpha Brain’s formula includes ingredients like ashwagandha and Alpha-GPC to support mental focus and promote endurance. I appreciate the natural ingredient focus and will have this on rotation for sure!
Alrighty, that’s a wrap for the Best Pre-Workouts of 2024. Grab your favorites from GNC and get after it!