5 Best Cheap Pre-workout Supplements in 2024

Many of us are leaning into ways to save money. When reviewing your budget, supplements may be one of the first things to cut. But if you’re looking to make your money go further, some options are less expensive.

The journey to achieving your fitness goals can be grueling, and pre-workout supplements are here to make that journey a little easier. But quality doesn’t have to break the bank.

Here we’ll talk about a few of the best cheap pre-workout options that offer great value without compromising quality or performance. 

Summary of Review

• Overall Best Cheap Pre-Workout: Prosupps Mr. Hyde Signature 30
• Runner-Up Best Cheap Pre-Workout: Naked Energy Pure Pre-Workout Formula
• Best Cheap Pre-Workout for Endurance: Jacked Factory NitroSurge
• Best Tasting Cheap Pre-Workout: Promix Pre-Workout
• Best Cheap Pre-Workout for Muscle Growth: Transparent Labs Lean

In a hurry? Here’s an overview comparing the five best cheap pre-workout options:

Summary: 5 Best Cheap Pre-Workout Options

How We Evaluated Pre-Workout Supplements

When picking a pre-workout supplement, you don’t just want to choose the first one that catches your eye. You should consider several aspects, such as ingredient quality, dosage, side effects, and safety. This will ensure that you select the best possible option available.

Our research team chose products to review based on quality, customer reviews, ingredients, and price.

I received the selected products, did a deeper dive, and used them myself. I evaluated each supplement based on 5 categories:

• Safety/third-party testing
• Value for money
• Ingredients and Effectiveness
• Taste
• Mixability

All products received a score out of 5 in each category, which can help you compare across brands and look for higher scores in the categories that matter most to you.

Safety and Third-Party Testing

Since dietary supplements like pre-workouts don’t need FDA approval to be sold, their credibility and safety can’t always be trusted. This is why the first thing I check when evaluating a supplement is for third-party testing.

This means that companies have chosen to have their product tested by an independent lab for contaminants and banned substances and to ensure that the ingredients match the label.

• NSF Certified for Sport® is the gold standard for third-party testing. It is recognized by the USADA and many professional sports leagues.

• If the product is not NSF Certified for Sport®, then I would look for other third-party testing, informed sport certification, and confirmation of a GMP-compliant (cGMP) facility.

I want companies to be transparent by making this information easy to find so that I can evaluate safety before all else.

Value

Pre-workout products can be expensive, and you’re most likely here because cost is a concern for you. Pre-workouts can be upwards of $4.00 per serving, which adds up if you’re consuming a few servings per week or even every day.

Since this is a review of cheap pre-workout, all the products we chose are less than $3.00 per serving. I looked at:

• Price per container. This initial upfront cost can be a deciding factor even if the price per serving is reasonable, especially if you just want to see if you like the taste or ingredient profile.
• Price per serving/scoop. For long-term use, this is going to be important. How much are you willing to spend each workout for your supplements?

Be aware: Some products cost more because they have additional ingredients or because they are more reliable. If safety and transparency are important to you, you may consider choosing a product that’s a bit more expensive in exchange.

Ingredients and Effectiveness

Most pre-workouts contain a unique blend of ingredients. They usually have a stimulant such as caffeine, beta-alanine, and maybe even creatine or amino acids. It is difficult to adequately compare different multi-ingredient pre-workouts within the research, and there is a lack of literature comparing these pre-workout blends to the isolated ingredient.

Blends

When looking for a pre-workout supplement, it is essential to examine the quality of ingredients and whether or not they are supported by research. It’s important to identify if the product clearly lists all ingredients or if it contains a “proprietary blend”.

Without a breakdown of each ingredient and the amounts, we cannot properly evaluate the safety or efficacy of the product.

Caffeine

Ingesting caffeine before or during a workout has been shown to improve exercise performance, and the recommended dose is 3-6 mg/kg.

The average weight of an American woman and man is 77.6 kg and 90.8 kg, respectively. At 3 mg/kg of caffeine, that would be a dose of 233 mg for women and 273 mg for men. However, both of these average weights are outside of the ideal healthy body weight range given the average height.

Using the average height of female and male Americans, the calculated healthy body weight range is 48.1 – 64.8 kg for females and 56.8 kg – 76.5 kg for males. Which at 3 mg/kg of caffeine would be a range of 144 mg – 230 mg. If we used 70 kg as the average weight, the necessary caffeine dose would be 210 mg.

The FDA recommends not exceeding 400 mg of caffeine per day.

Since weight varies greatly between individuals, the recommended dose does as well. You can calculate your caffeine dose using your weight and find the best product for you, but our scoring system uses a caffeine amount of 210 – 400 mg of caffeine, as this should meet the needs of many healthy people, while not exceeding the daily recommendations.

Beta-Alanine

Most multi-ingredient pre-workouts also contain beta-alanine, which causes the common tingling sensation. The literature that is currently available suggests that beta-alanine supplementation is safe and could improve exercise performance.

The suggested dose is 4-6 g/day in doses of 2 grams or less.

Creatine

Creatine is a well-studied compound that can act as a performance enhancer and increase lean muscle mass with exercise. It is also commonly found in pre-workout supplements.

The recommended dose is 3-5 g/day.

Citrulline

The body of literature is still lacking in evidence and position statements regarding citrulline use as a performance enhancer. However, it is a common ingredient in pre-workouts for its potential role in improving exercise performance.

Within the current, limited evidence available, a dose of 3 grams or more of citrulline may result in increased performance.

Vitamins and Minerals

Many supplements include additional B vitamins, vitamin C, or minerals. A trend was identified where products included these compounds at or above the tolerable upper intake level (UL).

This can be dangerous and cause side effects, especially if individuals are consuming more than one serving per day or are taking any other supplements.

Taste

Taste is a subjective sensory component of food and nutrition products, which makes it difficult to evaluate for a large variety of people. While I thought some products tasted awful, my best friend thought they were delicious!

I reviewed the taste of each product using specific criteria to try and get the most objective results for you, but I’ll also share my opinion for your interest. These criteria are:

• Flavor intensity (strong, medium, or mild): Does it feel overwhelming or subdued in your mouth?
• Flavor notes (scale from 0-5): Does the product taste like the flavor it’s advertised as?
• Aftertaste: What is the aftertaste, if there is one?

Taste scoring system:

• Flavor notes score only – other components have descriptive results

Mixability

Photo by Everflex Research 

We also rated each powder based on how well it dissolves in the specified amount of water after stirring. No one likes getting to the bottom of their drink and finding a thick layer of powder coating the cup!

Why You Can Trust Us

The Everflex research team has devoted hundreds of hours to researching, tasting, and evaluating these products so that you don’t have to. We prepared and tasted all the products on this list, and this is our honest review.

Disclosure: All products discussed in this article were given to me as free samples. However, I receive no gain or reward, monetary or in kind, based on my review of any products. This is a review article only and does not serve as a recommendation—talk to a healthcare professional before starting any supplements on your own. Remember, athletic supplements are not a necessary part of a healthy diet.

Top Five Cheap Pre-Workout Supplements

Prosupps Mr. Hyde Signature Pre-Workout: Overall Best Cheap Pre-Workout

Photo by Everflex Research 

Third-Party Testing: 4/5

•  Informed Choice

Value: 5/5

• $19.98 for a 216 g container
• $0.67 per serving (1 scoop)

Ingredients: ⅖

1 scoop:

• 2 g Beta-Alanine
• 1 g Creatine Monohydrate
• 500 mg Nitrosigine® (Blend)
• 500 mg L-Citrulline L-Aspartic Acid 1:1
• 500 mg Choline Bitartrate
• 26 mg L-Theanine
• 26 mg N-Acetyl Tyrosine
• 13 mg GABA
• 196 mg Caffeine
• 16 mg TeaCrine® (Blend)
• 14 mg Niacin
• Soluble Dietary Fiber
• Sucralose (sweetener)
• Acesulfame Potassium (sweetener)
• Fruit and vegetable juice (coloring agent)

Taste: 4/5

• Flavor tested: Blue Razz
• Flavor intensity: Strong
• Flavor notes: There was no fruity or “raspberry” flavor. It tasted very sweet, which I think is the point of “Blue Razz”.
• Aftertaste: None

Mixability: 4/5

• Dissolved into a clear bright blue liquid with some residue left at the bottom of the cup.

Overall Opinion: Prosupps Mr. Hyde is the most affordable option, but they don’t sacrifice safety and testing to get the price. I found this product too sweet, especially for a morning workout, but it also comes in fruit punch, watermelon, and pixie dust which you could try. I only experienced minimal tingles after working out with this product.

Photo by Everflex Research 

Naked Energy Pure Pre-workout Formula: Runner-Up Best Cheap Pre-Workout

Photo by Everflex Research 

Third-Party Testing: 2/5

• Third-party lab tested, but as per their website FAQ page, they will not disclose the lab used or share lab reports with customers
• GMP certified by Silliker

Value: 5/5

• $44.99 for a 240 g container
• $0.90 per serving (2 scoops)

Ingredients: 2/5

2 scoops:

• 2 g Beta-alanine
• 1 g Creatine Monohydrate
• 1 g L-Arginine
• 200 mg Caffeine
• 333 mg Vitamin C
• B Vitamins: 40 mg B3 (above UL), 667 mcg B6, 333 mcg folate, 47 mcg B12
• 27 mg Calcium

Taste: 4/5

• Flavor tested: Unflavoured, tested mixed in water.
• Flavor intensity: Mild
• Flavor notes: Mostly unflavoured with a slightly bitter taste
• Aftertaste: None

Mixability: 5/5

• Dissolved into a clear and transparent liquid with no residue left in the cup.

Overall Opinion: This is a great product if you’re looking for something with no additives or artificial sweeteners. When I used this pre-workout, I started to feel tingles about 20 minutes after drinking it, and they lasted for 20 minutes. Another bonus of an unflavoured product is you can mix it with a juice or other flavored drink that you prefer, or you can try their fruit punch or citrus flavor. However, Naked Energy does not disclose their third-party testing information which I would take into consideration before choosing a product.

Photo by Everflex Research 

Jacked Factory NitroSurge Pre-Workout: Best Cheap Pre-Workout for Endurance

Photo by Everflex Research 

Third-Party Testing: 3/5

• Third-party tested with Dyad Labs 
  • The information was not readily available on their website, but they did send a certificate of analysis via email when I reached out.

Value: 4/5

• $29.99 for a 258  container
• $1.00 per serving (1 scoop)

Ingredients: 3/5

1 scoop:

• 3 g L-Citrulline
• 1.6 g Beta-Alanine
• 1.25 g Betaine Anhydrous
• 180 mg Caffeine
• 90 mg L-Theanine
• 50 mg Theobromine
• 25 mg AstraGin (blend)
• Sucralose (sweetener)
• Beetroot powder (coloring agent)

Taste: 3/5

• Flavor tested: Cherry Limeade
• Flavor intensity: Strong
• Flavor notes: Good cherry taste but not a very strong lime flavor. More sweet than sour.
• Aftertaste: None

Mixability: 4/5

• Dissolved into a clear, dark pink liquid with some residue left in the cup that settled to the bottom.

Overall Opinion: I actually didn’t mind the flavor of this pre-workout, and when I used it for a workout, I felt very minor tingles that didn’t last long. You can also purchase several other flavors to taste. While their product safety analysis wasn’t readily available, they did offer it when asked which I appreciate. A nice touch with this product is their dual end scoop which allows you to either measure 1 scoop or 2 scoops at a time!

Photo by Everflex Research 

Promix Pre-Workout: Best Tasting Cheap Pre-Workout

Photo by Everflex Research 

Third-Party Testing: 4/5

• Third-party tested with Eurofins and Covance labs
  • Analysis results on the product purchase page

Value: 4/5

• $32.00 for a 285 g bag
• $1.07 per serving (2 scoops)

Ingredients: 2/5

2 scoops:

• 3.2 g Beta-Alanine
• 3 g L-Tyrosine
• 1 g Taurine
• 200 mg caffeine
• Vitamine B12
• Monk fruit (sweetener)
• Turmeric (coloring agent)

Taste: 4/5

• Flavor tested: Lemon
• Flavor intensity: Medium
• Flavor notes: Tasted like lemon, but could be more sour and less sweet for a true lemon flavor. Tasted similar to lemonade.
• Aftertaste: None

Mixability: 3/5

• Partially dissolved into an opaque, cloudy, yellow-colored liquid with no residue left in the cup.

Overall Opinion: Promix is a brand that is committed to the planet and sustainable production. This pre-workout is a great option if you want something flavored but isn’t too artificial and overwhelming. They also offer many other flavors to try. When I used this product for a workout, I started to feel the tingles almost immediately after drinking.

Photo by Everflex Research 

Transparent Labs Lean Pre-Workout: Best Cheap Pre-Workout for Muscle Growth

Photo by Everflex Research 

Third-Party Testing: 4/5

• Informed Choice
• Third-party tested with Dyad Labs
  • Certificates of analysis are available on their website

Value: 3/5

• $49.99 for a 240 g container
• $1.67 per serving (1 scoop)

Ingredients: 3/5

1 scoop:

• 6 g Citrulline Malate 2:1
• 2 g Beta-Alanine
• 1.5 g Betaine Anhydrous
• 1 g Acetyl L-Carnitine HCl
• 500 mg Choline Bitartrate
• 180 mg L-Theanine
• 180 mg Caffeine
• 50 mg Theobromine
• 5 mg Bioperine
• 100 mcg Huperzine A
• Minerals: 225 mcg Iodine, 15 mg Zinc, 55 mcg Selenium, 1 mg Copper, 200 mcg Chromium (at UL)
• Stevia (sweetener)
• Beetroot powder (coloring agent)

Taste: 2/5

• Flavor tested: Strawberry Lemonade
• Flavor intensity: Strong
• Flavor notes: No strawberry flavor, some lemonade flavor at first but mostly just very sweet.
• Aftertaste: None

Mixability: 5/5

• Dissolved into a clear, light pink liquid with no residue left in the cup.

Overall Opinion: Transparent Labs is a transparent brand, as its name suggests, and I appreciate their level of testing and clarity. While this wasn’t my favorite-tasting product, when I used it for a workout, I didn’t feel any tingles. They also offer a wide variety of other flavors to test. However, their recommended serving size is ½-1 scoop, but they only provide a full scoop for measurement, which can make it difficult to accurately mix this pre-workout.

Photo by Everflex Research 

Maximizing Pre-Workout Benefits on a Budget

For optimal results without breaking the bank, use pre-workout supplements wisely. Taking into consideration the correct timing, diet, and exercise routine is key to getting maximum value from your product.

If you’re looking for a way to boost performance during workouts while still saving money, following proper procedure with pre-workout supplementation could be just what you need. Timing intake correctly, combined with eating right and performing effective exercises, will allow users of these products to get more out of their investment.

Timing Your Pre-Workout Supplement

Consuming your pre-workout supplement at the proper time is essential to achieving optimal results during exercise. Most products recommend consuming the drink 15-30 minutes before working out so the ingredients can take effect and provide the energy surge necessary for the intense physical effort ahead.

Taking advantage of this technique can enhance one’s performance while training hard, thus making sure you get all that is possible from each session.

Nutrition and Hydration

Don’t underestimate the value of nutrition and hydration. A healthy diet and sufficient fluids can enhance your pre-workout supplement’s effects. Fueling your body correctly before a workout is essential to its success.

Many pre-workouts don’t provide a carbohydrate source or electrolytes, which can contribute to fueling your body, especially for long endurance workouts.

Workout Routines

To take full advantage of your pre-workout supplement, you’ll want an effective exercise routine. Whether it’s interval training or weight lifting, the correct regimen can maximize what your specific product has to offer. Keep in mind, a pre-workout isn’t a magical remedy, but rather an aid which may improve your gym session if accompanied by both a fitting formula and program.

Summary

Cheap pre-workouts can be just as beneficial to your training regimen as pricier ones, but you’ll need to pay attention to the ingredients and product safety. Whether a beginner or veteran athlete, an inexpensive option is available—it’s all about finding the right one for you!

Always remember that pre-workout supplements are not necessary; they are merely tools meant to amplify workouts and should not take precedence over other essentials such as a balanced diet, adequate hydration levels, and effective exercise plans. So if you’re ready to pursue peak performance goals with extra energy-boosting capabilities, then investing in a suitable pre-workout may be right for you.

FAQs

References

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Figueroa, A., Wong, A., Jaime, S. J., & Gonzales, J. U. (2017). Influence of L-citrulline and watermelon supplementation on vascular function and exercise performance. Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care, 20(1), 92–98. https://doi.org/10.1097/MCO.0000000000000340

Food and Drug Administration. (2020). Spilling the Beans: How Much Caffeine is Too Much? FDA. https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/spilling-beans-how-much-caffeine-too-much#:~:text=For%20healthy%20adults%2C%20the%20FDA

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Harty, P. S., Zabriskie, H. A., Erickson, J. L., Molling, P. E., Kerksick, C. M., & Jagim, A. R. (2018). Multi-ingredient pre-workout supplements, safety implications, and performance outcomes: a brief review. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 15(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12970-018-0247-6

Jagim, A., Harty, P., & Camic, C. (2019). Common Ingredient Profiles of Multi-Ingredient Pre-Workout Supplements. Nutrients, 11(2), 254. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11020254

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