The 5 Best Pre-Workout Supplements On A Budget in 2020: Our Tested No B.S. Reviews
Honest Review Guarantee from Fitness Informant:
Our product testing team uses the full 30 day serving amount in container before reviewing. Learn more about our review process here.
We get it all the time: what is the best pre-workout supplement for under $40? Well, we got tired of consistently answering that question, so we put together a guide that gives you the top 5 rated pre-workout supplements that are less than $40. More specific, these are the 5 best pre-workout supplements on the market that are less than $2 per serving.
We understand that some people cannot afford a $50+ version of a pre-workout. Is there a difference between of $50 pre-workout and an economical pre-workout at $40? Sure there is, but we wanted to make sure that if all you had was $40 in your pocket, you are getting the best pre-workout that money can buy.
We did not just take a list of pre-workouts that had a list price of $40 or under to make this list. We looked at a plethora of items to ensure this is the most comprehensive list available online that lays out, from 1 to 5, the best, cheapest pre-workout supplements on the market.
What Did We Look For When Making Our Best, Cheapest Pre-Workout Supplements List
We looked at several things when creating this comprehensive list of the cheapest pre-workout supplements that work. The word "cheap" can be taken negatively, and we do not want that with this list. We made sure we kept quality at the base of every pre-workout we included in this list of best pre-workout supplements on a budget.
Price
The first thing we looked at was price. We wanted to create a list of pre-workout supplements that were under $40 per container. The $40 mark seems like a good threshold to ensure you can still can a quality, effective pre-workout, while not breaking the bank.
Servings
We also looked at servings. We did not want to give you a $40 pre-workout that only had 15-servings...that doesn't help you while you're on a budget. The pre-workout supplement had to at least have 20 servings per container. We took price and divided that by servings to ensure that we were only including pre-workout powders that was $2 or less per serving. We accomplished that. In fact, none of the pre-workouts on this list are over $1.75 a serving
Quality
There are A LOT of pre-workout supplements on the market that are under $40. The issue: they are complete trash. It was our goal to ensure that not only are you being cognizant of your budget by providing pre-workouts under $40, but that it would also help you in the gym.
We looked at ingredients used and efficacious dosages. It is nice to "window dress" the product with pretty ingredients, but if you are going to under dose them we won't consider them. So not only did we look at the type of ingredient, we looked at the dosages to ensure that you were getting a full efficacious dosage of that ingredient.
Effectiveness
We only selected pre-workout supplements that work. Having efficacious dosages is great, but if that doesn't translate to in gym performance, then the product isn't considered for this list.
Only the best pre-workout supplements under $40 were selected for this guide. They must contain 20 servings or more. They must work. Let's GOOOOO!
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The following products on our top pre-workout for pump ranking list were used by Fitness Informant personally for this guide.
We used each of these pre-workout supplements through the duration of a full container. Sample packs were not used in determining the rankings.
Stop relying on faulty information that is influenced by outside writers and money. This best pre-workout supplements on a budget list is the real deal.
Here at Fitness Informant, we don’t steer you wrong. If you're looking for the best pre-workout supplements under $40 option that you can trust, look no further than our top 5 picks below.
A Comparison of the Pre-Workout Supplements for Pumps
Here's the top 5 picks for the best pre-workout supplements for pumps that money can buy:
Product Name | Highlights | Rating |
|---|---|---|
#1 Primeval Labs Mega Pre Black Use coupon code INFORMANT to save 33% | Best Overall Pre-Workout for Value Highlights:
| Our #1 Rated  8.8 out of 10 in the Pre-Workout Category |
#2 RedCon1 Total War Use coupon code INFORMANT to save 20% | Best for Sales/Flavor Options Highlights:
| Our #2 Rated 8.7 out of 10 in the Pre-Workout Category |
#3 RYSE Element Use coupon code INFORMANT to save 15% | Best for Pumps Highlights:
| Our #3 Rated 8.9 out of 10 in the Pre-Workout Category |
#4 Cutler Nutrition Prevail Use coupon code INFORMANT to save 11% | Best for Focus Highlights:
| Our #4 Rated 8.4 out of 10 in the Pre-Workout Category |
#5 USN 3XT Power Use coupon code INFORMANT to save 20% | Best for Well-Rounded Profile Highlights:
| Our #5 Rated 8.6 out of 10 in the Pre-Workout Category |
There are hundreds of different brands and variations of pre-workout supplements out there.
How did these 5 make Fitness Informant's top 5 list? Read on and we'll tell you:
#1 Primeval Labs Mega Pre Black
- Rating: 8.8 out of 10
- Servings: 40/20
- Best For: Top Overall Product
Use coupon code INFORMANT to save 33%
Pros
Cons
Mega Pre Black may be one of the most underrated pre-workouts out these days. Mega Pre Black is a product from Primeval Labs that sports a solid profile, and simply delivers on effectiveness.
The profile contains clinical doses of the ergogenic/performance ingredients such as Betaine Anhydrous, Beta Alanine, and Citrulline... it also goes ahead and uses some newer ingredients such as Dynamine at solid doses.
While it is on our list for value, this could easily be compared to many pre-workouts that go for well over $2 per serving. Usually with products at greta values, you tend to not see trademarked or patented ingredients... well here, you get not only Dynamine™, but TeaCrine®, ElevATP®, and Infinergy all come in this formula as well.
So why is Mega Pre Black on this list? Well, at first glance, it goes for $44.99 directly on their website, which isn't exactly cheap especially for 20 full servings. Well, if you use coupon code INFORMANT, you get 33% off, which brings this down to around $30, Also, Primeval tends to constantly run great deals such as BOGOs, and there is no way you will ever spend $45 on this, unless you want to of course. with such a great profile at such an affordable price, this is easily the best formulated product on this list.
Who Makes It?
Primeval Labs is a brand that has been around for quite some time now, and seem to always deliver when it comes to formulas and price. They are seen as a hardcore brand, however the formulas are suitable for many, and with such great pricing and constant deals, this is a brand that offers something for everyone.
What's in it?
One serving contains:
- 6g Citrulline – transports blood into the muscles
- 3.2g Beta-Alanine - improves muscular endurance
- 2.5g Betaine Anhydrous - may improve power output
- 2g Choline Bitartrate - helps with focus
- 375mg Caffeine Anhydrous - pure caffeine to increase energy
- 260mg (40%) Dynamine - pairs well with caffeine to provide more energy and focus
- 100mg (40%) TeaCrine® - helps with long lasting clean energy.
- 150mg ElevATP® - helps with the production of ATP
- 168mg Di-Caffeine Malate - form of caffeine that contains approximately 75% but is a longer lasting energy to avoid crash
- 100mcg Huperzine A - improves focus
Bottom Line:
Mega Pre Black is a greta pre-workout supplement at a greta price. Not only does it have an impressive profile, it also delivers on effectiveness and of course... value. This is certainly a pre-workout that is worth trying or having around. It does well enough on its own and doesn't even really need to be stacked.
Use coupon code INFORMANT to save 33%
#2 RedCon1 Total War
- Rating: 8.7 out of 10
- Servings: 30 Servings
- Best For: Sales/Flavor Options
Use coupon code INFORMANT to save 20%
Pros
Cons
Total War is an extremely popular pre-workout supplement from RedCon1. It is popular for many reasons, but one of the main reasons is that it is an affordable pre-workout for under $40 and it works great. Total War hits on the main functions of a pre-workout including energy, pump, strength/power and endurance.
The formula is not overly complicated. That is a good thing. It is a fully transparent formula that ensures they can reach a price point that is attractive to the consumer but also one that works. With approximately 325mg caffeine and Juniper Berry, you will get really good energy and not the massive crash you may get with some supplements.
Pump is solid with 6g Citrulline Malate and a full gram of Agmatine Sulfate. They do not overdo it with pump ingredients because Total War can be combined with Big Noise to be an epic 1-2 punch. The addition of Taurine also aids in the pump but also the strength component of the pre-workout. A clinical dosage of Beta-Alanine also aids in endurance.
Total War retails for $39.99, but you can typically find an awesome sale on the pre-workout. Total War is a 30-serving pre-workout, something that is disappearing from supplements. With upwards of a 30% discount code (which do exist) at 30-servings, a cost per serving of Total War can be as low as $.93 making it the one of the best pre-workout supplement on a budget.
Who Makes It?
RedCon1 is on of the fastest growing, most popular supplement companies on the planet. With innovative marketing practices, combined with effective supplements, RedCon1 is being demanded by consumers across the world. RedCon1 is one of the largest supplement brands in the world today with top rated supplements like Total War, MRE Bar and more.
What's In It?
What's in it?
One serving contains:
- 6g Citrulline Malate – promotes blood flow
- 3.2g Beta-Alanine - improves muscular endurance
- 1g Agmatine Sulfate - regulates nitric oxide for a fuller pump
- 1g Taurine - regulates electrolytes which may lead to strength increases
- 250mg Caffeine Anhydrous - pure caffeine to increase energy
- 150mg AMPIblast (Juniper Berry) - enhances the impact of caffeine
- 100mg Di-Caffeine Malate - form of caffeine that contains approximately 75% but is a longer lasting energy to avoid crash
- 50mg Cocophenols - aids in energy production
- 25mg Naringin - anti inflammatory impact
- 10mg BioPerine - aids in absorption
Bottom Line:
Total War from RedCon1 is the best value money can buy in a pre-workout on the market today. You get an effective, fully transparent pre-workout that is priced under $40 with 30-servings. In fact, RedCon1 is constantly running discounts that can get you as much as 30% off making this a $.93 per serving, the only one on this list under $1 a serving. There are other great value pre-workouts, but if you truly are on a budget this is your #1 choice.
Use coupon code INFORMANT to save 33%
#3 Ryse Element Pre-Workout
- Rating: 8.9 out of 10
- Servings: 25
- Best For: Pumps
Use coupon code INFORMANT to save 15%
Pros
Cons
RYSE has multiple pre-workouts with various formulas. They seem to have something for everyone, whether it’s their Loaded Pre, or their Godzilla Pre, or even their Pump Daddy. Well we have their Element Series on this list, as it is simply a killer option for those not looking to spend $40 on a pre-workout.
Element Series Pre is a well-formulated, simple pre-workout that will not break the bank, yet still delivers results. The formula is only 7 ingredients, which is actually quite a bit when you consider this is on Walmart shelves.
The formula starts off with 3.2g of Beta-Alanine, which helps with endurance. Following this you get Betaine Anhydrous at 2 grams. This helps with power output, and is well dosed in here. So off the bat we have two proven ingredients at good doses. Already off to a good start.
Now comes one of our favorite ingredients. Arginine Nitrate (as NO3-T®) is a great ingredient for inducing pumps. We like this in here, as it is a great substitute for Citrulline, which you find in everything these days. Nitrates are powerful, and you are getting a solid dose in here. Following this you get Taurine, which helps with hydration, blood flow, and performance. At 1.5g you are getting a good dose.
You get two forms of Caffeine in Element, the first being 150mg of Caffeine Anhydrous. This is a nice dose for many, especially beginners, and is about a cup and a half of coffee. Not enough for a sim-junkie, which is nice. Following this you get 70mg ZumXR, which is a delayed release form of Caffeine. This can help prevent a crash, and brings this to about 200mg of total Caffeine. This is probably our favorite dose on FI, however how to respond to this dose depends on your tolerance.
Finally you get Vincamine™, which is a precursor to Vinpocetine. This can help with focus and is an ingredient RYSE uses in all of their pre-workouts.
The profile is solid and very stackable with various pump products. Of course, it makes this list not for being “loaded”, but rather a great option for the price. You get 25 servings in a tub of Element, and it will run you about $38 directly from the site. Of course coupon codes help this, and with pre-workouts being overloaded and typically above the $2 per serving range or even as high as $3… this makes for an option for people who don’t need 400mg of Caffeine every time they go to the gym.
The flavors are amazing as well, and we thoroughly enjoyed the SunnyD Orange Strawberry. Well worth having around for days where you don’t feel the need to take 20 different ingredients before you workout.
Who Makes It?
RYSE Supplements is a booming brand due to their soft approach to bodybuilding building loyalty through culture. RYSE Supplements also does a great job of formulating products including pre-workouts, proteins and other products like pump formulas. RYSE Supplements also launched RYSE Fuel, the brand's energy drink which is getting the brand into more households.
What's In It?
One serving contains:
- 3.2g Beta-Alanine - improve muscular endurance
- 2g Betaine Anhydrous – improves strength, power & endurance giving you more time to achieve the pump
- 1.5g Arginine Nitrate (NO3-T) – this produces Nitric Oxide and larger pumps
- 1g Taurine - regulates electrolytes which may lead to strength increases
- 150mg Caffeine Anhydrous - good for energy
- 70mg zumXR - Delayed release Caffeine that can help with longer lasting energy
- 10mg Thinkamine - aids in focus
Bottom Line:
Ryse Element Pre-Workout is a solid option for a pre-workout if you are on a budget. You get 35 servings, all for under $1.50. The flavors are awesome, and the added nitrates and Thinkamine are both solid additions. We also like how it's not overloaded with Caffeine. Great choice for those trying to save yet still get an effective pre-workout.
Use coupon code INFORMANT to save 15%
#4 Cutler Nutrition Prevail
- Rating: 8.4 out of 10
- Servings: 40/20 servings
- Best For: Focus
Use coupon code INFORMANT to save 11%
Pros
Cons
Prevail from Cutler Nutrition is a pre-workout that surprised us in a good way. Jay Cutler, 4x Mr. Olympia champion did not have to give us a good formula, but he did. Prevail is the best inexpensive pre-workout supplement for focus.
Prevail uses some of the most proven ingredients for the best focus. You get 750mg Alpha-GPC, one of the most effective nootropics on the market today. Cutler combined that with 100mg Neurofactor, a unique ingredient that can improve memory, and 500mcg Huperzine A, a massive dosage of a fan favorite ingredient for improved cognitive function. Let's not forget about 750mg N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine. They even added 50mg of Theanine for anti-stress. This is 5 total ingredinets for focus enhancement.
Yes, we get energy too. Two forms of caffeine are used, Caffeine Anhydrous at 250mg and Di-Caffeine Malate at 150mg. This gives us about 362.5mg total caffeine for a sustained energy. The use of Di-Caffeine Malate ensures that you don't hit a wall and crash, but have a two-stage caffeine process. Cocoa Seed Extract at 20mg also aids in energy.
Lastly, for pumps you get 4g Citrulline and 2g Taurine. Citrulline aids in moving blood into the muscles. Taurine regulates electrolytes which may lead to fuller pumps and endurance.
Who Makes It?
Cutler Nutrition, owned by Jay Cutler, is a brand that re-launched in 2019 with solid products. As mentioned earlier, Cutler did not have to give consumers full dosages and a fully transparent label, but he did because it was the right thing to do. Not all big name athletes take advantage of the consumer, Jay Cutler is living proof of that.
What's In It?
One serving (2 scoops) contains:
- 4g L-Citrulline – improves blood flow for pumps
- 2g Taurine – helps regulate your body's electrolytes providing longer-lasting workouts (endurance)
- 750mg N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine - version of Tyrosine that may improve focus
- 250mg Caffeine Anhydrous – increased energy
- 150mg Di-Caffeine Malate - prolonged energy and crash prevention
- 100mg Neurofactor - may improve memory and learning
- 60mg Theobromine - similar to caffeine, can aid in energy production, may smooth blood vessels for more blood flow
- 50mg L-Theanine - reduces stress and anxiety
- 20mg Cocoa Seed Extract - may increase energy
- 500mcg Huperzine A - improves focus
Bottom Line:
You won't find a better value on a pre-workout supplement that will provide focus on Prevail. Prevail retails for under $40 for 20-servings. On paper this is $2 per serving. However, with our code you will save 11% bringing this down to $1.56 per serving, a helluva value for the kind of focus enhancement you are going to get with this inexpensive pre-workout supplement.
Use coupon code INFORMANT to save 11%
#5 USN 3XT Power
- Rating: 8.6 out of 10
- Servings: 30
- Best For: Energy
Use coupon code INFORMANT to save 20%
Pros
Cons
USN 3XT Power makes this list, as it is a very affordable pre-workout, that provides a solid boost in energy, and is very stackable. While not the most loaded profile on this list, it is still a very affordable option. USN 3XT Power contains 8 ingredients, all of which are solid. While not every ingredient is dosed great, it still delivers decent energy, focus, and pumps. While not the strongest in any of those categories, it still is a solid option, especially when you consider the price.
The profile contains pump ingredients such as Citrulline Malate as well as Nitrosigine, and while neither is at a clinical dose, both together do deliver a noticeable effect. Also, the energy you get is solid, as one serving gives you just under 300mg of Caffeine, coming from both Caffeine Anhydrous and Infinergy™. The combination provides strong quick hitting energy, as well as a source of Caffeine to prevent any crash.
Of course, USN 3XT also has some great flavors, and Sour Candy Crush is a great option if you’re looking for some great tasting pre-workout. Now why is this on our list? Well, the product is simply affordable. One tub goes for $35 directly from the USN website. If you use coupon code INFORMANT, you also save an additional 20%, which brings this to under $1 per serving. This is a great deal for this pre-workout, and it is certainly for people who don’t need a loaded pre-workout, and who want a solid deal.
Who Makes It?
USN is a brand that is has made some headway here in the US. The brand doesn't necessarily make the strongest products on the market, however they do have some very affordable, as well as effective ones that should satisfy the majority. With nice sleek blue packaging, expect to see more and more of this brand.
What's In It?
One serving contains:
- 4g Citrulline Malate- helps with pumps and endurance
- 2g Beta-Alanine - improve muscular endurance
- 700mg Nitrosigine - increases nitric oxide levels for improved blood flow
- 500mg Tyrosine - helps with focus
- 250mg Caffeine Anhydrous - increases energy
- 100mg L-Theanine - relaxes you and improves mood
- 50mg Infinergy™ - time released Caffeine
- 25mg AstraGin™ - helps with absorption.
Bottom Line:
USN 3XT is a pre-workout that although isn’t the most loaded on this list, still delivers enough for it to be a considerable option. The flavors are great, the energy is there, the pumps are noticeable… you won’t be blown away… but you’ll save money and still have great workouts.
When Should I Use A Pre-Workout Supplement
Due to the fact that you're on a budget, you need to keep in-mind that a pre-workout supplement does not need to be a daily thing. In fact, not to deter you, but a pre-workout supplement is not needed by anyone. They are nice to have. If you truly are trying to make your supplements last longer, then using them as needed, especially in the case of a pre-workout supplement is best.
On days that you need that extra boost and that extra focus/pump, use a pre-workout supplement. If you feel great and a cup of coffee may provide all the energy you need, awesome.
A pre-workout supplement is much more than caffeine. It can provide performance enhancing features like strength gains, power output, prolonged endurance, muscle recovery and more. You need to do your own financial assessment to determine if you can afford a daily pre-workout supplement.
Due to this, we made sure that each of our top 5 rated cheapest pre-workout supplements would come in at under $2 per serving.
Let's GOOOO!
Our Pre-Workout Supplement Testing Process
We examined five different areas of each pre-workout supplement when we compiled our rankings:
- Ingredients Profile
- Effectiveness
- Taste
- Mixability
- Value
Ingredients Profile
When we review each pump activating supplement on their ingredient profile, we look at the active ingredients being used and their dosages.
Many pre-workout supplements include a variety of beneficial ingredients, but under dose them proving to be non-effective.
Effectiveness
Effectiveness is an extension of ingredient profile. If the product uses proven ingredients at clinically suggested dosages, the product should be effective.
Everyone is different. Everyone takes to different ingredients differently at varying dosages. We have tried and tested each of these products throughout the full duration of their container to ensure these products are effective over their life.
Taste
We review taste on two different components. First, how close does the muscle pump supplement taste to the actual name printed on the label. For example, does Blue Raz actually taste like blue raspberry. Second, we review it on overall taste (in our opinion) versus others in the same flavor category.
Mixability
Mixability refers to how well does the product mix in 8-12oz of water. The testing process for a pump activating drink we use here is a generic Blender Bottle with the chrome spiral ball. We use regular tap water with no ice.
Value
Value is a combination of ingredient profile, effectiveness, taste, mixability and cost. We do not just look at the price tag like a lot of others do. If a product is priced at a premium, we inform you if it is worth the premium price or not based on all the categories. We look at the overall picture of the pre-workout supplement, and how it compares to other pre-workout supplements on the market.
Please Note: Many of the “top 10” lists you find online are written by content writers with no in-gym or supplement experience who are paid by the word count to write an article for a website trying to generate money.
These lists are influenced by brands who pay for placement. These lists contain pump activating supplements that are, for the lack of a better word, garbage.
The following products on our best of list were used by the author of this article. He used the pump activating supplements through the duration of a full container. Sample packs were not used in determining the rankings of the best pump producing supplements.
Stop relying on faulty information that is influenced by outside writers and money. This list is the real deal. Here at Fitness Informant, we don’t steer you wrong. Be Informed. Live Fit.
