The 5 Low Stim Pre-Workouts In 2024: Our Tested Reviews
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Our product testing team uses the full 30 day serving amount in container before reviewing. Learn more about our review process here.
One thing that we have noticed in the industry here on FI over the past 10 years or so is the amount of Caffeine that people consume pre-workout. Many used to be fine with a modest 200mg dose... well now the average is 300mg, and to be honest it might even be higher than that. It's actually quite rare these days for us to get pre-workouts that contain less than 350mg of Caffeine.
That is simply not for everyone, and find ourselves getting burned out of constantly being overstimulated during our workouts. There are certainly some negative sides to constantly taking high-stim pre-workouts. The main issue being that you simply develop a tolerance that makes you constantly need to take more. Eventually you're taking massive amounts of Caffeine just to feel normal, and coming off of high amounts of stim overtime is actually quite difficult.
The good news is that there are plenty of options these days in our space.
For this guide, the products must have under 300mg of Caffeine, and preferably no higher than 200mg. Believe it or not it is actually quite difficult to find pre-workouts with Caffeine this low. We had to search far and wide.
Here at Fitness Informant, we don’t steer you wrong. If you're looking for the best pre-workout supplement with low-stim options that you can trust, look no further than our top 5 picks below.
A Comparison of the Low-Stim Pre-Workout Supplements
Here's the top 5 picks for the best low-stim pre-workout supplements that money can buy:
Product Name | Highlights | Rating |
|---|---|---|
#1 ZimFit Get PMPD Use coupon code INFORMANT to save 15% | Best Overall Low-Stim Pre-Workout Highlights:
| Our #1 Rated  8.8 out of 10 in the Pre-Workout Category |
#2 Klout PWR Use coupon code INFORMANT to save 15% | Best for Focus Highlights:
| Our #2 Rated 8.5 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 8.5 out of 10 in the Pre-Workout Category |
#4 RAW Nutrition CBum Essential Pre Use coupon code INFORMANT to save 20% | Best for Budget Highlights:
| Our #4 Rated 8.2 out of 10 in the Pre-Workout Category |
#5 GHOST Legend V3 Use coupon code INFORMANT to save 20% | Best for Flavor and Availability Highlights:
| Our #5 Rated 8.2 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 ZimFit GET PMPD
- Rating: 8.8 out of 10
- Servings: 25
- Best For: Top Overall Product
Use coupon code INFORMANT to save 15%
Pros
Cons
ZimFit is a relatively new brand that we have covered on Fitness Informant in the past, and we really enjoyed our experience. So much so that it has now made our list here.
Get PMPD is an interesting take on a pre-workout, although it really shouldn’t be. It is quite an impressive formula, and really is the king of “low-stim” pre-workouts. Some consider low-stim pre-workouts to be in the 200mg-250mg range, well Get PMPD shows that you don’t need that much to get a good workout in.
It starts with 7 grams of Citrulline, which helps with pumps. At 7g, it is dosed well. Following this you get 3.2g of Beta-Alanine, which can help with endurance. At 3.2 grams, it is at the clinical dose. The first trademarked ingredient is GlycerPump™. This is Glycerol monostearate, which helps with cellular hydration and volumization, which in turn helps with pumps. You get 3 grams of it in here, which is a decent dose.
Now we come to Betaine Anhydrous, which is popular in pre-workouts because it may help with power output. At 2.5g, it is dosed well. Now we come to our first nootropic ingredient, Tyrosine! Tyrosine is a precursor to dopamine, and can help with focus. At 1.5g, it is dosed quite well. Following this is Taurine, which can help with blood flow and hydration.
Another nootropic ingredient in Get PMPD is Alpha GPC, which is a high quality form of Choline. This converts to acetylcholine in the brain, which is a neurotransmitter. This is then followed by Theanine, which is an anxiolytic. This can help calm you down, and may even increase focus. At 100mg, it’s actually higher than the Caffeine content here, which isn’t common to see. You may or may not like this…. speaking of Caffeine…
Now we come to Caffeine, which is why this is one of our favorite low-stim products. You get 85mg of Caffeine, which is way lower than the average pre-workout. Most pre-workouts tend to have 300mg+, and low-stim these days is 200mg or so. Here, you have 85mg, which is about a small cup of coffee or even less depending on who you ask. This is in our eyes a true “low-stim” pre-workout.
The last two ingredients are AstraGin® and Huperzine A. AstraGin may help with the absorption of certain nutrients, and Huperzine prevents choline from being broken down in the brain.
This is a well-formulated pre-workout that really can be considered a low-stim pre-workout. Seriously, try to find a pre-workout with less than 250mg of Caffeine from a reputable brand these days, it’s actually harder than you think! Well worth having for workouts that are later in the day or if you’re trying to give your body a break from the constant bombardment of Caffeine.
One thing we have to mention, while there are two flavors currently, they are well done. The Cherry Taffy isn’t just a basic Cherry… It literally tastes like Cherry Taffy! Well done ZimFit!
Who Makes It?
ZimFit is a relatively new brand that made a splash with their low-stim pre-workout GET PMPD, and loyal following. They have a lot of potential, and put a lot of effort into their supplements, not just the formulas, but the flavors as well.
What's In It?
One serving contains:
- 7g Citrulline - helps with pumps, endurance, and performance
- 3.2g Beta-Alanine - helps with endurance
- 3g GlycerolPump - helps with cellular hydration and pumps
- 2.5g Betaine Anhydrous - good for power output
- 1.5g L-Tyrosine - aids in focus and alertness
- 1g Taurine - regulates electrolytes which may lead to strength increases
- 200mg Alpha-GPC – nootropic that improves focus
- 100mg Theanine - helps with calming
- 85mg Caffeine Anhydrous - helps with energy
- 50mg AstraGin - helps with absorption
- 150mg elevATP® - helps with ATP production
- 300mcg Huperzine A (1%) - May help with focus
Bottom Line:
ZimFit is a fun smaller brand, and GetPMPD is refreshing to have on here. Taste is great, formula delivers with pumps and focus, and also has a very low amount of Caffeine. Showing you don't need a massive amount of stims to get a solid workout in. You get just enough energy to get to the gym, your job will be the GetPMPD.
Use coupon code INFORMANT to save 15%
#2 Klout Karma
- Rating: 8.7 out of 10
- Servings: 25
- Best For: Focus
Use coupon code INFORMANT to save 15%
Pros
Cons
If there was a brand out there that screamed “cool”, it would be Klout. With some best looking product designs out there, it’s nice to see they put some thought into the actual profile as well. Klout Karma is a low stim pre-workout, and certainly is quite well-rounded.
The first blend is the PWR Performance Blend, which contains 3.2g Beta-Alanine, which helps with endurance. This is then Aquamin®, a source of minerals. Next up comes Caffeine Anhydrous at 200mg, and then 75mg of Infinergy®, which is a sustained release form of Caffeine. This helps with longer lasting energy and may help prevent a crash. This is 75% Caffeine, which gets you an additional 56mg.
Next up comes the PWR Focus blend, which starts of with 2g of taurine for hydration and blood flow, then followed by Tyrosine and Alpha GPC to aid with focus. The addition of CognatiQ® and TeaCrine will help with BDNF and TeaCrine can help with energy as well.
Finally, the PWR Pump blend has two forms of NO3-T® Nitrates. You get a gram of Betaine Nitrate and 500mg of Sodium Nitrate. Nitrates are our favorite ingredient for pumps, and you get a solid amount in here.
Not just cool, but also a nice formula that isn’t too stim-heavy!
Who Makes It?
KLOUT is a relatively new brand to the market and it has already made quite a splash. Not just because they have some of the coolest looking products on the market. They have some very well done formulas and some well done flavors as well. We expect to see more from them in the future, and we can't wait for their approach, especially with whoever is doing their artwork.
What's In It?
One serving (one-scoop) contains:
- 3.2g Beta-Alanine - improve muscular endurance
- 300mg Aquamin - aids in hydration
- 200mg Caffeine Anhydrous - good for energy
- 75mg Di-Caffeine Malate (as Infinergy) - Time-released Caffeine
- 50mg Theobromine - helps with energy without increasing blood pressure
- 2g Taurine - regulates electrolytes which may lead to strength increases
- 1g L-Tyrosine - aids in focus and alertness
- 600mg Alpha-GPC – nootropic that improves focus
- 150mg CognatiQ - Helps with BDNF levels
- 100mg Pink Himalayan Sea Salt - Source of trace minerals and helps with hydration
- 50mg TeaCrine® (40%) – helps with long lasting energy
- 1g NO3-T® Betaine Nitrate – increases nitric oxide in the body - great pumps
- 500mg NO3-T® Sodium Nitrate - increases nitric oxide in the body - great pumps
Bottom Line:
Klout Karma is a greta low stim option. Not only do they have some of the coolest branding, they also have some solid formulas for just about anybody. Karma is a nice lower stim option, that will still provide solid energy, without any sketchy stimulants or excess amount of Caffeine. Of course, the flavor is great as well!
Use coupon code INFORMANT to save 15%
#3 Ryse Element Pre-Workout
- Rating: 8.5 out of 10
- Servings: 20
- Best For: Pump
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 and 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 RAW Nutrition CBum Essential Pre
- Rating: 8.5 out of 10
- Servings: 30 servings
- Best For: Value
Use coupon code INFORMANT to save 20%
Pros
Cons
CBUM has been taking the world by storm, and with the demand for most cost effective pre-workouts, CBUM Essential is a great option. This may actually be the most affordable pre-workout on this list.
Now the profile is as simple as it gets. It starts off with 4g of Citrulline. This helps with blood flow and pumps, and at 4g is a good dose. Following this you get 3.2g of Beta-Alanine. Beta-Alanine helps with endurance, and at 3.2g, it is clinically dosed.
The next two ingredients are Tyrosine and Taurine. Tyrosine helps with focus under stress and is common in nootropics and pre-workouts. It also helps with dopamine production. At 2g, it is dosed well. Taurine helps with blood flow and hydration, and you get 1g in CBum Essential.
Finally you get 200mg of natural Caffeine from Green Coffee Bean Extract. 200mg of Caffeine is a nice amount, and is about the same amount as most energy drinks on the market. Think of it as roughly 2 cups of coffee. You also get some Himalayan Pink Salt, which helps with hydration and muscle function.
While there is nothing “sexy” about this pre-workout, the arousal comes from the price. This comes in at $30 on their website. If you use our coupon code INFORMANT, you get this just about $0.85/serving! That's a great deal, and this pre-workout is stackable with many nootropics and other pump products if it is not enough for you. Easily deserves a spot on this list. Everything you want and nothing you don’t!
Who Makes It?
RAW Nutrition is a brand that is cementing itself as a big player. After winning several awards in 2023-2024 through various supplement media outlets and retailers, you can walk into a retailer without seeing them. With Chris Bumstead as a their leading influencer, it'll be interesting to see how big RAW Nutrition will get.
What's In It?
One serving contains:
- 4g Citrulline - Helps with pumps and endurance
- 3.2g Beta-Alanine - Improve muscular endurance
- 2g Tyrosine - Helps with focus
- 1g Taurine - Regulates electrolytes which may lead to strength increases
- 200mg Caffeine - Increases energy
- 200mg Himalayan Pink Salt - Helps with hydration and muscular function
Bottom Line:
RAW Nutrition CBum Essential Pre is a great option for those who want to spend as little as possible, and don't mind sacrificing some of the fancier ingredients such as nootropics and pump ingredients for the essentials of a pre-workout. Not the sexiest formula, but one that will certainly get the job done for many. Affordability can be sexy too!
Use coupon code INFORMANT to save 20%
#5 GHOST Legend V3
- Rating: 9.0 out of 10
- Servings: 20 Servings
- Best For: Flavor and Availability
Use coupon code INFORMANT to save 20%
Pros
Cons
GHOST Legend makes this list for simply being a great example of what we wanted for this guide. The profile delivers Citrulline and Beta-Alanine, both of which are proven ingredients, and very common. Citrulline can aid with pumps and performance, whereas Beta-Alanine can aid with endurance. To aid with the pumps you also get a clinical dose of Nitrosigine, an ingredient from Nutrition21.
Legend V3 delivers a nice nootropic blend, which is quite simple when compared to their previous formulas. You get 500mg of VitaCholine. This is a trademarked form of Choline Bitartrate. This converts to Acetylcholine in the brain, which is a neurotransmitter. You also get 100mg of Neurofactor, which can help with BDNF levels.
Now we come to Caffeine, which is at 250mg. This is the only Caffeine in here, and 250mg is a solid dose and doesn't break that 250mg barrier we set for this guide. Next up we have AstraGin, another ingredient from NuLiv Science that can help with absorption.
GHOST Legend is a solid option, and the flavors they have are second to none. Certainly worth keep around, as it is a solid option for any day.
Who Makes It?
GHOST is a fully transparent brand in the supplement industry. They are more than a supplement brand, they are a lifestyle (that's really what they are going for). They could easily attract consumers with their amazing YouTube Channel and marketing campaigns, which they do, but they keep them with their quality formulas and products.
What's in it?
One serving contains:
- 4g L-Citrulline - Converts to arginine to aid in nitric oxide production
- 3.2g Beta-Alanine - Helps with endurance
- 1,500mg Nitrosigine – enhances body's NO production
- 500mg VitaCholine - Choline source that helps with focus
- 250mg Caffeine - Good for energy
- 100mg Theobromine - May help with energy
- 100mg Neurofactor - helps with BDNF levels
- 50mg AstraGin - helps with absorption
Bottom Line:
Ghost Legend is a simple pre-workout supplement that delivers on every aspect from Pumps, Performance, Focus, and Energy. The energy for just 250mg of Caffeine is nice, and GHOST simply proves that you don't need a boatload of Caffeine to get in a great workout.
Use coupon code INFORMANT to save 20%
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.
