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The 5 Best Nootropic Supplements In 2025: Our Tested Reviews

Best Nootropics

By Ryan Bucki, CEO
Updated on: November 3, 2024

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.

Society is constantly trying to get more shit done in less time. We are turning to copious amounts of caffeine to keep us running, going on minimal sleep and just overextending ourselves. More caffeine isn't always the answer (although it can help with brain function). There is a category of supplements known as Nootropics that have been gaining popularity due to their ability to improve memory, focus and productivity.

Nootropics are still fairly new, so we see a multitude of formulas, and they change all the time. We constantly get sent new nootropics only to find them reformulated four to six months later. We have done our best to formulate a list of our best nootropics available based on real-life usage.

The nootropic supplements you find on this list are current formulations with no plans to update this year. To be considered it also must be an everyday offering - it cannot be a limited edition. Lastly, we have had to actually use the product. There are plenty of nootropics on the market that look great on paper, we just have not had a chance to use them.

The following ratings may not reflect the review rating system on our website. Our website places equal weight across all attributes (for example, flavor is weighted the same as effectiveness when we think effectiveness is more important - unless the flavor is just trash). These are our honest ratings and rankings.

RYSE

The Best Rated Nootropic Supplements on the Market Today

Here's the top five picks for the best Nootropic supplements that money can buy:

Product Name

Highlights

Rating

#1 Apollon Overtime Universal Soldier

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Overall Nootropic

Highlights:


  • 600-1200mg Alpha GPC
  • 150-300mg Caffeine
  • 50-100mg SunPS

Our #1 Rated

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9.3 out of 10

#2 Morphogen Nutrition Cognigen

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Best for Long-Lasting Energy

Highlights:


  • 3g Tyrosine
  • 300mg RhodioPrime
  • 100mg Caffeine from zumXR

Our #2 Rated

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8.9 out of 10

#3 GHOST Gamer

ghost gamer

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Best for Gaming

Highlights:


  • 1.6g NooLVL®
  • 500mg Cognizin Citicoline
  • 500mg Caffeine

Our #3 Rated

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8.9 out of 10

#4 Core Nutritionals Zone

core zone

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Best for Productivity

Highlights:


  • 150mg Caffeine
  • 500mg Citicoline
  • 10mg Pregnenolone

Our #4 Rated

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8.8 out of 10

#5 Glaxon Neuro 365

Glaxon Neuro 365

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Best for Non-Stim Capsule Form

Highlights:


  • 500mg Lion's Mane 
  • 250mg Rhodiola
  • 100mg Neurofactor

Our #5 Rated

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8.5 out of 10

There are hundreds of different brands and variations of Nootropic supplements out there.

How did these five make Fitness Informant's top 5 list? Read on and we'll tell you:


#1 Apollon Nutrition Overtime Universal Soldier

  • Rating: 9.2 out of 10
  • Servings:  20 Servings
  • Best For: Top Overall Product

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Pros

  • 1.5g Acetyl-L-Carnitine
  • 300mg Rhodiola
  • 50mg KannaEase
  • 3,000mg Tyrosine

Cons

  • May be too much Caffeine for some

Apollon Nutrition is a powerhouse when it comes to formulas, and Universal Solider is a perfect example of their commitment to launching products that are always good enough to infest our ranking guides. Universal Soldier is a nootropic supplement that 

It starts off with 3g of Tyrosine, which helps with dopamine production, and is then followed by Acetyl-L-Carnitine. ALCAR is our favorite form of Carnitine, as it crosses the blood-brain barrier, and is really the only Carnitine you can “feel”.To please the gamers, they have also included a clinical dose of NooLVL, which is an ingredient that has clinical studies showing it to be beneficial for gamers. At 1.6g, it is at the clinical dose. 

Apollon has thrown in Lion’s Mane, which is a mushroom that is common in Nootropic supplements. It may aid with NGF levels, which support brain health. Another common ingredient found in Universal Soldier is Alpha GPC. Alpha GPC is a source of Choline, which converts to Acetylcholine in the brain. At 600mg is a solid dose.

Now come two botanicals, called Rhodiola and Bacopa. Bacopa can work as an Acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, and Rhodiola is a common ingredient used for its adaptogenic effects. Both are dosed at 300mg, which is good! Now comes Uridine, which promotes synthesis of brain phosphatidylcholine and helps to support cholinergic function. At 250mg, users are getting a sufficient dosage.

Now comes Grape Seed extract, which is an antioxidant that is usually used for blood flow, and has some antioxidant properties. Of course we have everyone's favorite energy booster Caffeine… along with its friends Di-Caffeine Malate, and Coffeeberry. You get a mix of fast-acting and slow-acting Caffeine, so you will have sustained energy levels and no crash. 

Now comes KannaEase, which can provide a calming/relaxing feeling. This goes well for gamers under stressful situations. Following this, you have AstraGin, which may help with absorption of several ingredients in Universal Soldier. 

Finally, Universal Soldier contains Huperzine A, which is a commonly used Acetylcholinesterase inhibitor. At 200mcg, you are getting a strong dose.

Overall, Universal Soldier is a versatile and powerful supplement, ideal for gamers, students, or even as a pre-workout. Whether you're looking to enhance focus during gaming, stay sharp for schoolwork, or boost energy for your workout, Universal Soldier stands out as a top-tier option for cognitive support and sustained energy.

Who Makes It?

Apollon Nutrition is a hardcore supplement line that isn't afraid to go places other brands haven't. Not only are they hardcore, they know how to make great products and care about providing clinical doses of ingredients. Certainly not a brand for beginners, however seasoned veterans and supplement nerds will certainly be impressed with what they do.

What's In It?

One serving contains:

  • 3g L-Tyrosine - Enhances mental focus and cognitive function, particularly under stress.
  • 1.5g Acetyl L-Carnitine HCl - Supports fat metabolism and brain function.
  • 1.6g NooLVL® - form of Arginine shown to help Gamers play better
  • 600mg Lion’s Mane - A mushroom extract that supports neurogenesis and overall cognitive health.
  • 600mg L-Alpha GPC (50%): A premium form of choline that enhances mental focus and cognitive function.
  • 300mg Bacopa Monnieri - An adaptogen that improves memory and reduces stress.
  • 300mg Rhodiola Rosea -  adaptogen that can improve fatigue levels
  • 300mg Grape Seed Extract - Helps with blood flow
  • 150mg Caffeine Anhydrous - Helps with energy
  • 100mg Di-Caffeine Malate - Sustained-released Caffeine
  • 100mg CoffeeBerry® - Natural source of Caffeine
  • 250mg Uridine 5’-Monophosphate - Supports cognitive function, memory, and learning.
  • 50mg KannaEase™ - Enhances mood and reduces anxiety
  • 50mg AstraGin® - Aids in nutrient absorption
  • 200mcg Huperzine A - aids in focus

Bottom Line:

This is the strongest nootropic supplement we have taken. If you really want to feel dialed in, play some video games at a higher level, get some serious homework done, or simply be productive at work, Universal Soldier is a product you can't go wrong with. 

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#2 Morphogen Nutrition Cognigen

  • Rating: 8.9 out of 10
  • Servings: 20
  • Best For: Longer Energy

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Pros

  • 250mg TeaCrine
  • 1g D-Serine
  • 300mg RhodioPrime
  • Fully transparent label
  • 3g L-Tyrosine
  • Great Taste

Cons

  • Some may want more energy

You can always count on Morphogen to make a solid product, and they are a go-to for our ranking guides. Cognigen makes this list, as it is simply a great nootropic supplement to have around. 

The profile starts off with 3g of Tyrosine. Tyrosine is a precursor to dopamine, and you typically want it at 1-2g. Well here you get 3g, which is a strong dose. Following this comes D-Serine, which can reduce anxiety, improve attention, and help with information retention. At 1g, you are getting a solid dose. 

We really like how this is not a “crack-you-out” nootropic. RhodioPrime is an energy enhancer, however it is not a stimulant. It is a popular adaptogen, as it has a 6% standardization. That is double the amount you typically find on the market. They have added TeaCrine, which is structurally similar to Caffeine, however does not hit you the same way. It provides long-lasting energy, and won’t give you any jitters, and there is no comedown. Speaking of Caffeine, you also get zum-XR, which is an extended-release form of Caffeine. You get 100mg of Caffeine, which is about a cup's worth of coffee, and this does not hit you all at once, so you have longer lasting energy. 

Finally you get Velvet Bean and nGin™ . Velvet bean is a source of L-DOPA, which is a precursor to dopamine. This can help with reward-motivated behavior, and can help with energy. nGin™ is a ginseng extract that may help with mood and cognition. At 100mg, you are getting a solid dose. 

Cognigen is a nice low-stim option that will make you feel good, and could make you more productive. Morphogen never seems to miss!

Who Makes It?

Morphogen is a brand that is known for their loaded products with impressive profiles. While not widely available, this gives them the option to make some of the best formulated products on the market. With the owner being an industry veteran with plenty of experience and qualifications when it comes to formulations, Morphogen knows how to deliver loaded, yet fun products that are almost too goo for their own good sometimes. There is no Morphogen product that disappoints as far as we know. 

What's In It?

One serving (one-scoop) contains:

  • 3g Tyrosine - helps with focus under stressful situations
  • 1g D-Serine - helps with mood
  • 300mg RhodioPrime 6X – adaptogen that helps with energy and mood
  • 250mg TeaCrine - helps with long lasting energy
  • 250mg Velvet Bean Extract - source of L-DOPA
  • 100mg Caffeine - helps with Icariin absorption
  • 100mg nGin - helps with mood and reaction time

Bottom Line:

Overall, Cognigen is an awesome product to have around, and is quite unique. It does not rely on a boat load of stims, but rather a combination of Nootropics and long lasting Caffeine to deliver an enjoyable experience. The TeaCrine, RhodioPrime, Tyrosine, and zumXR makes for a nice long lasting boost in energy and focus.  

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#3 GHOST Gamer

ghost gamer
  • Rating: 8.9 out of 10
  • Servings: 40/20
  • Best For: Gaming

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Pros

  • 1.5g Tyrosine
  • Great Taste
  • 400mg Alpha GPC
  • Natural Caffeine
  • Powerful Energy
  • Versitile

Cons

  • Proprietary Blend
  • Could use more Glutamine

GHOST Gamer is the product on this list, and it could very well be number one on this list as well, and is currently #1 on another list. GHOST Gamer is a nootropic targeted towards Gamers, as it is a fast growing category in our space it seems. To start, we have to say that GHOST Gamer is easily the best flavored product on this list. Of course, taste is subjective, and some people say cucumbers taste better pickled, but here on FI, we can safely say that Gamer is a great tasting supplement, and easily #1 for that reason on this list. 

Of course flavor isn't the only reason GHOST Gamer is on this list. Gamer is a very well formulated product, that provides subtle energy that puts you in a prime state of mind to play video games at your fullest capability. The profile starts off with an ingredient that is new to the market, and is meant for gaming. NooLVL® is an ingredient from Nutrition21®, and has been studied on Gamers. Be sure to check out our video on NooLVL for more info. Either way, you are getting 1.6 grams of NooLVL in Gamer, which is the clinical dose. Following this you get 1 gram of Taurine, which helps can help with hydration, blood flow, and cognitive function as well. 

Tyrosine is in here and for good reason, as it helps with focus under stressful situations, which happens a lot when you're playing some video games. At 1 gram it is dosed well. You also get 500mg of Cognizin®, which is Citicholine. This is a high quality form of Choline, and is perfect for Gamer. Rounding this out you get 150mg of Caffeine, 40mg of Theobromine, and AstraGin®. The amount of Caffeine is great, as it is enough to boost focus and energy without making you jittery. 300mg of Caffeine and sitting around isn't the best way to go. AstraGin is great for absorption, and is dosed well. 

Overall, Gamer is the best nootropic for gaming, and it can be used for being productive as well. Most people who buy it tend to use it for working out, productivity, and much more than just gaming, and with such great flavors, this is one you will most likely stock up on... we certainly have. 

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 (two-scoops) contains:

  • 1.6g NooLVL® - form of Arginine shown to help Gamers play better 
  • 1g Tyrosine - helps with focus under stress 
  • 1g Taurine - improves muscular strength and endurance 
  • 500mg Cognizin® - high quality form of Choline , helps with focus 
  • 500mg Raw Coconut Powder - aids in hydration 
  • 50mg AstraGin - aids in absorption
  • 40mg Theobromine - can help with energy

Bottom Line:

GHOST Gamer is a high quality nootropic supplement that aids with focus, alertness, gaming, and provides subtle energy. It is easily the best tasting product on this list, and we guarantee if you try it, you will be a repeat buyer, as it is great to have around for times when you need energy, want to focus, or simply want to play video games at your best.


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#4 Core Nutritionals Zone

core zone
  • Rating: 8.8 out of 10
  • Servings: 20
  • Best For: Productivity

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Pros

  • 100mg NeuroFactor
  • 1,000mg Tyrosine
  • 150mg Caffeine
  • Taste
  • Transparent Formula

Cons

  • Limited Flavors

Core ZONE continues to stick in our top five, and for good reason. It is a very versatile nootropic supplement that can be used for al most any situation. We here on Fitness Informant loved it for how productive it made us. We hate to say it, but it really put us... "in the Zone".

The profile is very straight forward, and besides the Pregnenolone, uses nothing we haven't sen in a nootropic before. With that said, everything is dosed well, and it all comes together to deliver an awesome experience. With that said, the profile starts off with two well known nootropic ingredients, ALCAR and Tyrosine. Both are staples in many nootropics and pre-workouts, and at a gram each, they are dosed well. You also get 500mg of Citicholine, which converts to Acetylcholine in the brain, a neurotransmitter. 

Bacopa and Mucuna are also in here, both dosed well and have multiple benefits. Mucuna is a source of L-Dopa, which is a precursor to Dopamine. You also get a solid dose of Caffeine at 150mg, which is a great spot for a nootropic, as it isn't overpowering however it should provide a solid boost in energy.

Zone also contains Neurofactor® and Pregneolone. Neurofactor® is great for brain health, and is at 100mg, the clinical dose. Pregnenolone is a neurosteroid and Core is one of the first few brands to actually use this, as you see it in their pre-workout as well. 

Overall, Zone is simply a great Nootropic, and works for just about any situation. It really is great for when you want to get work done, however even when stacked with a pump product makes for a great pre-workout. This is certainly a nootropic worth grabbing.

Who Makes It?

Core Nutritionals is a brand from Doug Miller. It has been around for a long time now, and has certainly stood the test of time. They are known for making some of the best formulas on the market and never seem to disappoint when it comes to new product or flavor launches.

What's In It?

One serving (one scoop) contains:

  • 1g ALCAR - form of Carnitine that helps with focus 1g Tyrosine - precursor to Dopamine, helps with focus under stress
  • 1g Taurine - improves muscular strength and endurance
  • 500mg Citicoline - high quality form of Choline , helps with focus
  • 500mg Mucuna Pruriens Extract - source of L-Dopa
  • 300mg Bacopa - helps with focus
  • 150mg Caffeine Anhydrous - helps with energy
  • 100mg Neurofactor® - helps with brain health
  • 20mg Huperzine A (1%) - prevents choline from being broken down in the brain
  • 10mg Pregnenolone - Neurosteroid that hales with cognitive function
core zone

Bottom Line:

Core Nutritionals Zone is a great nootropic supplement, that is useful for many situations, which is why not makes this list. It can be used for work, to help with productivity, gaming, and is a greta way to start your day. There is nothing crazy in here, besides the Pregnenolone which can be found in core Fury as well. Certainly the most interesting aspect to Zone. There is a good reason hy this got the rank it did, and it is certainly worth grabbing, if not stocking up on.

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#5 Glaxon Neuro 365

Glaxon Neuro 365
  • Rating: 8.5 out of 10
  • Servings: 30
  • Best For: Non-Stim Capsule

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Pros

  • 500mg Lions Mane
  • Capsule form
  • 50mg Neurofactor
  • 100mg Sabroxy
  • 300mg Bacopa

Cons

  • Limited in capsule size

Neuro 365 is awesome for its convenience and the fact that it is a non-stimulant nootropic. Glaxon does a great job of putting emphasis on science in their products, and Neuro 365 is no exception to that rule

As a society we consume so much caffeine and energy drinks, it is refreshing to have Neuro 365 as an option. This is a great add-on nootropic to other stim based products, or even used as a standalone option.

We love the use of Lion's Mane at 500mg combined with 50mg Neurofactor, Bacognize and Rhodiola. This will definitely be a mind clarity and focus application that works (spoiler: it does). 

Another really cool aspect about Neuro 365 is not only does it improve clarity and focus, it can elevate mood. The LTP Factors section of the supplement facts panel is dedicated to improving overall mood and energy which goes hand-in-hand with focus improvement.

Glaxon also adds in Lipidox to aid with absorption to make sure you're actually getting the ingredients to where they need to go. 

Overall, this is going to be one of the best capsule nootropics on the market today.

Who Makes It?

Glaxon is a science-first brand that really focuses on bringing innovation to the category. They are also very good at marketing. The combination of formulas/science and branding really catapulted Glaxon into one of the faster growing brands in the space with amazing products. 

What's In It?

One serving contains:

  • 500mg Lion's Mane – Mushroom that helps with brain health and cognitive function
  • 300mg Bacognize – supports targeting cognitive wellness, memory, learning, focus, attention, mood, stress management, emotional balance, and circadian rhythm support for improved quality of life and quality of sleep
  • 250mg Rhodiola – adaptogen that can improve fatigue levels
  • 100mg Neurofactor – helps with brain health
  • 100mg Sabroxy - improve memory and to support neuronal functions
  • 250mg D-Serine - elevate mood and fight depression
  • 100mg Theanine - elevate mood
  • 100mg Sarocsine - mood elevation
  • 100mg Dimethylglycine - increase performance and energy levels
  • 50mg Wax Tree Extract - antioxidant
  • 100mg Lipidox - improves absorption
Neuro 365 SFP

Bottom Line:

Glaxon Neuro 365 is a great choice for a non-stimulant nootropic (not many exist) that uses science as the key to the formulation. The product is convenient since it is a capsule form, but it also works very well. We like the brand. We like the formula. We like the convenience. 

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Frequently Asked Questions About Nootropic Supplements

Why Do You Need To Supplement With Nootropics?

Nootropics are supplements meant to aid with cognitive function, focus, alertness, and productivity. They are a growing category, and many brands are launching them. While we have a list here of our favorite and what we consider here the best. 

High quality Nootropic supplements can provide you with:

  • Improved Focus

With many people trying to look to increase focus in a world full of distractions, good nootropics may help with keeping you focused

  • Increased Alertness

Increased alertness is another aspect that nootropics can help with. Alertness can somewhat be thrown in the same bucket as awareness, and is another aspect that Nootropics can help with.

  • Better Productivity

Productivity is another thing Nootropics can help with. With so many distractions these days, productivity can certainly be affected. Nootropics can keep you feeling great and focused, therefore helping with productivity.

  • Energy

Nootropics tend to aid with energy, as many of them have caffeine in them. Caffeine is always thought of an energy booster, and it can also help with focus. It isn't a must for Nootropics, but you will find it in them.

What Should You Look For in a Nootropic?

You should look for good profiles that use proven ingredients at clinical doses. There are many ingredients out there, so we will list some that have some research behind them, and are easy to spot on an ingredient profile.

Common Ingredients In Nootropics

If you are looking for. The following ingredients are used in in Nootropic supplements to help with improving your mental clarity:

  • Caffeine: this is an energy ingredient, but it also works with your central nervous system to provide cognitive benefits and increased endurance. increased focus without jitters, you do not need 200+mg dosage. A dosage of 150mg would suffice. Many times there are other forms of caffeine meant to last longer than Caffeine Anhydrous.
  • Alpha GPC/Citicholine/Choline Bitartrate: Choline is usually the first ingredient that is used for Nootropics, and due to Choline converting to Acetylcholine in the brain, it's almost mandatory in Nootropics. 
  • Tyrosine: Tyrosine is one of our favorite ingredients in nootropics and for good reason. Tyrosine is a precursor to Dopamine and other catecholamines. It is a great way to get your mind going, and is certainly a staple in many Nootropics supplements.  
  • Acetyl-L-Carnitine: Acetyl-L-Carnitine is a form of Carnitine that can cross the blood-brain barrier very well. While Carnitine is usually thought of as a fat burner, however this particular form of Carnitine has been shown in studies to aid with cognitive function. 
  • NooLVL™: this is a new ingredient that has been introduced to the mnarket and it has actually been studied on Gamers. Since Gamers are always looking to increase their performance, NooLVL will usually be found in nootropics that are marketed towards Gamers. 

Our Testing Process

We examined five different areas of each amino acid supplement when we compiled our rankings:

  1. Ingredients Profile
  2. Effectiveness
  3. Taste
  4. Mixability
  5. Value

Please Note: Many of the “top 10 BCAA” 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 amino acid 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 BCAA & EAA 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 list is the real deal. Here at Fitness Informant, we don’t steer you wrong. Be Informed. Live Fit.