The 5 Best Pump Supplements 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.
Most fitness gurus have seen Pumping Iron featuring the king of bodybuilding, Arnold Schwarzenegger. Arnold has a great quote about the pump:
"The greatest feeling you can get in a gym, or the most satisfying feeling you can get in the gym is… The Pump. Let’s say you train your biceps. Blood is rushing into your muscles and that’s what we call The Pump. You muscles get a really tight feeling, like your skin is going to explode any minute, and it’s really tight – it’s like somebody blowing air into it, into your muscle. It just blows up, and it feels really different. It feels fantastic."
The Pump is a real thing. It’s an important thing. Many pre-workouts alone are not enough to produce a pump that can promote proper gains. This is where Pump Activating Supplements come into play.
Many times a pump supplement is called a non-stimulant pre-workout. Although this is technically true, some formulas are better than others in terms of increasing blood flow leading to larger and fuller pumps.
Our pump rankings below are based on REAL LIFE usage. These ratings may differ from our published review ratings because the software we use to review products weights every attribute the same (i.e. flavor holds the same weight as formula). We put our own weights into our ranking guides.
These are the top ranked pump products available right now on the market stemming from actual usage.
To be considered the products have to:
- Personally been used
- An everyday product, not a seasonal or limited edition
- Not going through the reformulation process
A Comparison of Our Top Rated Nitric Oxide Supplements
Here's the top 5 picks for the best nitric oxide and pump supplements that money can buy:
Product Name | Highlights | Rating |
|---|---|---|
#1 RYSE Supplements Pump Daddy V2 Use coupon code INFORMANT to save 15% | Overall Pump Supplement Highlights:
| Our #1 Rated  9.3 out of 10 |
#2 GHOST Pump V2 Use coupon code INFORMANT to save 20% | Best for Taste/Value Highlights:
| Our #2 Rated 9.1 out of 10 |
#3 Apollon Nutrition Bloodsport Use coupon code INFORMANT to save 15% | Best for Stacking Highlights:
| Our #3 Rated 9.0 out of 10 |
#4 Core Nutritionals Peak Use coupon code INFORMANT to save 20% | Best for Capsules Product Highlights:
| Our #4 Rated 8.9 out of 10 |
#5 Axe & Sledge Pumpies Use coupon code INFORMANT to save 10% | Best for Non-Nitrate Capsule Product Highlights:
| Our #5 Rated 8.9 out of 10 |
There are hundreds of different brands and variations of Pump supplements out there.
How did these 5 make Fitness Informant's top 5 list? Read on and we'll tell you:
#1 RYSE Supplements Pump Daddy V2
- Rating: 9.1 out of 10
- Servings: 20 servings
- Best For: Overall Pump Product
Use coupon code INFORMANT to save 15%
Pros
Cons
Pump Daddy V2 is a worthy successor to the original Pump Daddy from RYSE. If you remember that one, you know it was quite powerful, and was actually our #1 ranked Pump product for a bit. Well now we have Pump Daddy V2, and while some changes were made to the formula, not much has changed when it comes to effectiveness.
The profile starts off with 9 grams of Citrulline, which is well above the 4g-6g average. Citrulline is the most popular ingredient for pumps, and this delivers more than enough. Now we have Beta-Alanine, which after Creatine is the most popular sports nutrition ingredient (that isn’t Caffeine). It helps with endurance by buffering lactic acid, and you typically want this at 3.2g. You get 6.4g in Pump Daddy... DOUBLE the amount.
Following this you get 5g of Creatine Monohydrate, which is the recommended daily dose. Creatine needs no introduction, however if you didn’t know it is the most studied ingredient the supplement industry has, and helps with performance.
Betaine Anhydrous has grown in popularity over the past few years in pre-workouts, and can help with power output. You typically see 1.5g-2.5g in pre-workout. Well you get 4g of it in here. Certainly a great ingredient to help you with performance. Next up comes Betaine Nitrate as NO3-T®, which is one of the higher-yielding nitrate forms. Nitrates are certainly a surefire way to increase pumps, and you get a solid dose in here at 2 grams.
VasoDrive-AP® are peptides that have been shown to help with blood pressure. It is becoming quite popular in pump products, and you get 508mg of it in Pump Daddy, which is the clinical dose.
The two final ingredients are AstraGin® and CitraPEAK. AstraGin® is an ingredient from NuLiv Science, which may help the absorption some ingredients. It also reduces inflammation in the gut. At 50mg, you are getting the clinical dose. CitraPEAK is an antioxidant derived from orange peels that helps with NO production. At 200mg, you are getting a solid dose.
We loved the first version, but this one is a worthy successor, and deserves its spot on this list.
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 (two scoops) contains:
- 9g Citrulline – clinically dosed Citrulline to help move blood into the muscles
- 6.4g Beta-Alanine - more for the non-stimulant pre-workout aspect, but aids in muscular endurance
- 5g Creatine Monohydrate - aids in ATP production, can also help with water in muscles for pump
- 4g Betaine Anhydrous - good for power output
- 2g Betaine Nitrate (NO3-T) – a combination of betaine and exogenous nitrates to improve blood flow and power output
- 508mg VasoDrive™ - a derivative of Casein that helps with pumps
- 200mg CitraPeak - increased blood flow
- 50mg AstraGin® – aids in ingredient absorption
Bottom Line:
Pump Daddy V2 is a loaded-non-stim pre-workout and pump powder that hits multiple pathways in the body to help generate powerful pumps, as well as increasing power output, and performance. Certainly worth keeping around for days where you just want to train arms for two hours and feel like they’re going to explode.
Use coupon code INFORMANT to save 15%
#2 GHOST Pump
- Rating: 9.0 out of 10
- Servings: 40/20 servings
- Best For: Taste/Value
Use coupon code INFORMANT to save 20%
Pros
Cons
GHOST Pump to this day has been one of the more impressive pump products on the market. Not only does it contain a great dose of Argnine Nitrate as NO3-T®, it also contains other solid ingredients at great doses.
The profile starts off with 4 grams of Citrulline, which is a solid dose. Citrulline converts to Arginine in the body which is a precursor to nitric oxide. You also get 2 grams of Taurine, which helps with blood flow and hydration. It's great for preventing cramps and at 2 grams it is dosed well.
There is no more GlycerSize® in Pump V2, and now you have Setria® Glutathione and PureWay-C™. These are some nice additions, as they prevent your body from building up a tolerance to Nitrates, as well as prevent the breakdown of Nitric Oxide.
The Pine Bark and AstraGin™ round this solid formula out, as AstraGin helps with absorption while Pine Bark provides antioxidants that are beneficial for heart health and may reduce blood pressure. Overall the profile is solid.
Not only that, but the flavors and affordability really put this over the top. The product is affordable for many, yet still delivers pumps that rival some of the most loaded profiles on the market. There is a reason this was ranked #1 for such a long time on FI, and it continues to impress us here.
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:
- 4g Citrulline – clinically dosed Citrulline to help move blood into the muscles
- 3g NO3-T® Arginine Nitrate - increases nitric oxide in the body - great pumps
- 2g Taurine – regulates water and electrolytes producing better pump and more endurance and strength
- 390mg PureWay-C™ – source of vitamin C that helps with preventing tolerance build-up to Nitrates
- 200mg Pine Bark Extract – improves blood flow
- 200mg Setria® Glutathione - prevents breakdown of NO
- 50mg AstraGin - helps ingredient absorption in the body
Bottom Line:
GHOST Pump is more than just an internet darling. This is a legit pump product that produces exactly what it says it will: epic pumps. This is a 40 scoop product, and it even performs well at one scoop. With that said, the price is more than fair to other brands on the market and it is well worth picking up.
Use coupon code INFORMANT to save 20%
#3 Apollon Nutrition Bloodsport
- Rating: 9.0 out of 10
- Servings: 40/20 servings
- Best For: Stacking
Use coupon code INFORMANT to save 15%
Pros
Cons
It really is hard to make a list without Apollon, as the owner really goes out of his way to make sure that every product of his goes beyond what it really needs to.
Bloodsport is a pump product, and is one of those “this will be a fun one” products. The profile starts off with 10 grams of Citrulline, which is above the average 6g-8g. This is more than you need, but we don’t expect anything less from Apollon. Following this you get 3g of Arginine Nitrate (NO3-T®), which is actually our favorite pump ingredient. This combo is pretty much all anyone needs for a massive pump. You also get Taurine at 2g, which helps with blood flow and hydration.
Now we come to VasoDrive-AP®, which help relax the blood vessels, thus lowering blood pressure. It is an ingredient that gets better the longer you use it, and at 1016mg, is well above the 508mg dose. This is the highest we have seen in the industry so far, which honestly is not surprising. After this Bloodsport sports Himalayan Pink Salt. Salt is important for pumps and muscle function, so the addition is welcome, and these days quite common.
Now we are at the last two ingredients. Bloodsport finished the formula off with Grape Seed Extract at 500mg, and AstraGin® at 50mg. Grape Seed Extract is a source of antioxidants which may help with blood flow. Of course, AstraGin® helps with absorption, and has been shown in-vitro to aid with Citrulline absorption.
One reason we really like this one, besides the fact that it is loaded, is that it is quite stackable. There is an unflavored version, and it is great to stack with a stim-based pre-workout of even a simple energy powder. As always, Apollon is a solid option in the pre-workout category, and this is always a fun one to go back to.
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 (two-scoops) contains:
- 10g Citrulline - Improves performance and nitric oxide production
- 3g Arginine Nitrate (NO3-T) - Exogenous nitrates to improve blood flow
- 2g Taurine – Regulates water and electrolytes producing better pump and more endurance and strength
- 1016mg VasoDrive™ - A derivative of Casein that helps with pumps
- 500mg Himalayan Pink Salt - Helps with muscle function and hydration
- 400mg Grape Seed Extract - Helps with blood flow
- 50mg AstraGin® – Aids in ingredient absorption
Bottom Line:
Apollon Nutrition Bloodsport is a solid option for those who want a stackable or even standalone pump supplement. The non-flavored option is a great one to add to an energy drink or Caffeinated powder, and with the massive amounts of Citrulline, Nitrates, and VasoDrive-AP, this is one of the strongest pump supplements out there.
Use coupon code INFORMANT to save 15%
#4 Core Nutritionals Peak
- Rating: 8.9 out of 10
- Servings: 20 servings
- Best For: Capsules
Use coupon code INFORMANT to save 20%
Pros
Cons
Peak from Core Nutritionals is a capsule based pump product. Capsule based pump supplements are gaining in popularity, as many stack them with stim-based pre-workouts. So instead of mixing two flavors together, which many still do, some consumers are choosing to simply take some pump capsules for convenience. Almost like a sidekick to a traditional pre-workout.
Of course, Core Nutritionals brings it with the formula. PEAK™ starts with 2g of Arginine Nitrate as NO3-T®. Nitrates are powerful, and one of the most surefire ways to get a pump. We like this ingredient in here, as it works through a different pathway than Citrulline, which is in just about every pre-workout these days. Next up you get VasoDrive-AP®, which are peptides derived from casein that help with nitric oxide production. VasoDrive-AP® has solid research behind it, and at 508mg, you’re getting the clinical dose.
It isn’t all traditional pump ingredients in PEAK™. You also get PeakATP®, which is an ingredient that helps your body produce more. ATP is your cell’s energy currency, and plays an important role in the body. You get 450mg here, which is a great dose. Finally you get Citrapeak® at 200mg. This ingredient provides flavonoids which have been shown to help with nitric oxide production and blood flow. It comes from hesperidin, and is a solid addition to the formula.
Who Makes It?
Core Nutritionals is the baby child of Doug Miller. Core Nutritionals prides itself on quality formulas with meaning and purpose behind them. Core Nutritionals proves that with Peak, arguably the best pump capsule on the market today. Their entire line of supplements are top notch.
What's In It?
One serving contains:
- 2,000mg Arginine Nitrate (NO3-T) - exogenous nitrates for improved pumps
- 508mg VasoDrive™ - a derivative of Casein that helps with pumps
- 450mg PEAK ATP - aids in ATP production
- 200mg CitraPeak - increased blood flow
Bottom Line:
While there are only 4 ingredients in here, they are all you really need for an effective pump formula. What makes PEAK™ great is that it is very stackable, yet stands well on its own. Whatever you do, just know that when you take it, you will notice a great boost in pumps and performance. Certainly a great product to add to your supplement cabinet, for times when you need a boost in your pumps, yet don’t want an extra powder to guzzle down.
Use coupon code INFORMANT to save 20%
#5 Axe & Sledge Pumpies
- Rating: 8.9 out of 10
- Servings: 20
- Best For: Non-Nitrate Capsule Product
Use coupon code INFORMANT to save 10%
Pros
Cons
Pumpies from Axe & Sledge is the brand's first capsule based pump product to go along side their popular Hydraulic pump powder. We actually like Pumpies better given the convenience and usage of ingredients.
Nitrosigine is used at the full clinical dosage of 1.5g. This has been shown to improve blood flow even over Citrulline, a popular ingredient used in pump products. VasoDrive-AP is also used at the dosage it should be, 508mg (many companies do 254mg). This has also been shown to aid in the increase of nitric oxide.
Epicatechins and Pine Bark Extract are both used at 150mg and 100mg respectfully to improve vasodilation and blood flow.
This is a convenient on-the-go product that works well. It can be slightly pricy for 20-servings , but at the end of the day it works and it works well.
Who Makes It?
Axe & Sledge is a blue collar brand making supplements for the hardest workers. Axe & Sledge continues to gain popularity and growth through their formulas and culture that the brand is building. The poster child and founder Seth Feroce represents a lot of what is good about bodybuilding and fitness: grinding and doing the MFing work.
What's In It?
One serving contains:
- 1,500mg Nitrosigine - improves blood flow with data showing it's more effective than Citrulline
- 508mg VasoDrive™ - a derivative of Casein that helps with pumps
- 250mg Epicatechins - improve cognition as well as blood flow
- 100mg Pine Bark Extract - increases nitric oxide
Bottom Line:
While this is a simple pump capsule product, it is packed with goodness. We love the use of Nitrosigine (if we aren't getting nitrates give us Nitrosigine) with the full dosage of VasoDrive-AP. We also love Pine Bark Extract, as do the studies. If you are on the go and nitrates are too much for you, Pumpies is a great alternative. It is a great selection even if you like nitrates, because it works!
Use coupon code INFORMANT to save 10%
What Should You Look for in a Muscle Pump Supplement?
Pump supplements can come in all shapes and sizes, flavors and effectiveness. It is important that you know what you are looking for when picking out a pump supplement.
We break down several important factors to look for when you choose the pump supplement that is right for you. At the end of the day, it is how well your body responds to the active ingredients. Everyone responds to certain ingredients differently.
Type of Pump Ingredients
There are several pump ingredients that are out on the market today that are being used by the majority of supplement manufactures. These have been tried and tested. There are several other ingredients that are new, just making their way onto the scene.
Some of the most popular active ingredients are:
- L-Citrulline: this might be the most popular pump ingredient found in pre-workouts. There are various forms of L-Citrulline but they all work the same way to contribute to an increased pump. Clinical dosages of L-Citrulline is 6g.
- HydroMax (Glycerol Powder): this powder increases the concentration of fluids in your muscles. More and more pre-workout powders are using Glycerol Powder a.k.a. HydroMax as part of their pump enhancing complex. Dosage will vary as there is not a clinical dosage at this time.
- Nitrosigine: this increases the production of Nitric Oxide in the body. In clinical studies, Nitrosigine showed increased blood vessel relaxation which can help increase blood flow. In addition, blood vessel relaxation was almost 5x greater with Nitrosigine in comparison to arginine HCl. Nitrosigine can work in as little as 15 minutes.
- Nitrates: these are fairly inexpensive but produce epic pumps. Amino acid nitrate salts are used more and more to provide pumps that rival agmatine.
- Agmatine Sulfate: this is one of the most popular pump activating ingredients on the planet (along with L-Cittruline). Agmatine is fairly cheap and it works. Many pre-workouts include Agamatine, dosed around 750mg-1g.
Stim Free
Pump activating supplements are typically going to be stimulant free. This means you won’t find any caffeine, DMAA, DMHA, Eria Jarensis, etc. The reason most pump supplements are going to be stim-free is because they are meant to be added to your pre-workout. Most pre-workouts, at least the extremely popular ones, contain stimulants.
If you find a stim based pump product, this will essentially be a stand alone pre-workout. You want to ensure that your pump product is stimulant free so you can take it along side your pre-workout for an epic lift.
Taste
Taste is important to the Pump Supplement category. You would typically take your pump product along side or with a pre-workout. Like a pre-workout, you can “chug” your pump supplement…so maybe to some taste doesn’t matter as much.
The one thing to look for in taste is something similar to your pre-workout if you plan on mixing the two together. Sometimes this is the easiest. If you’re all for taking them separate of one another, then find a flavor you think you will enjoy.
Our Muscle Pump Supplement Testing Process
We examined five different areas of each pump activating 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 pump 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 pump activating supplement, and how it compares to other pump 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.
