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The 5 Best Stim-Free Pre-Workout Supplements In 2024: Our Tested Reviews

Top Rated Stim Free Preworkout Supplements

By Gerhard Hoermann, ISSA-CFT
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.

Stimulants are overtaking the world! That may sound extreme, but it is close to being true. The amount of caffeinated beverages and pre-workouts in this space have reached an all-time high, with no signs of slowing down.

Stimulant Free pre-workout supplements are on the rise as people recognize our "addiction" to stimulants. Stimulants can be very effective, but the truth is some of us just cannot handle them. They have a adverse affect on our central nervous system that can actually lead to a very scary experience.

Stim-Free pre-workouts feature ingredients that still contribute to your overall performance enhancement, without the use of ingredients like caffeine, Synephrine, Higenamine, Yohimbe, DMHA, Eria Jarensis and many more. 

This is a comprehensive list of high-quality, effective products that you can trust to power you through your next workout.

RYSE

Which Stim-Free Pre-Workout Supplement is right for you? 

That’s where we come in. Our Best of list includes supplements PERSONALLY tested by Fitness Informant. Many top 10 lists online promote based on commission dollars, we do it based on what works. That’s the truth.

We Remove The BS The Supplement Companies Feed You, And Tell You What They Don’t Want You To Know.

We remove the clutter from the stimulant-free pre-workout supplement category. We provide you with the five best stim-free pre-workout supplements.

The following products on our stimulant free pre-workout rankings list were used by the author of this article.

We used each of these 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 stim-free pre-workout list is the real deal. Here at Fitness Informant, we don’t steer you wrong.

Be Informed. Live Fit.


A Comparison of Our Top Rated Stim-Free Pre-Workout Supplements

Here's the top 5 picks for the best Stim-Free Pre-workout supplements that money can buy:

Product Name

Highlights

Rating

#1 Ryse Supplements Pump Daddy V2

Ryse pump daddy

Use coupon code INFORMANT to save 10%

Overall Pump Supplement

Highlights:


  • 9g Citrulline
  • 2g Betaine Nitrate (NO3-T) 
  • 200mg CitraPEAK
  • 6.4g Beta-Alanine

Our #1 Rated

Fitness Informant Logo

8.9 out of 10

in the Pre-Workout Category

#2 Axe & Sledge Hydraulic V2

axe and sledge hydraulic v2

Use coupon code INFORMANT to save 10%

Best for Focus

Highlights:


  • 8g Citrulline 
  • 508mg VasoDrive-AP®
  • Strong Nootropic Blend

Our #2 Rated

Fitness Informant Logo

8.9 out of 10

in the Pre-Workout Category

#3 Core Nutritionals PUMP

core pump

Use coupon code INFORMANT to save 20%

Best for Simplicity

Highlights:



  • 2.5g Betaine Nitrate
  • 2g Peak O2
  • No Overlapping Ingredients
  • Our #3 Rated

    Fitness Informant Logo

    8.9out of 10

    in the Pre-Workout Category

    #4 Apollon Nutrition Hooligan Bare Knuckle

    Use coupon code INFORMANT to save 15%

    Best for Focus

    Highlights:



    • 10g Citrulline 
    • 4.2g NO3-T
    • 800mg Alpha GPC
    • 3g Tyrosine

    Our #4 Rated

    Fitness Informant Logo

    9.2 out of 10

    in the Pre-Workout Category

    #5 Performax Labs MasoMax Grand Pre

    Use coupon code INFORMANT to save 20%

    Best for Performance

    Highlights:


    • 1.5g Nitrosigine
    • 2.5g Betaine Anhydrous
    • 200mg HesperiPump
    • 10g L-Citrulline

    Our #5 Rated

    Fitness Informant Logo

    9.0 out of 10

    in the Pre-Workout Category

    There are hundreds of different brands and variations of Stim-Free pre-workout 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

    Ryse pump daddy
    • Rating: 8.9 out of 10
    • Servings: 40/20 servings
    • Best For: Overall

    Use coupon code INFORMANT to save 10%

    Pros

    • 9g L-Citrulline
    • 5g Creatine Monohydrate
    • 2g Betaine Nitrate
    • 508mg VasoDrive
    • 200mg CitraPEAK™

    Cons

    • Lot's of powder to gulp down

    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 (2 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
    RYSE Supplements Pump Daddy V2

    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 10%

    #2 Axe & Sledge Supplements Hydraulic V2

    axe and sledge hydraulic v2
    • Rating: 8.9 out of 10
    • Servings: 40/20 servings
    • Best For: Daily Driver

    Use coupon code INFORMANT to save 10%

    Pros

    • 200mg CitraPeak and 508mg VasoDrive-AP
    • 8g L-Citrulline
    • Tyrosine for focus
    • Beta-Alanine for endurance
    • 50mg AstraGin® 

    Cons

    • More expensive than V1

    Axe & Sledge Hydraulic V2 was a great step forward for the popular brand. While the first version was popular and sufficient as a non-stim pre-workout, it did have some room for improvement. Well,  that’s exactly what Axe & Sledge did with their V2. Hydraulic V2 starts off with 8 grams of Citrulline to aid with pumps, followed by a clinical dose of Beta-Alanine at 3.2 grams. So you have endurance and pumps already at a good start.

    Glycerol monostearate is a hit or miss ingredient for some. We love it here, as it may help with cellular volumization. It becomes a miss when it clumps up a product. We haven’t had this is with Hydraulic V2, and at 3g, it is dosed well. Another ingredient add here to aid with performance is Taurine. Taurine can help with blood flow and hydration. 

    Hydraulic is not just a pump product either, as Axe & Sledge has added a gram of Tyrosine to aid with dopamine production and alertness. You get a gram of it which is a good amount. 

    It doesn’t end there, you get two more pump ingredients. VasoDrive-AP® may aid with lowering blood pressure and is dosed well at 508mg. CitraPEAK™  is another popular pump ingredient that is a source of Hesperidin. It may aid with NO production, and at 200mg, it is dosed well.

    Next up comes CognatiQ®, which is Coffeeberry fruit extract that may aid with BDNF levels. This means it may help with learning and memory. The last ingredient is AstraGin®, which may aid with the absorption of some ingredients. 

    Hydraulic V2 is a worthy successor to the popular Hydraulic, and they did a good job of making a loaded non-stim pre-workout with clinical doses of each ingredient all while making sure the flavor is on point and the Glycerol doesn’t clump up. This certainly deserves a spot on this list, and is one that is very stapleworthy and quite stackable as 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 (2 scoops) contains:

    • 8g L-Citrulline- clinically dosed Citrulline to help move blood into the muscles
    • 3.2 Beta-Alanine- buffers lactic acid which may aid in endurance
    • 3g Hydromax - a newer form of Glycerol, allows muscle to retain water for repair and growth. Helps with pumps
    • 2g Taurine - helps with hydration and blood flow
    • 1g Tyrosine – cognitive enhancing ingredient, great dosage
    • 508mg VasoDrive-AP  - helps improve blood flow
    • 200mg CitraPeak - branded ingredient aiding in the flow of blood to your muscles
    • 100mg CognatiQ - cognition improvement
    • 50mg AstraGin - helps with absorption
    Axe & Sledge Hydraulic V2 SFP

    Bottom Line:

    Hydraulic V2 is a great non-stim pre-workout that shows Axe & Sledge really wants to deliver a great experience. Not only does Hydraulic V2 taste great, but it really delivers with pumps and even focus. Certainly a staple worthy product and we highly suggest keeping this one around. You can always stack it with a stim-based pre-workout or a simple Caffeine source such as an energy drink or a Caffeine pill.


    Use coupon code INFORMANT to save 10%

    #3 CORE Nutritionals Pump

    core pump
    • Rating: 8.9 out of 10
    • Servings: 40/20 servings
    • Best For: Simplicity

    Use coupon code INFORMANT to save 20%

    Pros

    • 3.2g Beta-Alanine
    • 2g Peak O2
    • 2.5g Betaine Nitrate
    • 6g L-Citrulline
    • 600mg Alpha GPC

    Cons

    • PeakO2 Can Hurt Flavor

    Core Nutritionals PUMP is a non-stim pre-workout that was released in 2020, as part of Core’s rebrand. It has easily taken over as one of the best products on the market, and we can’t praise it enough. One of the best aspects to the profile is that there are no overlapping/redundant ingredients. 

    The profile starts off with 6 grams of Citrulline, and 3.2 grams of Beta-Alanine. Citrulline is great for pumps, as it converts to Arginine, which is a precursor to Nitric Oxide. As for Beta-Alanine, it is used for aiding in endurance. Both are dosed well.

    Next up, we have the powerhouse behind this product, which is Betaine Nitrate (NO3-T®). Nitrates are very effective at causing vasodilation, and we get a solid 2.5 grams of Betaine Nitrate in here. This is the ingredient that really puts it over the top for us here on FI.

    The next ingredient we have is PeakO2®, which is a blend of mushrooms from Compound Solutions. This is a blend of mushrooms that is used to increase VO2 Max, which can increase endurance. It is a great ingredient with solid research behind it, and at 2 grams, it is dosed well. Following this we have HydroMax®, which is a trademarked form of Glycerol Monostearate. This ingredient can help with cellular hydration, and is great for aiding with pumps. At 2 grams, it is dosed well. 

    Finally, we have Alpha GPC, which is a source of Choline. Choline is converted to Acetylcholine in the brain which is a neurotransmitter. This can aid with focus, and the Alpha GPC is dosed well in here. 

    Core PUMP is well deserving of being on this list, and we highly suggest grabbing it if you want a consistent non-stim pre-workout.

    Who Makes It?

    Core Nutritionals has recently gone through a rebrand, and they now look like a sexy brand, something they were kind of lacking beforehand. The brand has consistently come out with solid products, and are now killing it in 2020 with their new product launches. With a team that really cares about efficacious dosing and products that work, Core Nutritionals is a brand for everybody

    What's In It?

    One serving (two scoops) contains:

    • 6g L-Citrulline - converts to Arginine in the body and may help with pumps
    • 3.2 Beta-Alanine- buffers lactic acid which may aid in endurance
    • 2.5g Betaine Nitrate (NO3-T®) - a source of Nitrates which aids in pumps
    • 2g Peak O2 - increases VO2 max which may aid in endurance
    • 2g HydroMax® - helps with cellular hydration
    • 600mg Alpha GPC - source of Choline that aids in focus
    core pump

    Bottom Line:

    Core Nutritionals PUMP is a great non-swim pre-workout that is easily one of the best on the market. With 6 grams of Citrulline, Betaine Nitrates, and HydroMax®, there is no way you're not going to get a noticeable pump. It is technically a stim-free pre-workout, and the product stacks well with many stem-based pre-workout out there. This is certainly a product worth stocking up on.


    Read our full review here.


    Use coupon code INFORMANT to save 20%

    #4 Apollon Nutrition Hooligan Bare Knuckle

    • Rating: 9.2 out of 10
    • Servings: 40/20 servings
    • Best For: Focus

    Use coupon code INFORMANT to save 15%

    Pros

    • 10g L-Citrulline
    • 4.2g Arginine Nitrate (as NO3-T)
    • 800mg Alpha GPC
    • 3g Tyrosine 
    • 100mg CognatiQ
    • 50mg AstraGin

    Cons

    • May Be Too Loaded To Stack

    Hooligan Bare Knuckle is a true powerhouse that is well deserving of a spot on this list. In true Apollon fashion, it is simply loaded. Now some of you know the infamous Hooligan, the one that is known for being a Caffeine bomb… well Bare Knuckle is the yang to that yin. Bare Knuckle is a stim-free pre-workout that contains massive doses of everything else you see on this list. 

    The formula starts off with 10g of Citrulline and 4.2g of Arginine Nitrate (as NO3-T). Both of these doses are massive and amongst the highest in the industry. In fact, we can’t think of another brand that uses more than 3g of Arginine Nitrate. Nitrates are our favorite form of pump ingredients, and to see it at this dose is great. Following this you get 3.2g of Beta-Alanine, which helps with endurance.

    Tyrosine is in Bare Knuckle at 3g, which is a strong dose. Tyrosine is a precursor to dopamine, and can help with focus under stressful situations. This is then followed by Betaine Anhydrous, which is at the clinical dose of 2.5g. This may help with power output. To go along with the Tyrosine, you get another nootropic ingredient in Alpha GPC. This is a high quality form of Choline, which is a neurotransmitter. At 800mg, it is actually higher than the usual 600mg dose.

     Pink Himalayan salt has been added to aid with hydration and muscle function. It is more common in pre-workouts these days. You get another pump ingredient in the form of Grape Seed Extract. This may help with lowering blood pressure, and at 400mg is dosed well. 

    Finally you get 2 well known patented ingredients. CognatiQ® is derived from Coffee Fruit extract. This can help with BDNF levels, and is actually quite popular these days. Finally we have AstraGin®, which may aid with absorption. At 50mg, it is at the clinical dose.

    This is a powerhouse of a stim-free pre-workout, and if you really wanted to, simply adding a Caffeine pill would make this a top pre-workout on here. You can’t go wrong with Apollon if you want the best out of your product, and this one is no different. 

    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:

    • 10g Citrulline  – promotes blood flow and pumps
    • 4.2g Arginine Nitrate (NO3-T®) - a source of Nitrates which aids in pumps
    • 3.2 Beta-Alanine- buffers lactic acid which may aid in endurance
    • 3g Tyrosine – cognitive enhancing ingredient, great dosage
    • 2.5g Betaine Anhydrous - good for power output
    • 800mg Alpha GPC - nootropic that improves focus
    • 400mg Grape Seed Extract - Helps with blood flow
    • 100mg CognatiQ - cognition improvement
    • 50mg AstraGin - helps with absorption

    Bottom Line:

    Apollon Nutrition Hooligan Bare Knuckle is one of our favorite stim-free pre-workouts, and we highly suggest you go ahead and try it. Not only does sit provide some of the strongest pumps possible, it also has extra nootropic ingredients to aid with focus... almost makes the stims unnecessary.

    Use coupon code INFORMANT to save 15%

    #5 Performax Labs VasoMax Grand pre

    • Rating: 9.0 out of 10
    • Servings: 40/20
    • Best For: Performance

    Use coupon code INFORMANT to save 20%

    Pros

    • 200mg HesperiPump
    • 100mg AmentoPump
    • 10g L-Citrulline
    • 2.5g Betaine Anhydrous
    • 50mg AstraGin

    Cons

    • Not many flavor options

    Performax Labs is no stranger to our ranking guides. They have often held several spots on our lists, and now we have another solid addition to their lineup. VasoMax Grand Pre is a non-stim preworkout that has quite the impressive profile. 

    It starts off with 10g of Citrulline, which is actually the highest on this list… already off to a good start. That is then followed by Betaine Anhydrous 2.5g. This helps with power output, and is a common ergogenic in pre-workouts. Another blood flow enhancer you can find in VasoMax is Nitrosigine. This is a bonded form of Arginine that is proven to help with pumps. At 1.5g, it is dosed well.

    Now we have Pink Himalayan Salt, which helps with hydration. Proper hydration is crucial for pumps and muscular contractions, so it is always a welcome addition. Now we have another pump ingredient with HesperiPump™ (at 200mg). This is an antioxidant that may help with pumps. It is becoming quite a popular ingredient, and is great to see here. 

    Next up PreWay-C, which is a blend of fruit/vegetable extracts, which can provide antioxidants. Following this we have AmentoPump at 100mg, which is a natural PDE inhibitor. This can help lower blood pressure, thus resulting in more pumps. 

    Finally, you get AstraGin, which can help with absorption. At 50mg, it is dosed well. Overall, Grand Pre is a solid non-stim pre-workout, and can easily be stacked with a Caffeine source such as coffee, energy drink, or even some stim-based pre-workouts for those of you who like doing that. Well worth checking out, Performax NEVER disappoints.

    Who Makes It?

    Performax Labs is a brand that has been around for over a decade now. They continually launch products that hit hard, and are always among the top when it comes to formulas. They are priced fairly, and are certainly a brand for the hardcore supp user.

    What's In It?

    One serving contains:

    • 10g L-Citrulline - promotes blood flow and pumps
    • 2.5g Betaine Anhydrous – clinical dosage of Betaine that helps with prolonged endurance
    • 2g Taurine - helps with hydration and blood flow
    • 1.5g Nitrosigine – increases NO in body to produce great pumps
    • 250mg Pimk Himalayan Salt - Electrolyte that helps with hydration and performance
    • 200mg HesperiPump - increased blood flow
    • 150mg Phyto-C - Source Vitamin C
    • 100mg AmentoPump - Helps with pumps
    • 50mg AstraGin - helps with absorption

    Bottom Line:

    Vasomax Grand Pre is a nice upgrade from the previous formula. It is quite stackable, can be used as a non-stim pre or as an add-on to a stim-based pre-workout. Always nice to see Performax on our lists!


    Read our full overview here.

    Use coupon code INFORMANT to save 20%


    Do You Need Stimulants?

    You will find A LOT of pre-workout products on the market, and even here at Fitness Informant, that use stimulants. If you can stomach them and they don't have an adverse affect on you they are a great addition. However, we understand some cannot tolerate them, in fact, they are even deadly to some. In that case, companies have smartened up and started producing pre-workout supplements without the stimulants.

    Long story short, stimulants are not needed nor are they required. They can provide fat burning, focus and energy producing affects, but so can other non-stimulant ingredients found in these pre-workouts listed above.

    If you have issues with stimulants, this list will provide you with clear direction on where you should turn to power you through your next workout. If you have any questions, ask. That's what we are here for!

    Our Muscle Stim-Free Pre-Workout Supplement Testing Process

    We examined five different areas of each pump activating supplement when we compiled our rankings:

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

    preworkout powder in bottle

    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.