Caffeine-free pre-workouts are a thing… and yes, they can make a difference. However, we’ll be upfront and say that it won’t compare to a caffeinated option if you’re looking for a big energy boost and all of the effects that come along with this nervous stimulant.
But sometimes, caffeine just isn’t an option for some people for whatever reason. Thankfully though, there are some viable options out there with other effective ingredients that do a great job of improving overall performance.
And we’ve reviewed 10 of the best ones we could find…
Short On Time? Here’s the Editor’s Pick – Pump Surge Stim-Free Pre-Workout
With a name like ‘Pump Surge,’ we’d expect good things from this pre-workout. And according to the label, it contains ingredients researched by top universities.
Key features:
- It contains l-citrulline, betaine anhydrous, and taurine which boosts nitric oxide and enhances blood flow for bigger pumps!
- 25mg AstraGin for improved nutrient absorption.
- Huperzine A helps with cognitive function.
Makers: Jacked Factory
Level Up Your Fitness: Join our 💪 strong community in Fitness Volt Newsletter. Get daily inspiration, expert-backed workouts, nutrition tips, the latest in strength sports, and the support you need to reach your goals. Subscribe for free!
Main ingredients: l-citrulline, betaine anhydrous, taurine, AstraGin, Huperzine A
Other ingredients: Citric acid, pineapple fruit powder, malic acid, silicon dioxide, natural and artificial flavor, acesulfame potassium, calcium silicate, sucralose, and beetroot powder.
Pros
- Caffeine-free
- No proprietary blends
- Scientifically proven ingredients
- Manufactured in USA cGMP facility
Cons
- Artificially flavored and sweetened (not necessarily a bad thing)
This is a powerhouse of performance-aiding ingredients.
PUMPSURGE Stim Free Pre-Workout
PUMPSURGE Stim Free Pre-Workout
PUMPSURGE Stim Free Pre-Workout is a scientifically proven formula, supports muscle growth gives focus, enhances endurance. Fully transparent.
VASOBLITZ Dual Nitric Oxide Support
VASOBLITZ is a caffeine-free patented nitric oxide supplement that acts as a vasodilator that opens up blood vessels for improved blood flow and big pumps, with proven ingredients that help to increase overall work volume and endurance.
Key features:
- Contains a healthy dose of l-citrulline, betaine anhydrous, arginine nitrate (as NO3-T) in addition to calcium lactate.
- A decent serving of vitamin C for immune health plus biosynthesis of collagen and l-carnitine, in addition to contributing to protein metabolism.
Makers: Build Fast Formula
Main ingredients: Vitamin C, calcium, l-citrulline, betaine anhydrous, arginine nitrate (as NO3-T), and calcium lactate.
Other ingredients: Citric acid, natural and artificial flavors, calcium silicate, sucralose, and beetroot (for color).
Pros
- Caffeine-free
- Reasonably priced
- Contains proven ingredients
Cons
- Contains artificial flavors and sweeteners
This is the ideal pre-workout for those skin-stretching pumps!
VASOBLITZ Dual Nitric Oxide Pre-Workout
VASOBLITZ Dual Nitric Oxide Pre-Workout
VASOBLITZ Dual Nitric Oxide increases work volume and endurance, increases anabolic response. Huge pump.
PumpHD
PumpHD is another amino acid-dominant formula containing ingredients conducive to getting a good pump in the gym but it’s also effective for keeping your cells hydrated.
Key features
- Contains 6g L-citrulline for nitric oxide boost
- Has 1g glycerol and pink salt for cell hydration
Makers: BPI Sports
Main ingredients: Niacin, L-citrulline, beetroot powder, glycerol monostearate, trimethylglycine, and Himalayan pink salt.
Other ingredients: Natural and artificial flavors, silica, citric acid, malic acid, sucralose, acesulfame K, and maltodextrin.
Pros
- Caffeine-free
- Hydrates cells longer
- Reasonably priced
- Made in FDA-compliant, cGMP facility
Cons
- Contains artificial flavors and sweeteners
Train longer and harder with this hydrating pre-workout.
BPI Sports Pump HD
BPI Sports Pump HD
BPI Sports Pump HD has no artificial colors, third party tested, promote muscle fullness, intensify the workout.
Genius Pre
Genius Pre is one of the top stimulant-free pre-workout products containing 13 performance-aiding ingredients.
Features
- 600mg of AlphaSize (50% Alpha GPC) for promoting muscular power output and improving physical performance in general. Effective for delaying symptoms of mental exhaustion.
- It contains 2g of scientifically proven CarnoSyn for muscle-support, improved endurance, mental focus, and recovery.
- Has 25mg AstraGin to support better absorption of amino acids, vitamins, and minerals.
- 150mg elevATP (ancient peat and apple extract) supports lean muscle, strength increase, performance improvements and positive changes in body composition.
- Naturally sweetened with organic Stevia
- No artificial flavors, colors, or dyes
- Third-party tested for purity and potency
- Certified for sport
Makers: The Genius Brand
Main ingredients: L-citrulline malate 2:1, CarnoSyn beta-alanine, betaine anhydrous, l-tyrosine, l-arginine, taurine, AlphaSize, HICA, elevATP, rhodiola rosea, theobromine, Astragin, huperzia serrata.
Other ingredients – silica, sodium citrate, Stevia leaf extract, natural flavors, turmeric root extract, and spirulina extract.
Pros
- Contains several proven ingredients
- No junk ingredients or proprietary blends
- Caffeine-free
Cons
- Complaints of excessive tingling
With a full profile of effective ingredients, we’d expect this pre-workout from Genius to serve you well in your training endeavors.
Genius Pre Workout Powder
Genius Pre Workout Powder
Genius Pre Workout Powder has no artificial flavors, dangerous stimulants, label transparency, gluten-free, third party tested, improve strength and power.
Myth Labs Nitric Oxide Pump
Nitric Oxide Pump is loaded with pump-supporting ingredients (minus the caffeine).
Key features
- L-Citrulline, Nitrosigine, and Vaso 6 are a potent combination of ingredients to ramp up blow flow.
- Piperine is great for nutrient absorption.
Makers: Myth Labs
Main ingredients: Vitamin C, potassium, L-citrulline, potassium nitrate, glycerol powder, Nitrosigine, agmatine sulfate, L-norvaline, pine bark extract (95% OPCs), Vaso 6, theobromine HCL, piper nigrum extract (95% piperine).
Other ingredients: Maltodextrin, citric oxide, tartaric acid, malic acid, sucralose, acesulfame K, natural and artificial flavors, and calcium silicate.
Pros
- Caffeine-free
- manufactured in a cGMP facility
- Reasonably priced
Cons
- Contains artificial flavors and sweeteners
A great product for optimal blood flow and nutrient absorption.
Myth Labs Nitric Oxide Pump
Myth Labs Nitric Oxide Pump
Myth Nitric Oxide Pump gives power, pump, and endurance. Fully transparent.
NutraBio Pre Stim-Free
Pre Stim-Free is loaded with B vitamins essential for many bodily processes such as cell energy and red blood cell health. Plus, it contains the most ergogenic ingredient known to man for building muscle and increasing strength… aka creatine monohydrate.
This formula is stacked with everything you need to take your performance to the next level.
Key features
- Contains B vitamins for cell energy and general health.
- It has creatine which is the most studies and proven-effective ingredient for influencing body composition and performance.
- Many nitric oxide-boosting ingredients.
Makers: Nutra Bio
Main ingredients: B vitamins, vitamin C, important minerals for overall health, L-leucine (important branched-chain amino for muscle synthesis), creatine monohydrate/Magnapower, plus nitric oxide-enhancing amino acids which are typical in stim-free products.
Other ingredients: Natural and artificial flavors, sucralose, acesulfame potassium, and beetroot powder.
Pros
- Caffeine-free
- Good for hydration
- Large profile of studied ingredients
- Reasonably priced
Cons
- Contains artificial flavors and sweeteners
An effective option for energy, muscle growth, strength, and overall performance.
NutraBio PRE Stim Free
NutraBio PRE Stim Free
NutraBio PRE Stim Free increases power and endurance, accelerate gains, intensify focus and intensity. Non-GMO, gluten-free and vegan.
PEScience High Volume Supreme Nitric Oxide Matrix
High Volume contains fully dosed nitric oxide ingredients including the patented arginine nitrate (NO3-T).
Key features
- Formula consists of a high dose of L-citrulline, a performance pump matrix (taurine and glycerol), arginine nitrate (NO3-T), and agmatine sulfate.
- Third-party tested for purity and potency
Makers: PEScience
Main ingredients: Vitamin C, L-citrulline, performance pump matrix, arginine nitrate (NO3-T), and agmatine sulfate.
Other ingredients: Natural and artificial flavors, citric acid, silicon dioxide, sucralose, acesulfame potassium, FD&C blue, titanium dioxide blue.
Level Up Your Fitness: Join our 💪 strong community in Fitness Volt Newsletter. Get daily inspiration, expert-backed workouts, nutrition tips, the latest in strength sports, and the support you need to reach your goals. Subscribe for free!
Pros
- Caffeine-free
- Effective dose of proven ingredients
- Good for cell hydration
- produced and stored in a USA cGMP facility
Cons
- Contains artificial flavors, sweeteners, and colors
- A little pricey for servings
A quality supplement with testing to back up the effective ingredients.
PEScience High Volume Supreme Nitric Oxide Matrix
PEScience High Volume Supreme Nitric Oxide Matrix
PEScience High Volume Supreme Nitric oxide matrix is third party tested, great taste, enhances endurance and recovery.
Pump Boost Pre-Workout Accelerator
Pump-Boost is a great option for getting that stim-free boost.
Key features
- Contains the typical L-citrulline in addition to powdered glycerol (Hydromax) and coconut water for hydration.
- Tested for quality
Makers: RSP
Main ingredients: L-citrulline, powdered glycerol (Hydromax), and coconut water.
Other ingredients: citric acid, silica, natural flavor, malic acid, sucralose, calcium silicate, spirulina extract (color), and tapioca maltodextrin.
Pros
- Caffeine-free
- Good for energy and hydration
- Good price
- GMP certified
Cons
- Contains sucralose
Another great hydrator and pump-booster.
RSP Pump Boost Pre-Workout
RSP Pump Boost Pre-Workout
RSP Pump Boost Pre-Workout is third party tested, high-performance formula, increased muscle pump, promote hyperhydration, anytime energy.
Six Star Pre-Workout N.O. Fury
Different from the other products in our review, this caffeine-free pre-workout comes in pill form which many prefer plus it’s a great budget option.
It’s nothing too fancy but it should contribute to increased blood flow during your training sessions.
Key features
- 3,000mg of a nitric oxide matrix (L-arginine and L-citrulline) for pure muscle pump support.
Makers: Six Star Pro Nutrition from the makers of MuscleTech
Main ingredients: L-arginine/alpha-ketoglutarate/HCI, and L-citrulline
Other ingredients: Coating, food dye, magnesium stearate, acesulfame potassium.
Pros
- Caffeine-free
- Cheap
- Decent ingredient profile
Cons
- Contains acesulfame potassium and blue dye
A quick and convenient option for getting that intra-workout pump.
Six Star Pro Nutrition Pre Workout
Six Star Pro Nutrition Pre Workout
Six Star Pro Nutrition Pre Workout increased muscle fullness and hardness after a dose and gives explosive muscle pumps.
Gnarly Pre-Workout
Gnarly pre-workout is a citrulline, BCAA, beta-alanine, and Asian Ginseng root powder-focused product.
Key features
- Nitric oxide and energy-boosting formula
- Naturally flavored and sweetened
Makers: Gnarly
Main ingredients: Citrulline malate, vegan BCAA blend (L-leucine, L-isoleucine, and L-valine), beta-alanine (CarnoSyn and SR CarnoSyn), and Asian Ginseng root powder (energy).
Other ingredients: Natural flavors, Stevia, silicon dioxide, beetroot, calcium silicate, citric acid.
Pros
- Caffeine-free
- No artificial flavors, colors, or sweeteners
Cons
- Some people don’t like Stevia
An overall quality option with no junk ingredients or artificial flavors/sweeteners.
Gnarly Nutrition Preworkout
Gnarly Nutrition Preworkout
Gnarly Nutrition Preworkout, increases energy, endurance, and performance. The formula has no artificial colors, sweetener, is vegan, Non-GMO, gluten and soy-free.
How Did We Rank?
The product selections on our list were based on certain criteria to ensure we recommend only the best quality options currently available on the market.
Here are the main factors we took into consideration…
Ingredients – All caffeine-free pre-workouts don’t necessarily need to contain the same exact ingredients but they should have a healthy and effective dose of ingredients that have been scientifically proven to provide some sort of benefit.
Currently, there are no ingredients that have an effect on the body identical to caffeine. So, this should be taken into consideration when it comes to expectations.
Effectiveness – Again, this will depend entirely on the ingredients contained in the product. But at the same time, you want the product to kick in before and/or during your session so that you can experience some sort of effect.
Manufacturing Standards – Ideally, products are produced and stored in a cGMP facility which ensures quality.
Side Effects – Side effects are sometimes inevitable when it comes to supplementation which doesn’t always mean there’s something wrong with the product as one person may experience a side effect and someone else may not.
However, products should only contain ingredients that are generally considered safe for most people with little chance of causing discomfort or other undesirable effects. User feedback is also sometimes a good way to determine the overall quality of a product.
Who Should Buy This Product?
Whether you’re a gym-goer, athlete, or anything in between, a caffeine-free pre-workout can be safely taken prior to the activity of choice, for most healthy individuals.
As you’ve probably noticed, most of the options on our list are formulated to improve blood flow/pumps, endurance, energy, and even hydration. The effects may be subtle overall and this should be acknowledged before making a purchase.
But if you’re just looking for something to give you a little push in performance and/or confidence, then a stim-free option can work for you.
How Do I Pick a Good Pre-Workout For Me?
All of the pre-workout products on our list offer something unique, but whether or not one may be slightly better than another, well… it’d be impossible to give an accurate answer to that.
Consider your budget, overall value (cost for a number of ingredients and servings), and user feedback to determine what it is you may be looking for from a certain product. Not all products are created equally and many times the cost is reflective of this. But you can make a good decision by doing your due diligence.
And in this case, we did a lot of the work for you by choosing products with clean and effective active ingredients from reputable companies.
Benefits
Again, caffeine/stim-free pre-workout supplements will not work like a caffeinated product. Expectations may be too high sometimes and this can lead to disappointment because you don’t get the same physiological effects.
However, most effective stim-free products work to improve your endurance, increase blood flow by acting as a vasodilator, and help with recovery.
For instance, the nonessential amino acid L-citrulline is a common ingredient (you probably noticed by now) in stim-free products. It has effects on cardiometabolic health both directly and indirectly. Plus, it’s important for vascular health, protein metabolism, and lipid metabolism. (1)
And one scientific review explained that L-citrulline increases exercise performance in young adults. In fact, it does an even better job than L-arginine for increasing nitric oxide therefore it’s a viable ingredient if looking for promising effects. (2, 3)
Another common ingredient is beta-alanine which is an increasingly popular ergogenic aid for physical performance. But it definitely lives up to the hype for high-intensity exercise by increasing muscle carnosine levels which reduced lactic acid buildup, therefore allowing for longer training sessions. (4, 5)
Beta-alanine significantly increased VO(2) while significantly decreasing time-to-exhaustion TTE and lactate concentrations when thirty-nine male physical education students were given the amino acid for 6 weeks. (6)
So, as you can see, the typical, quality stimulant-free product can elicit some noticeable effects on performance and that’s not even including the many other effective ingredients that are often included alongside these two proven ingredients.
The effects are not going to be dramatic but for a natural supplement with no caffeine, what’s there to not like about it.
Potential Side Effects
Any side effects experienced with a quality stim-free product should be very minor with tingling (normal due to beta-alanine), nausea, etc. being the most common. The worst effects tend to occur with caffeinated products that are taken in high amounts and when an individual has not built up a tolerance to caffeine.
But it’s always a good idea to consult with a medical professional before trying any performance-aiding supplements, especially those under a physician’s care.
Recommended Dosage
The only way to ensure you’re taking the recommended dosage is to read and follow the product label/s due to the fact that the products on our list contain multiple ingredients.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is A Stim-Free Pre-Workout?
The typical stim or caffeine-free pre-workout is formulated with amino acids and other ingredients that support blood flow, improved endurance, possibly better recovery, and more.
The effects won’t be as pronounced as a caffeinated option but you can still benefit from proven ingredients.
What’s The Difference Between Stim-Free and Caffeinated?
Stim-free products do not use caffeine and the effects are typically subtle to moderate.
Caffeine stimulates the nervous system which can make you feel more energized and alert. The effects can range from very pronounced to subtle depending on tolerance level.
But the potential for experiencing side effects is higher with caffeinated supplements as a result; which include dizziness, nausea, anxiety, elevated heart rate, increased blood pressure, dependency, etc.
How Quickly Will I Feel The Effects?
Most products recommend taking a serving at least 30 minutes prior to exercise. However, this can also vary between individuals.
Are Stim-Free Pre-Workouts Safe?
For the most part, yes. The ingredients contained in most stim-free pre-workouts supplements are safe when taken in recommended dosages. Although, experiences can vary depending on the health of each individual.
That is why we always advise those with existing medical conditions to check with a medical professional before beginning any supplemental regime.
Who Should Not Use a Stim-Free Pre-Workout?
You should not use a stim-free pre-workout if you’re…
- A minor
- Pregnant or nursing
- Have a pre-existing medical condition
- Expecting stimulant-like effects
Also check:
- Our best pre-workout picks
- Strongest Pre-Workout Supplements
- Best MCT Oils Reviewed
- Best BCAA Supplements
Wrapping Up
If you’re looking for a boost without the caffeine, then a stim-free pre-workout can fit the bill. These products contain safe ingredients that have shown some promise for aiding in performance and other aspects of fitness.
You won’t be bouncing off the wall or anything like that but it’s ok because not everyone is looking for that.
You can also follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and
YouTube for even more content.
