Best Stim-Free Pre-Workout (2024): Amp Up Your Workouts Without the Caffeine Crash

When it comes to having a productive workout, you technically only need to rely on yourself. But if you’ve ever taken one of the best pre-workout supplements, especially when energy is running low, you know it can be the difference between an okay workout and one that’ll have you pumped up and flexing like Mr. Olympia himself. 

That’s great until bedtime comes and that caffeinated pre-workout is keeping your eyes and mind wide open. Or you smash the pre in the morning hours then follow it up with a coffee or two, only to leave you with an anxious mind, irritable bowels, and clammy hands. 

What if we told you that you could still channel your inner “C Bum” without those pesky caffeine symptoms? Yep, the best stim-free pre-workout may help maximize your time in the gym without needing to risk it for the biscuit grit. 

As a registered dietitian, I teamed up with our expert product testers to evaluate dozens of pre-workouts for this list. We analyze factors such as:

• Formulation: Are there research-backed ingredients at clinically proven dosages?
• Third-party testing: Can you trust the label of the product?
• Actual effects: Our testers used these products to evaluate their efficacy.

After whittling down that list to our top-ranking favorites in these categories, we determined the best stim-free pre-workouts on the market.

Medical disclaimer: This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. For health advice, contact a licensed healthcare provider.

9 Best Stim-Free Pre-Workout Supplements for 2024

• Best Stim-Free Pre-Workout Overall: Transparent Labs Stim-Free Pre-Workout
• Best All-Natural Stim-Free Pre-Workout: Legion Athletics Pulse (caffeine-free version)
• Best Stim-Free Pre-Workout With Creatine: Kaged Pre-Kaged Stim-Free
• Best Stim-Free Pre-Workout for Pump: Huge Supplements Pump Serum Non-Stim
• Best Budget Stim-Free Pre-Workout: RAW Nutrition Pump
• Best-Tasting Stim-Free Pre-Workout: Genius Pre
• Best Stim-Free Pre-Workout for Beginners: BPN Endopump
• Best Stim-Free Pre-Workout for Cardio: 1st Phorm Endura-Formance
• Best Stim-Free Pre-Workout for Performance: Gainful Non-Caffeinated Pre-Workout 

Best Stim-Free Pre-Workout Video Review

Best Stim-Free Pre-Workout Overall: Transparent Labs Stim-Free Pre-Workout

Good for: Those looking for a high-quality pump without the stim and fluff

Best Overall

Transparent Labs Stim-Free Pre-Workout

GGR Score: 4.25

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Product Highlights

• Stim-free pre-workout
• No caffeine
• 7 flavors available
• Easily mix with water
• Good for people who work out at night
• Won't give you the jitters or tingling sensations

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Free of artificial colors, sweeteners, and other additives
• Non-stim (no caffeine)
• Won't give you the jitters
• Designed to increase nitric oxide uptake in the muscle cells
• Can subscribe and save

Cons

• Those who want caffeine should look elsewhere
• Doesn't contain creatine or BCAAs

Bottom Line

Transparent Labs Stim-Free Pre-Workout is an uncaffeinated pre-workout powder that will not give you the jitters or tingling commonly associated with pre-workout supplements. This pre-workout contains a blend of citrulline malate, beta-alanine, L-tyrosine, taurine, and elevATP, a compound claimed to increase ATP activity in muscle cells.

Transparent Labs Stim-Free Pre-Workout is a non-caffeinated performance formula developed to be “the most exceptional stimulant-free pre-workout supplement available” that relies on clinically effective ingredients and dosages. And if there’s one thing we know about Transparent Labs supplements, besides their commitment to transparency, they’re strategic about their formulation and only use purposeful ingredients. 

Both GGR head of content Nicole Davis and former GGR senior staff writer Amanda Capritto have tried Transparent Labs Stim-Free pre-workout, giving it an overall 3 out of 5 for taste. Nicole tried Fruit Punch (which isn’t currently available) and thought that it had a slightly chemical taste—plus it also got very foamy when shaken, which she thought was weird. Amanda tried Cherry Limeade and thinks that it’s tart but not overly sweet, which is something she appreciates. She did have some issues with solubility though, getting persistent chunks even with a shaker bottle.  

The “star child” of Transparent’s stim-free formula is the 6,000 milligrams—or 6 grams—of citrulline malate, which is the combination of L-citrulline (a non-essential amino acid) and malate. A 2021 critical review¹ suggests citrulline malate directly influences nitric oxide (NO), which may improve skeletal muscle function and performance by enhancing blood flow, contractility, and mitochondrial respiration—or just a fancier word to describe energy production with the help of oxygen. 

Other key ingredients of the formulation—like 4 grams of beta-alanine², 2.5 grams of betaine anhydrous³, 1.3 grams of taurine⁴, 1 gram of L-tyrosine⁵, and 500 milligrams of choline bitartrate⁶—help delay the onset of physical fatigue, increase overall strength, enhance overall muscle endurance and focus, support muscle growth, improve body composition, and delay next-day muscle soreness. It also contains branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs)—specifically 2:1:1 of leucine, isoleucine, and valine—that prove to be the ideal ratio and what the GGR team looks for in the best BCAA supplements. 

But there’s more: The stim-free pre-workout supplement contains other unique ingredients such as Huperzine A to increase cognition and focus, as well as BioPerine® to enhance the absorption of other available nutrients. It also provides sodium and potassium⁷ to boost the pump even more and promote hydration. 

The stim-free pre-workout contains beetroot powder intended for natural color according to the product label. However, research⁸ tells us beetroot can also stimulate NO production and improve exercise performance. 

So, we guess you could say Transparent Lab’s stim-free pre-workout is stacked with research-backed ingredients. If you enjoy reviewing the data just as much as we do, be sure to check out their site’s “Ingredients” tab to access more research on their selected ingredients. 

Ingredients aside, all eight delicious flavors are naturally flavored, colored, and sweetened with stevia. This means no use of artificial sweeteners, artificial coloring, and no artificial preservatives—just high-quality and third-party-tested ingredients.

“Also, this contains 4 grams of beta-alanine so the tingles are intense,” Amanda says. “I get really itchy lips and fingertips for 10 to 15 minutes before it dies down. I’m used to it now, but at first I was taken aback and it took some courage to try it a second time.”

You can check out our in-depth look at the supplement in our Transparent Labs Stim-Free Pre-Workout review.

Best All-Natural Stim-Free Pre-Workout: Legion Athletics Pulse

Good for: Those who are hyper-conscious about their product sourcing

Best All-Natural

Legion Athletics Pulse Pre-Workout

GGR Score: 4

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Product Highlights

• 100% nature-based
• Free from added sugar, food dyes, and other chemicals
• Full refund if not satisfied
• Can get with or without caffeine
• 15 flavors available

Pros & Cons

Pros

• All-natural ingredients
• Free from dyes and chemicals
• Naturally sweetened
• Intended to avoid the dreaded crash
• Full refund if not satisfied
• Can get with or without caffeine
• 15 flavors available

Cons

• Natural sweeteners make for a different taste—it may not be your cup of tea
• Only 21 servings per tub

Bottom Line

Formulated with all-natural ingredients, each of which are present at a high level, Legion Pulse's stim-free pre-workout formula is a fan favorite. If you’re trying to avoid artificial flavors and chemicals, this may be a good choice.

Nothing screams “all-natural” more than Legion’s stim-free, pure pre-workout formula. Pulse actually comes in caffeinated and un-caffeinated options, both with a minimalist formula of clinically proven ingredients.

Sweetened with erythritol, Pulse has no artificial flavors, dyes, or fillers. Several people on our team have used Pulse more than a dozen times before workouts that include HIIT and weightlifting. Jacob Penner, personal trainer and USA Weightlifting L-2 coach, and Nicole Davis, GGR head of content and certified nutrition coach, both rated the taste of pulse highly, giving a 5 out of 5 and 4 out of 5, respectively.

Other functional ingredients of the stim-free pre-workout include L-citrulline malate¹ (8 grams), 300 milligrams of choline⁶ to increase power, 3.6 grams of beta-alanine² to minimize muscle fatigue, and 2.5 grams of betaine³ for improved muscular endurance. 

Legion Pulse is third-party tested through Labdoor, which certifies that there are no banned substances in the powder. We place a priority on products that are third-party tested when it comes to what we determine to be the best, because it means we can trust the label.

In our testing, we found Pulse to be highly soluble, giving it a 5 out of 5. “It mixes well,” says Jacob. “I didn’t have to keep shaking my cup before every drink, like you have to do with some pre-workouts.”

This is one of the most expensive pre-workouts on our list. It’s typical for all-natural, third-party tested pre-workouts to have higher price points than their peers. However, at $2.25 per serving, Legion Pulse is even higher than normal. If you choose to subscribe and save, your price per serving drops to $2.02, which is much more palatable. Your options include shipping every 30, 60, or 90 days.

Read more in our Legion Pulse pre-workout review.

Best Stim-Free Pre-Workout With Creatine: Kaged Pre-Kaged Stim-Free

Good for: Creatine consumers looking for a more inclusive pre-workout 

Best With Creatine

Kaged Pre-Kaged Stim-Free

GGR Score: 4.25

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Product Highlights

• Formulated to enhance focus, pump, and endurance 
• Transparent list of ingredients 
• No flavors or colors from artificial ingredients
• Third-party tested and banned-substance free
• Patented blend of 29 fruits and vegetable extracts

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Mostly clean ingredients
• No post-workout crash
• Third-party tested
• Mixes well

Cons

• Too sweet for some
• Contains sucralose

Bottom Line

The Pre-Kaged Stim-Free pre-workout powder features a blend of plant-based, clean ingredients to provide a boost before your next workout without the caffeine.

Kaged Pre-Kaged Stim-Free might be stim-free, but it is stacked with ingredients that can help take your workouts to the next level. It also bundles and breaks down the intended function of the ingredients—like “pump” and “muscle fuel matrix”—so you better understand what to expect out of your workout. 

L-citrulline¹ will provide your “pump,” while the branched-chain amino acids—leucine, isoleucine, and valine—will act as “muscle fuel.” BetaPower® (betaine anhydrous), Carnosyn® (beta-alanine), and Creatine HCl® (patented creatine hydrochloric acid) activate strength and power. 

Although creatine monohydrate is the most common creatine on the market, creatine HCl is up and coming. Growing data¹³ suggests that while both forms of creatine can improve athletic performance and strength, creatine HCl is 41 times more absorbable and promotes favorable changes in body composition. 

The non-stim pre-workout also provides “neuro-focus” ingredients—like taurine⁴ (2 grams) and L-tyrosine⁵ (850 milligrams)—and “hydrate and defend” blends using coconut water powder and SPECTRA™ Total ORAC Blend. The SPECTRA™ is supposedly a premium antioxidant of 20+ fruit and veggie extracts—like tomato concentrate, carrot concentrate, blackberry concentrate, and kale concentrate—to fight inflammation and support metabolic health. 

This caffeine-free pre-workout is naturally flavored and contains 1 gram of sugar. It is likewise free of artificial flavors, colors, gluten, and GMOs. 

GGR Performance Editor Anthony O’Reilly has the Cherry Bomb flavor of Pre-Kaged Stim-Free, and while he says that the flavor could be better, the effects are worth it. “The pump is strong with this one! Holy hell, I was working to a heavy top set after taking this, and the after-effects were very apparent,” he says in our Kaged Muscle Pre-Kaged review. “I hate that there are only 20 servings and the scoop is VERY large compared to other pre-workouts, but that’s because there are quite a few compounds in here. I love having this for afternoon workouts.”

RELATED: Best Creatine Supplements

At $2.24 per serving, Pre-Kaged Stim-Free is pricey, but it’s worth it for all of the benefits it provides.

Best Stim-Free Pre-Workout for Pump: Huge Supplements Pump Serum Non-Stim

Good for: Lifters who get pumped up about their own pumps

Best for a Pump

Huge Supplements Pump Serum Non-Stim

GGR Score: 4.3

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Product Highlights

• Available in four flavors
• Formulated to improve workout performance 
• Claimed to increase pump and muscle fullness 
• Claimed to enhance endurance and increase focus

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Reportedly effective
• No post-workout crash
• Taste is popular
• Mixes well

Cons

• Sucralose may cause GI distress
• Artificial ingredients
• Expensive

Bottom Line

Although it does contain artificial ingredients, the Pump Serum Stimulant Free Pre-Workout powder is designed to pump you up for your next workout without any post-workout crash.

Huge Supplements Pump Serum Non-Stim is claimed as a “powerful stim-free pre-workout supplement formulated to optimize pump, muscle fullness, training capacity, and focus.” It’s intended to intensify your workout performance thanks to the combination of 13 potent and some active ingredients. But you know how we operate at GGR—let’s see for ourselves… 

Starting with the more familiar ingredients, the non-stim pre-workout supplies L-citrulline¹ (a whopping 8,000 milligrams) and choline⁶ (980 milligrams). Choline is an essential nutrient needed to produce acetylcholine, an important neurotransmitter for brain and nervous system functions like memory, mood, and muscle control. Because intense exercise can stress the pathways of choline, research⁶ suggests that choline supplementation may increase exercise endurance. 

The non-stim pre-workout contains a variety of patented ingredients like Nitrosigine®, GlycerPump, VasoDrive-AP, Huperzine A, and Bioperine. GlycerPump is a glycerol powder, and glycerol supplementation¹⁰ can have a positive effect on aerobic and anaerobic performance. 

Also new to our line-up, the non-caff pump powder also contains agmatine¹¹, which can help boost nitric oxide. Other nutrients—like L-tyrosine⁵, sodium⁷, and pomegranate and beetroot extracts⁸—are also used to enhance exercise performance and recovery. 

VasoDrive-AP helps increase the production of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS)¹², which is responsible for most of the nitric oxide produced in the body. This vasodilation action may boost exercise performance by providing an intra-workout pump, reducing muscle soreness and exercise-related fatigue, and improving recovery. 

Huge Supplements Pump Serum Non-Stim also meets quality standards and is manufactured in an FDA-registered facility based in the U.S. But with exotic flavors like Strawberry Mojito and Island Dream, you’ll feel as if you’re transported to the tropics! 

Our tester, USA Weightlifting Level 2 Coach and member of GGR’s expert panel Jacob Penner, tried Cherry Berry and liked the experience overall. “It isn’t incredibly tart, but it is definitely sweet. Instructions say to mix it with 8 to 12 ounces of water; that made the taste too concentrated, so I mixed it with about 20 ounces and it was better. You definitely feel a pump!”

RELATED: Huge Supplements Discount Code

Best Budget Stim-Free Pre-Workout: RAW Nutrition Pump

Good for: Fitness fanatics who don’t want to compromise quality for cost

Best Budget

Raw Nutrition Pump

GGR Score: 4

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Product Highlights

• Stimulant-free pre-workout powder
• Designed to increase blood flow to your muscles
• Claimed to deliver improved endurance
• Added sodium to support hydration
• Comes in 5 flavors
• Third-party tested

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Taste is popular
• Includes Lion's Mane extract
• Reportedly effective
• Supports hydration
• Affordable

Cons

• Contains sucralose
• Artificial flavors

Bottom Line

Raw Nutrition’s Pump is a stimulant-free pre-workout formula designed to enhance your next workout with ingredients like l-citrulline and Lion's Mane extract.

RAW Nutrition Pump is our top budget-friendly non-stim pre-workout. One container is $40, and contains 40 servings, which means you’re paying $1 per serving. If you subscribe-and-save, the price drops to just 90 cents per serving.

Lauren Strong, GGR staff writer and certified personal trainer, and her husband both tested RAW Pump.

“I got a good pump, but I don’t like this for my fasted morning workouts, so my husband has been using it,” Lauren said, noting that taking this on an empty stomach wasn’t pleasant. “My husband lifts after work and used to have a hard time falling asleep from CNS stimulation on top of pre-workout effects. The stim-free has actually been a decent solution for him.”

In one scoop of Pump, you’ll get 2.5 grams of betaine anhydrous³ and 750 milligrams of taurine⁴ to maximize your pump and recovery. This might be a slightly low dose, as betaine anhydrous shows to be safe in doses of up to 3,000 milligrams twice daily while 3,000 milligrams per day of taurine shows to be safe and effective. 

Aside from betaine and taurine, Pump provides additional ingredients like:

• Nitrosigine® (L-arginine that has been stabilized by inositol): Research published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition⁹ shows that inositol-stabilized arginine can significantly increase pre-workout energy and muscle pump post-workout while decreasing muscle damage. 

• L-citrulline: This amino acid turns into l-arginine, another amino acid, in the body, which boosts the production of nitric acid that then works to widen the blood vessels and improve blood flow.

• Beta-alanine²: This amino acid has been shown to aid in reducing muscle fatigue and improving anaerobic exercise capacity.

We should point out that ingredients like beta-alanine appear under-dosed; there is only 1 gram per 1 scoop. “I didn’t have any tingles,” reports Lauren, who was excited that she didn’t experience that common side effect that pre-workouts with higher dosages often have.

The non-stim pump powder provides the minerals and electrolytes sodium (via Pink Himalayan salt) and potassium⁷. 

While the Pump powder provides some pretty rad ingredients (and flavors), it’s worth noting that it does contain artificial flavors and sweeteners like sucralose.

Lauren and her husband gave the taste of RAW Nutrition Pump a 4 out of 5. “It’s okay! Pretty fruity, sweet, but also not so sweet,” she says. “I appreciate that it’s not ultra fake-tasting or made-up flavors like unicorn dust. In other words, you won’t have to gag this down.”

Best-Tasting Stim-Free Pre-Workout: Genius Pre

Good for: Anyone who likes good-tasting stim-free pre-workouts

Best-Tasting

Genius Pre

GGR Score: 4

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Product Highlights

• Caffeine-free
• $1.89 per serving
• 3 flavor options
• Nootropics for increased alertness

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Clinically dosed ingredients
• Great for pumps
• No stimulants or caffeine

Cons

• Only 3 flavor options
• Some customers say it has a poor taste
• Only 20 servings per tub

Bottom Line

Genius Pre stimulant-free pre-workout uses nootropics in place of caffeine to increase energy levels and awareness.

GGR Performance Editor Anthony O’Reilly and USA Weightlifting Level 2 Coach Jacob Penner both compared the Blue Raspberry flavor of Genius Pre to a blue icee (like the ones you’d get at a gas station or convenience store). “Taste-wise, this is one of the best pre-workouts I’ve ever had, and I’ve had 50+ pre-workouts,” says Jacob. Anthony agrees with him, too. “I think this is the best blue raspberry-flavored anything I’ve ever tried, and it’s certainly at the top of my list for best-tasting pre-workout, stim or non-stim.”

Not a fan of Blue Raspberry? Genius Pre is also available in Grape Limeade, Sour Apple, and Sour Cherry.

Enough about the taste, you want to know if this stim-free pre-workout can get you pumped for the gym, both figuratively and literally. The answer to both is yes, with a caveat. Anthony and Jacob said this non-stim pre-workout differed from others they took in the effect they felt after drinking it.

“Very calm focus,” Jacobs says. “It almost felt like taking a mood stabilizer, because I was relaxed, not stimulated; clear, and ready to take action.” Anthony felt similar effects. “I’ve rarely been as ‘locked in’ as I am when taking Genius pre-workout,” he says.

This is probably due to the nootropics added to Genius Pre, which have been shown to help improve cognitive function and memory¹⁴. Genius also comes with physical benefits thanks to the 6 grams of nitric oxide-boosting L-Citrulline Malate^,1 though Anthony and Jacob noted that their pump didn’t last nearly as long as the euphoric-like state.

For more, check out our Genius Pre-Workout review.

Best Stim-Free Pre-Workout for Beginners: BPN Endopump

Good for: Folks new to pre-workout looking for a solid place to start

Best for Beginners

Bare Performance Nutrition Endopump

GGR Score: 4.1

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Product Highlights

• Stimulant-free pre-workout pump enhancer 
• 3rd-party tested and Informed Sport Certified 
• Bare Performance Nutrition (BPN) is a veteran-owned business

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Informed Sport Certified
• Stimulant-free
• Available in 3 flavors
• MIlitary and first responder discounts available

Cons

• Contains sucralose
• Customers who ordered from Amazon received product with broken seals
• Contains milk

Bottom Line

BPN Endopump is a pre-workout for athletes looking to improve their workouts by increasing their pump without taking stimulants. Some customers who ordered from Amazon received opened products, so you might be better off ordering directly from the website.

BPN Endopump is a stim- and creatine-free formula claiming to provide stronger muscle pumps, increased nitric oxide, and improved blood flow. If you’re a beginner to pre-workout, this is a solid place to start because it offers an affordable price tag and doesn’t contain beta-alanine, which can stimulate a fairly intense tingling sensation on your face and skin.

GGR expert panelist Jacob Penner, tested BPN Endopump and noticed better muscle stamina and pump from this stim-free formulation. “I felt an increase in energy without the effects of stims,” says Jacob.

A quick look at the ingredients lists shows two pre-workout classics: L-citrulline¹ and betaine nitrate³ both of which have been proven to help with decreasing muscle fatigue and increasing strength.

“I got a good pump, but nothing beyond what I normally get with a traditional pre-workout (with caffeine). However, I think someone fairly new to pre-workout will experience a noticeable increase in blood flow,” Jacob adds.

BPN Endopump tastes good, too. Jacob tested the Blue Raspberry flavor and reports it’s not overly sweet or too tart. Other flavors include Prickly Pear, Blackberry Lemonade, and Sour Watermelon.

Best Stim-Free Pre-Workout for Cardio: 1st Phorm Endura-Formance

Good for: Endurance athletes ready to take their performance to the next level without digestive troubles

Best for Cardio

1st Phorm Endura-Formance

GGR Score: 4.75

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Product Highlights

• Combines creatine and beta-alanine 
• Enhances strength, power, and endurance
• Increases muscle hydration 
• Promotes oxygen and nutrient delivery to muscles
• Available in four flavors

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Added creatine
• Reportedly effective
• No caffeine
• No jitters or post-workout crash
• Includes PeakO2 adaptogen blend

Cons

• Taste is not for everyone
• Sucralose included

Bottom Line

Endura-Formance is formulated with all the key ingredients one would look for in a pre-workout drink. While the taste is not for everyone, most users experienced improved performance at the gym.

If you’re an endurance athlete, you’ve likely enjoyed the energy boost from a pre-run coffee. But you’ve also likely experienced those unwelcomed gurgles that run you right into the bathroom (and hopefully in time).

Leave those bathroom runs in the dust with the help of running fuel and 1st Phorm’s Endura-Formance non-stim pre-workout. It’s formulated to energize muscle fibers with more power and stamina—and truly surge endurance performance—thanks to the coupling of creatine monohydrate¹⁴ and beta-alanine² synergized with other well-studied ingredients.

Aside from creatine and beta-alanine, Endura-Formance includes a powerful blend of betaine anhydrous³, Peak02™️, and S7® ingredients. Peak02™️ is a mushroom blend—like Lion’s Mane and Reisha—while S7® is a blend of various antioxidant extracts like blueberry, broccoli, and kale. This combination is said to maximize oxygen and nutrient delivery to the muscles and fight muscle fatigue for optimal muscle power output and endurance. 

The non-stim formula also provides sodium and potassium⁷ to enhance hydration and muscle function. It’s also worth noting that while the active ingredients are sourced from natural products, it does contain artificial flavors and the artificial sweetener sucralose.

And if you’re wondering about the testing protocols, you’ll have to dig a bit deeper beyond the product page. However, 1st Phorm’s official process page clears the air regarding their commitment to quality and expresses, “All 1st Phorm products have been, and will continue to be, produced only in facilities that are FDA-inspected, SQF Level-3 certified, & cGMP (Current Good Manufacturing Practices) compliant.” Dig even more and 1st Phorm confirms that all of their supplements are third-party tested.  

Former GGR senior staff writer and expert product tester Amanda really enjoys Endura-Formance, and that’s saying something, as we’ve tested supplements out the wazoo! She loves the taste and solubility, and says overall, this pre-workout has been a great addition to my supplement stack. “I love taking this before all types of workouts, but especially endurance workouts since it has ample sodium,” she says in our 1st Phorm Endura-Formance review.

Best Stim-Free Pre-Workout for Performance: Gainful Non-Caffeinated Pre-Workout 

Good for: Folks looking for a non-caffeinated formula with creatine 

Best for Performance

Gainful Customized Pre-Workout

GGR Score: 4

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Product Highlights

• Pre-workout with stim-free or caffeinated options
• Two flavor options
• No artificial sweeteners
• Low sugar content
• Non-GMO and plant-based ingredients

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Low sugar content
• No artificial sweeteners
• 30-day money back guarantee

Cons

• Almost $2 per serving
• Subscription model only
• Not third-party tested
• Non-caffeinated variety does not have customizable creatine content

Bottom Line

Gainful offers a stim-free pre-workout and an option with 150 or 200 mg of caffeine. You can select between two flavors and some options come with or without creatine.

The non-caffeinated pre-workout from Gainful is an excellent choice to enhance your workout performance. It’s formulated with L-Citrulline DL-malate, a known ingredient to boost nitric oxide. A dose of 8 milligrams has been shown to enhance muscular endurance and strength¹ when taken about an hour before hitting the gym. However, one scoop of Gainful contains 4 milligrams of citrulline malate, which may not deliver the same power as a two-scoop serving. 

The stim-free Gainful pre-workout contains 3 milligrams of creatine monohydrate, a highly-researched supplement linked to energy production and enhanced sports performance¹⁶. On the Gainful website, there are also caffeinated options (150 or 200 milligrams of caffeine), so be sure you’re making the correct selection for you.

RELATED: Creatine Benefits

Speaking of servings, this pre-workout comes in a 14-serving container for $26. This equates to $1.85 per serving, which earns Gainful a 2.5-out-of-5-star rating when it comes to price. It’s certainly not the cheapest or most expensive, but because it’s nearly $2 per serving, it doesn’t earn an exceptionally high score. 

Additionally, our testers didn’t appreciate that the option to buy two or three pre-workout containers at a time didn’t offer a price break. You should also know Gainful is a subscription-based website and you’ll automatically get monthly deliveries unless you delay, skip, or cancel your subscription. 

Other Stim-Free Pre-Workouts We Tested and Researched

We do our best to showcase the supplement industry’s top products, but we also realize how challenging it can be to capture every great find. Other stim-free pre-workouts we researched and approved include:

• Jacked Factory Pump Surge Stim Free Pre-Workout: We haven’t personally tested this pre-workout, but Jacked Factory is a high-quality company and this stim-free pre-workout appears to be no exception:
• Cira Pump Caffeine Free: We tested this, but we couldn’t feel any positive effects of it at all, so we couldn’t justify getting it on this list, especially because it isn’t third-party tested.
• Flex Stimulant-Free Pre-Workout: Only three ingredients, though are all present in the clinically-recommended dosages for strength gains. It also contains 5 grams of creatine, which is always a huge plus.
• Blackwolf Stimulant-Free Pre-Workout: The only reason we left this off our list is we’re not big fans of the taste. If that doesn’t matter to you, this is a great stim-free option.
• Onnit Total Strength + Performance Stimulant and Caffeine-Free Pre-Workout: Although we’re big fans of this pre-workout, it uses proprietary blends so it’s difficult to know how much of certain ingredients is in this powder.
• Swolverine PRE: While we tested this pre-workout and approve of the taste and effects (it’s worth noting it contains beta-alanine) there are plenty of other stim-free pre-workouts with more affordable price points. This pre-workout is over $2 per serving.

How We Picked and Tested the Best Stim-Free Pre-Workout 

We take our product testing far from lightly. The job may be tedious at times, but boy, do we get the most bang for our fitness buck when we are thorough! 

Benefits of Stim-Free Pre-Workout 

Still toying with the idea of switching from a caffeinated pre-workout to a non-stim? Consider these benefits of a stim-free pre-workout to help you make an informed decision:

• Caffeine-free energy and focus: The most obvious and notable benefit of stim-free workouts is providing an energy boost and increasing focus without the use of caffeine. 
• Eliminates stimulant side effects: No stim means no stim-related side effects, including those unwanted caffeine crashes, headaches, and heart palpitations.
• Enhances exercise performance and recovery: Non-stim pre-workouts help pump oxygen and nutrients into the muscles, in turn enhancing exercise performance and recovery.
• Promotes hydration: Because pre-workouts should be mixed with at least 6 ounces of water, you can sneak in some extra fluid intake. Some pre-workout products also contain electrolytes, which help promote hydration even more.
• Enhances blood flow and pumps: Thanks to the use of nitric oxide boosters, non-stim pre-workouts can enhance blood flow and your muscle pumps. Improvements in blood flow can also benefit your heart and blood pressure levels. 
• Improves sleep hygiene: This especially serves true if you’re taking a caffeinated pre-workout in the late afternoon and evening hours, as caffeine has a half-life of about 5 hours. What this means is that half of the caffeine will still be in your system at 10:00 p.m. if you took it at 5:00 p.m. for your post-work workout. A non-stim pre-workout shouldn’t interfere with sleep and can promote a better night’s rest. 
• Enhances overall health: Pre-workout supplements are intended to benefit your workouts, which can trickle into your overall health and well-being. But even exercise benefits aside, some of the added ingredients in non-stim pre-workouts contain health-promoting ingredients. For instance, NO-stimulating ingredients⁸ can help improve immune function while Lion’s Mane²² offers neuroprotective properties. 

Still on the fence? You can actually have the best of both worlds! Non-stim pre-workouts are often stacked with caffeinated options, just with half the caff. Mix about half of a serving of each into your shaker bottle and voila: a slight caffeine boost with a major pump!

Dosing and Contraindications

So, how much stim-free pre-workout should you be taking? Should anyone avoid taking it? Let’s quickly debrief. 

Dosages

Luckily for consumers, pre-workout powders come with a handy scoop to measure how much you should take. You might just have to do a little fishing if it’s sunk to the bottom…

Overall, most pre-workout powders instruct mixing one scoop or two with at least 10 ounces of water 30 to 45 minutes before your workout. But you should always follow the directions specified on your non-stim pre-workout of choice. 

If you start experiencing any unpleasant symptoms, try reducing the amount taken and slowly building up to the recommended amount. You can also always stop taking the product and perhaps giving to a fitness friend so it doesn’t go to waste.

Contraindications

Especially compared to highly caffeinated pre-workouts, non-stim alternatives are generally considered to be safe. However, these products often warn some populations and instances should approach with extra caution such as:

• Individuals under the age of 18 years old
• Women who are pregnant and/or lactating
• People at risk of or managing a variety of health conditions like high blood pressure, anxiety, depression, seizure disorders, and kidney disease
• Anyone taking a prescription medication

Before taking any supplement, we always recommend consulting with your doctor. They can also help you determine if the supplement of interest might negatively interact with other supplements and/or medications. 

Buying Guide: What to Look for in Stim-Free Pre-Workout 

Now that you’ve decided to join the stim-free pre-workout club, what should you be looking for? Of course, you can lean on our top picks, but we also encourage factoring in these considerations before sealing the deal.

FAQs About Stim-Free Pre-Workout 

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases.

References

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2. ‌Saunders B, Elliott-Sale K, Artioli GG, et al. β-alanine supplementation to improve exercise capacity and performance: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Br J Sports Med. 2016;51(8):658-669. doi:https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2016-096396
3. ‌Cholewa JM, Wyszczelska-Rokiel M, Glowacki R, et al. Effects of betaine on body composition, performance, and homocysteine thiolactone. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2013;10(1):39. Published 2013 Aug 22. doi:10.1186/1550-2783-10-39
4. Kurtz JA, VanDusseldorp TA, Doyle JA, Otis JS. Taurine in sports and exercise. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2021;18(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.1186/s12970-021-00438-0
5. ‌Kayacan Y, Yazar H, Kisa EC, Ghojebeigloo BE. A novel biomarker explaining the role of oxidative stress in exercise and l-tyrosine supplementation: thiol/disulphide homeostasis. Arch Physiol Biochem. 2017;124(3):232-236. doi:https://doi.org/10.1080/13813455.2017.1388410
6. ‌Penry JT, Manore MM. Choline: an important micronutrient for maximal endurance-exercise performance? Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2008 Apr;18(2):191-203. doi: 10.1123/ijsnem.18.2.191. PMID: 18458362.
7. Nielsen OB, Clausen T. The Na+/K(+)-pump protects muscle excitability and contractility during exercise. Exerc Sport Sci Rev. 2000 Oct;28(4):159-64. PMID: 11064849.
8. Wylie LJ, Kelly J, Bailey SJ, et al. Beetroot juice and exercise: pharmacodynamic and dose-response relationships. J Appl Physiol. 2013;115(3):325-336. doi:https://doi.org/10.1152/japplphysiol.00372.2013
9. ‌Rood-Ojalvo S, Sandler D, Veledar E, et al. The benefits of inositol-stabilized arginine silicate as a workout ingredient. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2015;12(Suppl 1):P14. Published 2015 Sep 21. doi:10.1186/1550-2783-12-S1-P14
10. Patlar S, Yalçin H, Boyali E. The effect of glycerol supplements on aerobic and anaerobic performance of athletes and sedentary subjects. J Hum Kinet. 2012;34:69-79. doi:10.2478/v10078-012-0065-x
11. Binjhade N, Supare V, Ghaywat S, et al. Agmatine: A potential Neurotherapeutic Agent. JDDT. 2021;11(4):88-92. doi:https://doi.org/10.22270/jddt.v11i4.4855
12. FörstermannU, MünzelT. Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase in Vascular Disease. Circulation. 2006;113(13):1708-1714. doi:https://doi.org/10.1161/circulationaha.105.602532
13. França E de, Avelar B, Yoshioka C, et al. Creatine HCl and Creatine Monohydrate Improve Strength but Only Creatine HCl Induced Changes on Body Composition in Recreational Weightlifters. Food Sci Nutr. 2015;06:1624. doi:https://doi.org/10.4236/fns.2015.617167
14. Malík M, Tlustoš P. Nootropics as Cognitive Enhancers: Types, Dosage and Side Effects of Smart Drugs. Nutrients. 2022;14(16):3367. Published 2022 Aug 17. doi:10.3390/nu14163367
15. Deyama T, Nishibe S, Nakazawa Y. Constituents and pharmacological effects of Eucommia and Siberian ginseng. Acta Pharmacol Sin. 2001 Dec;22(12):1057-70. PMID: 11749801.
16. Wang CC, Fang CC, Lee YH, Yang MT, Chan KH. Effects of 4-Week Creatine Supplementation Combined with Complex Training on Muscle Damage and Sport Performance. Nutrients. 2018;10(11):1640. Published 2018 Nov 2. doi:10.3390/nu10111640

Sydney Lappe, R.D.

Sydney Lappe is a St. Louis-based Registered Dietitian with 6+ years of nutrition editing and writing experience. She holds a Master’s Degree in Nutrition and Dietetics and completed undergrad work in psychology. While fitness wasn’t in Sydney’s routine growing up, it quickly became a large part of her daily life while studying the facets of health and nutrition. Also managing chronic pain, she has come to fully realize movement is a special gift to never take for granted and hopes to inspire others to invest in their physical, mental, and emotional wellness while they can. Including her passion for all things health, Sydney enjoys spending time with her loved ones, being active in various capacities, drinking bottomless cups of coffee, eating a hearty bowl of oatmeal, and letting her creativity roam through writing and graphic design.

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