To help you find the perfect app, our team has put together a list of the eight best calorie counter apps currently available. Our testers have extensively used each of these apps, a team that includes certified nutrition coaches, certified personal trainers, registered dietitians, and more. Many of us have spent years using various apps, and we understand the most important features to look for.

Without further ado, here are the best calorie-counting apps to help you reach any fitness goals you may have.

The 8 Best Calorie Counter Apps

• Best Overall Calorie Counter App: Cronometer
• Best Free Calorie Counter App: Lose It!
• Best Calorie Counter App With Barcode Scanner: MacroFactor
• Best Calorie Counter App for Weight Loss: FatSecret
• Best Calorie Counter App for Muscle Gain: MyFitnessPal
• Best Calorie Counter App With Recipes: WeightWatchers
• Best Calorie Counter App for Intermittent Fasting: Lifesum
• Best Calorie Counter App for Keto: Carb Manager

Best Overall Calorie Counter App: Cronometer

Good for: People who want detailed data tracking

Best Overall

Cronometer

GGR Score: 4.4

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Product Highlights

• Nutrition tracker that tracks macros, micronutrients, exercise, and more
• Free and ad-free Gold version with fasting tracking and custom reports and charts
• Monthly or annual payments for Cronometer Gold
• Access to community through social media and forum for questions and answers
• Can sync with compatible fitness trackers

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Large community
• Monthly subscription choice
• Track up to 84 nutrients
• Can sync with compatible fitness trackers

Cons

• Free version has ads
• Pricier subscription
• Number of things to track can be overwhelming

Bottom Line

Cronometer is a robust nutrition tracker, allowing you to track up to 84 different nutrients in your diet. The app can sync up to fitness trackers, which will then input data from exercise into Cronometer. The app is able to help log and track various diets and eating plans, from Keto and Vegan to dietitian-prescribed plans. There is both a free and Gold version, which allows for further tracking and customization in your plans.

Cronometer is one of the most popular calorie-counting apps, and for good reason. While many apps simply track calories and macronutrients, Cronometer can provide an extremely detailed look at your micronutrient intake as well, providing a detailed look at the essential vitamins and minerals we should be consuming. 

GGR Senior Editor Erin Chancer, CPT, CNC, tested Cronometer, and found this to be a little overwhelming, as there’s so much information to monitor, and gave Cronometer a 4-out-of-5-star rating for ease of use. 

In addition to a detailed food log, you can also use Cronometer to track your body measurements, blood pressure, mood, sleep, and more. However, Erin also pointed out that tracking some of these additional metrics can be a little confusing. She said, “Anything you choose to track can then be added to your daily diary. The tracking is very generic, so you may have to assign your own scale (1-5) to certain items. For example, I tried to track mood and could only enter numeric values.”

As a nutrition coach, one feature I particularly love about Cronometer is the verified food database. With other apps that have a public database, it’s not uncommon to type in a food and find 50+ entries with a wide range of nutritional information, while Cronometer carefully checks and approves every public food database entry (you can still create your own custom foods).

Finally, there’s a limited free version you can use to track your food, but the paid plan is relatively affordable at $8.99 per month or $49.99 per year and unlocks advanced features, like tracking intermittent fasting. 

If you’re looking for a highly accurate food database and robust data tracking, Cronometer is our pick for the best overall calorie-counting app.

Best Free Calorie Counter App: Lose It!

Good for: Those looking for a free nutrition app

Best Free App

Lose It

GGR Score: 4

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Product Highlights

• Calorie tracking app made with weight loss in mind
• Over 40 million users
• Includes personalized weight loss plan, smart camera, and community support
• Premium version has advanced tracking and sync with devices
• Lifetime membership also available

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Large community
• Large food database
• Barcode scanner
• Personalized weight loss plan

Cons

• Some users complain of minor bugs
• Lots of ads in free version

Bottom Line

Lose It! is an app focused on weight loss through counting calories and tracking food. It offers personalized weight loss plans with advanced tracking through a premium subscription. With a large database and barcode scanner, tracking foods is easy.

If you’re looking for a calorie counter app with a fantastic user experience, clean interface, and best of all, a free plan that includes nearly all of the important features, Lose It! is a great choice. 

Lose It! is more than just a food logger, as it aims to educate users about food choices and provide education to improve your health and wellness. When you sign up, you’ll begin by taking a thorough quiz that helps the app establish appropriate food goals. The quiz asks about your body stats, goals, and exercise levels, and even allows you to customize the plan by selecting higher calorie days in the week if you want to enjoy more food on specific days. 

GGR Performance Editor Anthony O’Reilly, CPT, CNC, was very impressed with this onboarding feature, saying, “I’ll once again stress just how thorough the opening quiz was—I almost got annoyed at how many questions they were asking. It’s great to see this level of commitment in a fitness app.”

While users can receive free calorie targets and track their food, the ability to see custom macro targets as well is part of the premium version, so this truly is a free calorie counter app, not a free macro tracking app. 

The barcode scanner and flexible high-calorie days are also part of the premium plan, unfortunately, but if you don’t need these features, the free version is still very simple and easy to use with a pleasant interface. 

Anthony rated the ease of use a 5 out of 5, saying, “A very easy-to-use nutrition app. Sort of reminds me of MyFitnessPal before it started charging for every feature on the app.”

If you’re looking for premium features or the ability to track your macros, you’ll need to pay the premium fee, which costs $39.99 per year, though discounts may be available. However, if you simply need a free app that’s enjoyable to use and allows you to record your daily calories, Lose It! is worth a try. 

Best Calorie Counter App With Barcode Scanner: MacroFactor

Good for: Anyone who wants a barcode scanner and AI coaching

Best App With Barcode Scanner

MacroFactor

GGR Score: 4.18

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Product Highlights

• AI-powered nutrition coaching
• Fast, clean interface with barcode scanner
• Verified food database
• Tracks progress photos and measurements as well
• No free plan; premium-only starting at $11.99/month

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Energy expenditure algorithm
• Fast food database
• Barcode scanner
• Weekly AI-powered nutrition coaching

Cons

• No free plan available
• Can't share recipes with other users

Bottom Line

MacroFactor is a powerful nutrition app that records your food intake, macros, and daily bodyweight to calculate and track your daily energy expenditure. It includes free coached programs that will calculate and adjust your macros to keep you progressing toward your goals.

I’ve been using MacroFactor for just over a year. It’s one of the better calorie-tracking apps I’ve ever used, and easily earns a 5 out of 5 for features and resources. 

It has two unique features that I really love. The first is the barcode scanner, which is extremely fast and easy to use. If you scan a barcode and it’s not in the food database, you can also scan the nutrition label and MacroFactor quickly imports all of the nutrition facts, allowing you to easily create a new food without having to manually enter the information. 

MacroFactor also has a great algorithm for tracking your energy expenditure with its AI Coaching. As long as you record your daily body weight and food intake, honestly, the app will calculate your exact energy expenditure after a few weeks based on what you’ve been eating and any change in body weight. 

This is a great way to figure out how many calories you burn, as it’s calculated based on what’s happening in your body, rather than estimating your energy expenditure using your height, weight, and activity level.

Having this information allows the app to tell you exactly how much you need to eat to reach any goal, based on your current energy expenditure. You can also use a coached, collaborative, or custom program, where you set your health goals (weight loss, weight gain, or maintenance), and the app will monitor your progress and suggest changes to your macros to keep you on track.

It’s not the cheapest food tracker, but the interface, fast barcode scanning, and energy expenditure tracking with built-in coaching are well worth the cost. 

Best Calorie Counter App for Weight Loss: Fat Secret

Good for: People focused on weight loss

Best for Weight Loss

FatSecret

GGR Score: 4.18

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Product Highlights

• Calorie counting app for Android and Apple
• Free version allows calorie and food tracking with large database of food
• Premium version includes advanced meal planning and dietitian-created meal plans
• Large community with journals and articles

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Lots to offer in the free version
• Large database of food nutrition information
• Aren’t asked to upgrade often

Cons

• Foods’ nutrition information hasn’t come from a verified database
• Premium version doesn’t offer much on top of free version

Bottom Line

FatSecret is a calorie counting app available on both Apple and Android phones. It has a pretty robust free version that allows you to track calories and foods through a large food database. The premium version includes advanced meal planning as well as meal plans created by registered dietitians.

Fat Secret, as the name implies, is the best app for managing calorie intake for anyone currently focusing on weight loss goals. The interface is similar to many of the other apps on our list. You can access food journals, easily log your food, and track your calories and macros over time as you work toward your goal.

Other notable features in this free app include a barcode scanner, image recognition that allows you to track your food by taking a photo of it, an exercise diary, fitness tracker integration, and more. 

Our tester, Kate Meier, NASM-CPT, USAW-L1, CF-L1, was very impressed by the meal plans provided in the premium version. These plans are perfect for those who wish to lose weight but are unsure of what to eat each day. 

“I really like that this app offers customized meal plans like vegetarian, keto, Mediterranean, etc., all from an RD, and for a really low cost that starts at under $7/month,” Kate said. “If you subscribe to Premium, you can get a week of pre-planned meals and a shopping list. Not only that but the food is automatically entered into your diary, so all you have to do is make tweaks instead of entering everything.”

If you’re looking for an app to help you lose weight that tracks your food and can provide pre-made meal plans for you to follow, Fat Secret is a great option. 

RELATED: Macros for Weight Loss

Best Calorie Counter App for Muscle Gain: MyFitnessPal

Good for: Anyone looking to build muscle and strength

Best for Muscle Gain

MyFitnessPal

GGR Score: 4.42

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Product Highlights

• Nutrition and fitness tracking app
• Calorie and macro counter
• Syncs your data from popular fitness apps
• Vast database of nutrition labels and food

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Free and premium accounts available
• Find and track virtually any food
• Create and store your homemade recipes
• Track recipes from your favorite cooking websites

Cons

• Free version doesn’t allow barcode scanning
• Free version doesn’t feature Macro Goals
• Monthly subscription is costly

Bottom Line

MyFitnessPal is one of the OG calorie counting apps on the market. The free version is available for looking up food per item and creating recipes, but does not allow you access to the barcode scanner. The Premium version grants you access to macronutrient data, intermittent fasting, food comparison, and the barcode scanner. The Premium plan offers a significant price break if you sign up for the annual plan at $79.99 per year compared to the monthly plan, which is $19.99 per month.

MyFitnessPal is one of the most popular calorie counter apps on the market, if not the single most popular app. It has a clean interface, it’s extremely easy to use and beginner-friendly, and can track exercise, steps, and more.

The paid version also has all the features we’d expect to see in an app, including the ability to set your own custom macros, use the barcode scanner, track your body weight and progress over time, and more, but it does have two things we need to call out. 

The first is the public food database. Anyone can add their own food entries, and there’s no way to tell if the one you’re choosing is correct. Some food entries will have a green checkmark to show it’s been verified with a food database, but it’s still confusing.

Kate Meier, NASM-CPT, USAW-L1, CF-L1, tested this app and quickly noticed this as well. She said, “The one issue is that users can add foods, and those will show up when you search, and you might have to dig to really figure out which one is the right one.”

The second thing is the premium plan, which isn’t cheap at $19.99 per month or $79.99 per year. While there is a free version, it’s quite limited and doesn’t allow you to use the barcode scanner or set your own macros. 

If you’re willing to pay the membership fee, this app is still very easy to use with a clean interface and one of the most user-friendly calorie-counting apps we’ve tested. 

Even though the database can be hard to verify, we felt this was a bigger issue when looking to lose weight as calories need to be more precise, so we still recommend MyFitnessPal for those currently working on intentional weight gain.

Best Calorie Counter App With Recipes: WeightWatchers

Good for: Those looking for food and meal planning ideas

Best for Recipes

WeightWatchers

GGR Score: 4.23

Community Score: 5

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Product Highlights

• Designed specifically for weight loss
• Targeted quizzes to find the right plan for you
• Two membership options, starting at $23 per month
• Online-only or hybrid memberships available
• Works on a point budget system—no “off-limit” foods
• 24/7 support chat

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Point system allows you to tailor the plans to your preferences
• Online or hybrid options provide more flexibility
• Can choose a plan that works within your budget
• Includes an app for easier tracking

Cons

• Assigning Points to food is hard to translate to real-world eating when off the plan
• Tracking can be tedious
• Requires weekly weigh-ins, which can be problematic for some

Bottom Line

WeightWatchers is a flexible weight loss program that allows you to tailor your diet and lifestyle to your needs and preferences. There are two membership options: one for those who prefer in-person support, and one for those who are looking for an online program.

One of the biggest challenges people tend to face when attempting to improve their nutrition is figuring out what to eat. If you’re changing your normal eating habits, you’ll probably be eating different food, and constantly tracking down new recipes to avoid food boredom isn’t always easy. 

Thankfully, the WeightWatchers app has features to support those on a weight loss journey, including thousands of recipes ready to log. 

RELATED: Noom vs Weight Watchers

Now, this isn’t technically a calorie-counting app, but rather an app that uses WeightWatchers’ point-tracking system. Rather than tracking the number of calories in a given food, users are assigned a daily points goal, and each food, meal, or recipe is worth a certain number of points. 

All you need to do is avoid going over your daily point goal, which may be easier for some than tracking macros or calories. 

Our tester, Kate Meier, NASM-CPT, USAW-L1, CF-L1, was very impressed by the large recipe database, along with several other key features, giving a 5-out-of-5-star rating to both the features and community scores. 

“There are more than 11,000 recipes, and you can track all kinds of activities. It syncs with Apple Health and other platforms as well, so you don’t have to manually input exercise,” Kate said. “There’s also a huge community on social, in the app, and just with the millions of people who have used it.”

If you like the idea of tracking points instead of calories or macros, and want to try an app that includes over 11,000 recipes for you to try, WeightWatchers is a great app to consider. 

For more, check out our complete Weight Watchers review.

Best Calorie Counter App for Intermittent Fasting: Lifesum

Good for: Those who want to track fasting and feeding windows

Best for Intermittent Fasting

Lifesum App

GGR Score: 3.87

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Product Highlights

• Diet and food tracker app
• Free tracking app with premium subscription plan for meal plans and more
• Weekly life score with premium for a snapshot of how you’re doing
• Available on Android and iOS

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Multiple meal plans for different goals: Lose weight, gain weight, and maintain weight
• Customers found app intuitive and easy to use
• Meal plans comes with shopping list

Cons

• No monthly subscription options
• No personalized coaching
• No free trial for premium version
• Limited features on the free version
• Mixed reviews on accuracy of barcode scanner

Bottom Line

The Lifesum app is a food tracking app with free and premium versions. The free version has extremely limited features, essentially just tracking food, exercise, water, and weight. The premium version provides meal plans and daily and weekly scores so users can track their progress. Customers generally found the app easy to use and intuitive. They were frustrated there was no free trial available for the premium subscription.

Intermittent fasting, the practice of intentionally going without food for long periods of time, is a popular dieting approach that many embrace in their efforts to maintain a healthy body weight. 

While you can technically use any app to track your food while fasting, Lifesum makes this an easy process. You can choose different fasting styles, and the app will automatically adjust your macros to account for the fast. It also includes a fasting timer to keep track of how long you’ve gone without food and show when you’ve entered ketosis, which is when your body starts burning fat for energy. 

I tested Lifesum myself, and along with the fasting features, I like the app’s emphasis on food education and food quality. You can take a life test, which asks a variety of questions about how often you ate specific foods in the past week, such as various fruits and vegetables, and assigns a score based on how balanced your diet is. There are also plenty of meal plans and recipes to help you with easy food ideas, and you can track your exercise and water intake.

My biggest issue is that the app’s free version is cluttered with annoying pop-up ads. It’s great to have a free version for users, but when key areas of the screen are covered, or you can’t view the screen without viewing an ad first, I want to close the app immediately. 

The paid version is a beautiful, simple app, and I’d love to give it a 5 out of 5 for ease of use and functionality, but with how messy the free plan is, I have to bring this down to a 3 out of 5. 

If you’re willing to pay for an app, I think Lifesum is a great option for tracking calories and macros, especially if you practice intermittent fasting. However, if you plan on using the free version, I would try any other app on this list that doesn’t rely on so many ads. 

Best Calorie Counter App for Keto: Carb Manager

Good for: Individuals following the keto diet

Best for Keto

Carb Manager

GGR Score: 4.4

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Product Highlights

• Diet tracker app specializing in low-carb, keto, and paleo diets
• Features calculator for macros, calories, and net carbs
• Nutrition info of over one million foods
• Unlimited barcode scans
• Measure and log exercise, weight loss, and BMI
• Premium version includes micronutrient tracker, diabetes tracker, and advanced reports
• Premium version billed annually

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Integrates with FitBit, Garmin, and other fitness trackers
• Lots of included foods, articles, and recipes in free version
• Macronutrient goals can be adjusted beyond just keto

Cons

• Only annual billing option
• No refunds after 7 days

Bottom Line

Carb Manager is a food tracking app geared towards low-carb and keto diets, although you can set your macronutrient goals to your preference. It allows you to track macros, as well as chart weight loss progress and scan in nutrition information through a barcode. The premium option is billed annually, and includes tracking of micronutrients, blood glucose, and access to more recipes.

Carb Manager is a great calorie-counter app to try if you’re following the keto diet or simply want to reduce your carbohydrate intake. 

While it tracks all of your macros, the emphasis is on tracking carbohydrates, which is the most important thing to watch for anyone on the keto diet. The app uses net carbs, which subtracts fiber from the total carb intake, a strategy often followed by those on carb-restricted plans. 

GGR Senior Staff Writer Caine Wilkes, OLY, USAW-1, tried this app, and while he was impressed with the features, he noted that several weren’t obvious right away. 

“The app is pretty easy to use, although there is a lot to navigate,” said Caine. “Premium features are clearly marked, and you’re prompted to purchase premium if you try a feature. It’d probably take a bit of fiddling to learn about all the features, like tracking workouts to estimate calories burned.”

Carb Manager can suggest a meal plan, track various types of intermittent fasting, and include an easy-to-use barcode scanner. It also offers thousands of low-carb, keto-friendly recipes to try, and educational content for those new to the keto diet. 

The free version is somewhat limited, so most users will want the paid plan. The monthly plan costs $8.49, though you can purchase a quarterly or annual plan to bring down the cost.

If you love the keto diet or want to learn more about it and try it out, Carb Manager is the app to try.

Other Calorie Counter Apps We Researched

There are plenty of calorie counter apps to choose from, but we simply couldn’t include them all. Here are a few that came close, but didn’t quite make the cut.

• Noom – We like Noom as a weight loss program, but it focuses more on food psychology and behavior and pairs you with an accountability coach. This is more than someone who simply wants a calorie counter will need. 
• Healthi App – Healthi offers weight loss plans and allows users to track calories and macros, but it received a lower score based on our testing methodology than the other apps on our list.
• Foodvisor – The app is very easy to use, but our tester found that the food database wasn’t always accurate, and the option to log food by taking a photo didn’t work well.

How We Picked and Tested the Best Calorie Counter Apps

We didn’t just choose these apps off a list, we carefully used and tested each. 

Here are a few of the most important factors we look for when evaluating a nutrition app, which we used to assign scores and determine the top eight apps. 

Ease of Use

Is this app easy to use, or do you need to watch tutorials to figure it out? Most people want something simple and easy to use without too much of a learning curve, so we prioritized apps that are very intuitive and easy. 

Some of the apps we chose may have more advanced tracking features available, but each should be quick to set up if you’re simply looking to record your food intake.  

Progress Tracking

If you’re counting your calories, you’re probably working toward some kind of body composition goal. While all of these apps can record your food, we wanted to include apps that allow you to track all sorts of progress, including measurements, scale weight, progress photos, and more, allowing you to record most of your health and fitness data in one place.

Food Database Accuracy

Finally, an accurate nutrition database is tremendously helpful, especially for those new to nutrition and calorie counting. 

While an app like MyFitnessPal is user-friendly in almost every single way, the food database includes custom user entries, which means you may be combing through dozens of entries for the same food if there’s no verified option. On the other hand, paid apps like MacroFactor may not be free, but the verified food database can save you plenty of time when logging your calories.   

Benefits of the Best Calorie Counter Apps

Logging everything you eat on a phone app may seem inconvenient, but apps can be a useful tool to help you reach your calorie goals. Here are a few of the biggest reasons you may want to consider using a nutrition app. 

I’ve worked with hundreds of clients over the years who’ve benefited from using these apps, and to get another opinion, I also spoke with Destini Moody, RD, CSSD, LD, the head of performance nutrition for the NBA G League Ignite, to see what she thinks of these apps.

Improved Food Awareness

Even if you aren’t focused on any particular weight goal, tracking your food is a great way to build food awareness and make good dietary choices. It’s no secret that the average American diet isn’t always the healthiest, so tracking your food, even for a short period of time, can be a good way to clean things up.

In my first college nutrition course, we were required to keep a food log for two weeks, which was my first experience tracking everything I ate. This eye-opening experience helped me make a few major changes to improve my overall nutrition intake. 

Destini had a similar experience, saying, “Tracking food can be an educational tool in that it can open people’s eyes to the true macro and calorie content of their food. When I was on a cut in grad school and using MyFitnessPal (my personal favorite tracking app) to help me track my protein and fat intake, even as a nutrition student I was shocked at how many grams of fat were contained in a cup of oats, and quickly discovered that this food alone was probably hindering my fat loss.”

Just like tracking your spending can help you accurately assess your financial situation and set a budget, being honest and looking at food logs is a good way to quantify your eating and ensure it’s aligned with your goals.

RELATED: What Should My Macros Be?

Easier Time Reaching Your Goals

For those trying to lose weight, a calorie deficit is key, and tracking your food helps ensure you’re staying in a deficit and reaching your goals as quickly as possible. There’s nothing worse than putting in the mental effort of dieting, only to see no results because you’re still eating too much food. 

Whether you’re focused on weight management, athletic performance, or muscle gain, proper nutrition is one of the most important factors.

Destini offered her own insight on the topic as a sports dietitian who regularly works with athletes who need precision and accuracy to reach their goals as quickly as possible. 

“As a sports dietitian, I’m intimately familiar with how tight control of your calories and macros can make or break body composition changes,” Destini said. “Even the smallest inconsistencies in your diet can significantly slow fat loss or muscle gain progress. That’s why I recommend that anyone with the time use a food tracking app to track their intake when possible.”

If your goal is weight loss, tracking your food may be the best way to see results. This 2017 study¹ looked at participants in a 12-month weight management program, comparing those who rarely tracked, inconsistently tracked over the year, or consistently tracked food for the entire 12 months. Only the group that consistently tracked their food lost significant weight.

Improved Nutritional Balance

If you’re not logging your food intake, knowing exactly how many nutrients you’re consuming is impossible. While most of us don’t have to worry about major nutrient deficiencies if we’re including whole foods in our diets, certain diets can sometimes be restrictive. 

For example, removing an entire food group can lead to very low intakes of important nutrients like fiber or healthy fats. That’s why many calorie-counting apps can alert you if your diet seems to be missing any key food groups, vitamins, or minerals, helping make sure you’re not missing anything important.

What to Look for in a Calorie Counter App

If you’re having trouble choosing a calorie counter from our list, here are a few of the most important factors to consider. 

Cost

While many of the best calorie counter apps have a monthly fee, there are certainly free versions available, though certain features are often locked without a premium subscription. 

That said, the monthly cost can vary greatly, and there’s often a discount if you pay for a year in full. We suggest trying a few apps to see which you like the most, and which you’re most likely to stick with, and purchasing a year upfront to get the best savings. 

Barcode Scanner

For those who have never tried a calorie counting app with a barcode scanner, the scanner allows you to import the nutrition information of most commercial foods by simply scanning the barcode. 

This will typically bring up the nutrition information, and you can simply enter the serving size you consumed to log your food. Compared to manually entering all of the information, a barcode scanner can save you significant amounts of time, especially if you’re entering food throughout the day. 

Custom Macros

While many simply want to track their calories, some users may have macronutrient goals they’re aiming for. If you want to track your macros and customize your macro targets, make sure the app you’re choosing allows you to do so. 

Every app on our list allows you to do this, but some apps only allow premium members to change their macro targets. If you’re going to be using a free app, you’ll want to make sure this feature is available if custom macros are important for your goals. 

Automatic Diet Adjustments

Counting calories is usually associated with a specific body composition goal, such as losing body fat, increasing lean muscle mass, or both. Most apps will calculate a basic target based on your body stats, but they may or may not adjust the macros for you along the way. 

Some apps on our list, like MacroFactor, allow you to set your goal weight. The app will automatically adjust your macro targets to keep you on track as you progress toward your goal. This is a powerful tool for anyone uncomfortable adjusting their nutrition plan and not ready to hire a nutritionist or registered dietitian. 

Best Calorie Counter Apps: FAQs

References

1. Ingels, J. S., Misra, R., Stewart, J., Lucke-Wold, B., & Shawley-Brzoska, S. (2017). The Effect of Adherence to Dietary Tracking on Weight Loss: Using HLM to Model Weight Loss over Time. Journal of diabetes research, 2017, 6951495. https://doi.org/10.1155/2017/6951495
2. Hahn, S. L., Linxwiler, A. N., Huynh, T., Rose, K. L., Bauer, K. W., & Sonneville, K. R. (2021). Impacts of dietary self-monitoring via MyFitnessPal to undergraduate women: A qualitative study. Body image, 39, 221–226. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bodyim.2021.08.010

For heavy sweaters, fighting the battle against sweat and body odor can be tough. Fortunately, the team at GGR has tested top deodorant and antiperspirant brands to bring you our picks for the best deodorants for men. We’ve had the men on our team—certified personal trainers, coaches, and athletes—try out these brands and use them before runs, lifting workouts, or leisurely strolls.

RELATED: Best Gym Shoes for Men

Whether it’s a nice scent you’re looking for, or some sweat protection, we have you covered. Read on for our top deodorants for men.

We intend the term “men” to include all men, including trans men. However, we recognize that almost all research on this topic has focused on cis men (i.e., men who are not trans). For that reason, when we reference gender-based research and nutritional recommendations, we will clarify by saying “cis men.” We encourage trans and nonbinary people of all genders to check in with a trans-competent nutritionist regarding their supplements and training needs.

The 10 Best Deodorants for Men

• Best Deodorant for Men Overall: Dove Men+ Care Antiperspirant
• Best Deodorant for Men for Odor Protection: Mitchum Men’s Deodorant Antiperspirant
• Best Clinical Strength Deodorant for Men: Degree Men Clinical Strength Protection
• Best Roll-On Deodorant for Men: Certain Dri Prescription Strength Antiperspirant Roll-On Deodorant
• Best Deodorant Spray for Men: Ursa Major Natural Spray Deodorant
• Best Aluminum-Free Deodorant for Men: Tom’s of Maine Natural Deodorant for Men
• Best Natural Deodorant for Men: Native Whole Body Deodorant
• Best Budget Deodorant for Men: Degree Men UltraClear Antiperspirant
• Best Men’s Deodorant for Workouts: Old Spice Original
• Best-Smelling Deodorant for Men: Jack Black Pit Boss

Best Deodorant for Men Overall: Dove Men+ Care

Good for: Those looking for solid protection and a pleasant scent from their deodorant stick

Best Overall

Dove Men Plus Care Antiperspirant Clean Comfort 72-Hour

GGR Score: 4.21

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Product Highlights

• Dove’s deodorant and antiperspirant combination
• New aluminum-free formula
• 72-hour protection
• Also includes vitamin E and moisturizer

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Available in 6 different scents
• Also available in travel size
• Dermatologist tested
• PETA cruelty-free—not tested on animals

Cons

• Longtime customers frustrated by new formula
• Customers find it does not last 72 hours as claimed
• Some customers experienced skin irritation
• Mixed reviews on effectiveness

Bottom Line

Dove Men Care features a new aluminum-free formula available in 6 different scents. Customer reviews disagree about the effectiveness of this deodorant, with multiple customers stating they had to reapply throughout the day. However, most agree that the deodorant does not provide 72 hours of protection as advertised. Some customers also experienced skin irritation.

Dove Men+ Care gets our overall pick for its well-roundedness. Available as an antiperspirant or deodorant, it can provide sweat protection and a nice scent that lasts throughout the day. Having used the Clean Comfort and Extra Fresh scents of their deodorants myself, the odor protection has lasted through pretty laborious Olympic lifting workouts and days at the gym.

Staff writer Matt Dustin, CES, PN1-NC, tried out the Paradiso Sunrise deodorant and liked the scent it provided. “It’s not too overbearing,” he says. “It has a nice, mild scent.” He rates the scent a 4 out of 5.

While the odor protection lasted throughout the day for Matt, it didn’t last quite as long as the 72 hours the deodorant stick claims on its label. “At the end of the day, the scent started to fade a bit,” Matt explains, rating the protection a 4 out of 5.

The stick applies easily, leading Matt to rate the ease of application a 5 out of 5. “It can leave some residue, but overall it’s very comfortable and easy to wear. It’s not chalky like other sticks can be,” he adds.

The antiperspirant does contain aluminum and the deodorant contains alcohol, which can be an irritant. While Matt didn’t notice any issues, if you are avoiding metals or alcohols in your odor protection, you may need to opt for a more natural solution—especially if you have sensitive skin. But for about $6 a stick, this is a solid option for most guys.

Best Deodorant for Men for Odor Protection: Mitchum Men’s Deodorant Antiperspirant

Good for: Men who want a long-lasting deodorant to prevent odors and sweat

Best for Odor Protection

Mitchum Men’s Deodorant Triple Odor Defense

GGR Score: 4.17

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Product Highlights

• Combination antiperspirant and deodorant
• Triple odor defense: Heat, stress, and motion
• 5 different scents

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Dermatologist tested
• Affordable
• Can purchase in a variety of stores
• Available in 5 different scents, including unscented

Cons

• Mixed reviews on scents
• Customer reviews stated it isn’t strong enough to last all day or on extremely hot days

Bottom Line

Mitchum Triple Odor Defense is both an antiperspirant and a deodorant. There are 5 different scents, including unscented. Customer reviews were very mixed on the scents and generally found this to not be a powerful antiperspirant. Customers in hot climates said it didn’t work all day and often resorted to other products.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned from competing in Olympic weightlifting for the last 25 years, it’s that I can sweat a lot. OK, so I probably learned other things, but I’ve always been a heavy sweater in the gym, and with that comes a bit of body odor after a long session. 

Our pick to fight body odor is Mitchum Men’s Deodorant Antiperspirant, which claims 48 hours of protection. I got to try this antiperspirant and found it to be pretty accurate—although the Intense Energy scent didn’t last quite as long. Still, for a couple of days, it protected my armpits and kept odors at bay. I rate the protection a 5 out of 5.

The Intense Energy scent is nice, a little floral and clean. It’s not overpowering or wildly strong, but my wife complimented me on the scent (a couple of times) so I’ve got to give it high marks for its scent: a 4 out of 5. Being an antiperspirant, it has a thicker consistency, but it’s still easy enough to put on, leading me to rate the application another 4 out of 5.

Since aluminum is currently under fire for potentially being a toxic substance (although research is limited¹), I’d understand if you wanted to avoid this stick and other antiperspirants. Choose an aluminum-free deodorant instead. Nevertheless, at $5 for a stick, this is a pretty good value for an antiperspirant with long-lasting odor protection.

Best Clinical Strength Deodorant for Men: Degree Men Clinical Strength Protection

Good for: Heavy sweaters who need lengthy protection in their deodorant and antiperspirant

Best Clinical Strength

Degree Men Antiperspirant Sport Strength

GGR Score: 4.1

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Product Highlights

• Prescription-strength antiperspirant
• Features Degree MotionSense Technology
• Available in 2 scents: Sport Strength and Clean

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Motion sense technology that releases scent as you move
• Prescription-strength
• Customers found the product effective

Cons

• Applicator is uncomfortable
• Multiple customers on Amazon ordered a 2-pack and only got 1
• More expensive than other clinical strength deodorants

Bottom Line

Degree Clinical Protection Deodorant and Antiperspirant provides 72 hours of protection. Degree recommends applying two clicks at night. Customers found the deodorant and antiperspirant to be effective. However, they found the applicator difficult to use and uncomfortable.

If you constantly deal with excessive sweating, you may need a powerful deodorant or antiperspirant to provide maximum protection throughout your day. Degree Men Clinical Strength Protection does just that, claiming up to 72 hours of protection from sweating and odor. 

GGR head of content Nicole Davis, CPT, PN1-NC, had her husband Rob try out this deodorant, and he mentions, “It easily lasted longer than a day.” He rates the level of protection a perfect 5 out of 5.

Rob and Nicole were both big fans of the scent as well, giving the scent top marks as well. Rob used the Clean scent, and says, “It definitely smells clean, like the name suggests.” Rob was a big fan of this deodorant, and would buy this again.

This antiperspirant is more of a powder; as you wind up the stick, the deodorant is pushed through holes. Rob still rates the application a 4 out of 5, although he prefers normal deodorant sticks. Rob also preferred the antiperspirant to deodorants that contain alcohol, which commonly irritate his skin. It still has aluminum, though, leading him to rate the formulation a 4 out of 5.

The main drawback is the price—nearly $7 for a stick. With that said, it’s clinical strength, long-lasting, and lives up to the claim, making it worth the cost for some users.

Best Roll-On Deodorant for Men: Certain Dri Prescription Strength Clinical Antiperspirant Roll-On Deodorant

Good for: People who prefer a roll-on for easy application

Best Roll-On

Certain Dri Prescription Strength Clinical Antiperspirant

GGR Score: 4.17

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Product Highlights

• Clinical strength antiperspirant for excessive sweating
• Fragrance-free
• Features 15% aluminum chloride

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Clinical strength
• Also available in a spray and stick form
• Affordable compared to other clinical strength antiperspirant
• Certified cruelty-free by PETA

Cons

• Only available without scent
• Some customers experienced burning and itching
• Can’t apply immediately after showering, shaving, or on broken or irritated skin

Bottom Line

Certain Dri is a clinical-strength antiperspirant featuring 15% aluminum chloride. This product is very strong, and Certain Dri recommends not applying right after a shower, shaving, or on broken and irritated skin. They also note you should apply sparingly at night. Customer reviews found that the Certain Dri worked well to stop sweating. However, multiple customers had to discontinue use because it caused a burning sensation or created skin irritation.

Deodorant sticks and bars can be easy to apply, but can also clump up or leave residue. For a clean application, you can try our favorite roll-on deodorant: Certain Dri Prescription Strength Clinical Antiperspirant. This unscented roll-on applies smoothly and evenly, earning it a 5 out of 5 for its ease of application.

GGR staff writer Matt Dustin, CES, PN1-NC, tried out Certain Dri and says its clinical and prescription strength is no lie. “I didn’t sweat from my armpits for like two days,” he says. “This stuff is crazy.” He rates the protection a solid 5 out of 5.

The roll-on is unscented, and unlike some deodorants that have a smell although they’re marketed as unscented, this actually had no scent. Matt rated it a 5 out of 5, saying, “It’s nice to have an unscented deodorant, so it doesn’t affect the smell of any cologne I might wear.”

Matt, who prefers deodorants instead of antiperspirants, was a little wary of the ingredients, notably the aluminum, which blocks pores from sweating. “I don’t know if that’s the healthiest thing to do, block your sweat for days at a time,” he says. “For that reason, I probably wouldn’t use it again.”

I agree with Matt that if you’re working out, it’s probably better to sweat some; a deodorant might be better in that case. Still, there are times that you want sweat protection. With its clinical strength, this might be the ticket to dry armpits for heavy sweaters.

Best Deodorant Spray for Men: Ursa Major Natural Spray Deodorant

Good for: Men looking for a deodorant spray with natural ingredients

Best Spray

Ursa Major Sublime Natural Spray Deodorant

GGR Score: 3.9

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Product Highlights

• Natural, aluminum-free deodorant
• Vegan and cruelty-free
• Uses plants and enzymes to neutralize odor
• Certified Plastic Negative Product: Ursa Major removes two plastic bottles for every bottle sold

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Cruelty-free—not tested on animals
• Made in the United States
• Subscribe and save 10%
• Love it guarantee

Cons

• More expensive than competitors at $20
• Only available in 1.7 fl oz size
• Only 1 scent available
• Mixed reviews on effectiveness and scent
• May experience a 2-3 week detox period with excess sweating if used to traditional deodorant

Bottom Line

Ursa Major Sublime Sage Spray Deodorant is a natural, vegan, and aluminum-free deodorant. It is only available in one scent. Ursa Major notes that you should try the deodorant for 3 weeks as you may experience a detox period if you are switching from a traditional deodorant/antiperspirant. The reviews were very mixed for both scent and effectiveness.

Looking for a deodorant spray? Before you resort to tacky body sprays you used in high school, check out Ursa Major Natural Deodorant.

Not only is this deodorant a spray, but Ursa Major makes their products cruelty-free, never testing on animals. The company is also a certified B corporation, meaning you can rest assured that they’re honest and transparent about their products. This impressed Shane Johnson, husband of GGR editor Frieda Johnson, CNC, SET, who tested out Ursa Major’s spray deodorant.

For the ingredients and formula, it gets a near-perfect 4.75 out of 5. Made with essential oils—sage, lemon myrtle, and geranium—and natural ingredients, the spray does contain alcohol, which can be irritating to some people. “I didn’t have any issues, though,” says Shane.

The sage scent earned a 5 out of 5 from Shane, who says, “I liked the scent a lot. Not too floral, but not too much musk either.” He adds, “There’s no alcohol smell to it either.”

The spray applies easily, although it takes a minute to dry. Shane mentions that the spray has a fine dispersal which covers a broad area. “Just one or two sprays is all you need; more than that makes it leave a sticky residue,” says Shane.

Our main gripe is the price. At $20, this is expensive deodorant—only earning a 1 out of 5 for its cost. Still, for natural ingredients and cruelty-free production, this spray is a great choice.

Best Aluminum-Free Deodorant for Men: Tom’s of Maine Natural Deodorant for Men

Good for: Those who want odor protection without the sweat-blocking properties of aluminum

Best Aluminum Free

Tom’s of Maine Complete Protection Aluminum-Free Natural Deodorant for Men

GGR Score: 4.26

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Product Highlights

• Vegan, natural, and aluminum-free deodorant
• Contains aloe vera
• 11 different scents available

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 11 different scents, including unscented
• Not tested on animals
• Container made with 100% recycled plastic
• Dermatologist tested
• No parabens, artificial colors, fragrances, or preservatives

Cons

• Only a deodorant—no antiperspirant ingredients
• More expensive than other deodorants
• Longtime customers dislike the new formula found in the new packaging

Bottom Line

Tom’s of Maine is a natural, aluminum-free deodorant designed to provide 48 hours of protection. Customers generally liked the scents. However, there were very mixed reviews on the effectiveness of the deodorant. Reviewers also mentioned that the deodorant left stains on their shirts.

Although research is limited, there are major concerns for aluminum being a toxic ingredient—although the chance of its toxicity depends on the metal entering the body—which would be very rare for a topical application. Still, this leads to many people opting for aluminum-free deodorant. Our pick for the best aluminum-free deodorant is Tom’s of Maine Natural Deodorant for Men.

While trying out this deodorant for myself, the first thing I noticed was the abundance of unique scents. Along with common scents like Mountain Spring or Deep Forest, there was also the scent I used: Eucalyptus and Sandalwood. I’m a fan of woodsy smells, so the sandalwood was a great touch, and the eucalyptus scent was very present. It’s not a common smell in deodorants, but I quickly became a fan of the minty scent, rating it a 5 out of 5.

It was easy to apply, and very smooth in its application, earning another 5 out of 5. Being a deodorant with naturally derived ingredients, it didn’t last as long as clinical strength sticks, maybe losing its scent after a few hours. Still, this was long enough to last through my most intense workouts, so it still earned a 3 out of 5 for its protection.

At about $7 for a stick, it’s one of the pricier deodorant brands we’ve tested out. However, Tom’s of Maine is a B-certified company, and the deodorant has decent ingredients (aside from alcohol, which still didn’t irritate my skin). All things considered, this is a solid deodorant with a nice smell.

Best Natural Deodorant for Men: Native Whole Body Deodorant

Good for: Those with sensitive skin who need to avoid skin irritants

Best Natural

Native Whole Body Deodorant Stick

GGR Score: 3.73

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Product Highlights

• Natural whole-body deodorant
• No aluminum, parabens, baking soda, or talc
• Vegan and cruelty-free—not tested on animals
• 4 scents, including unscented

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Vegan and cruelty-free
• Available in 4 scents, including unscented
• Subscribe and save 15%
• Available as both a stick and a spray

Cons

• More expensive than other deodorants
• Only deodorant—no antiperspirant ingredients
• Mixed reviews on effectiveness

Bottom Line

Native Whole Body Deodorant is available as both a stick and a spray. It is a natural formula made without aluminum or other antiperspirant ingredients. Customer reviews were mixed on the effectiveness. Customers who have used Native’s traditional underarm deodorant found the whole-body deodorant to be less effective.

Men with sensitive skin, or those who are conscious of what they put on their body, may want a deodorant that’s all-natural. Native has you covered with their Whole Body Deodorant. Their unscented deodorant, which GGR staff writer and nutrition coach Matt Dustin tried, has a simple list of ingredients: coconut oil, shea butter, tapioca, and essential oils.

Matt liked the unscented deodorant, giving the deodorant a 5 out of 5 for its (lack of) scent. It also applies pretty easily, “although it’s a little thick,” says Matt. Native earns a 4 out of 5 for its application.

Being a natural deodorant, it doesn’t have the long-lasting protection of stronger antiperspirants, but Matt rates the protection a 3 out of 5. “You’ll still sweat with this deodorant,” he says, adding, “I let my girlfriend try it out, and she felt that it lasted for about half of the day.” For a natural deodorant, that’s not too shabby.

RELATED: Best Detergent for Sweaty Clothes

At nearly $13 per stick, this is an expensive deodorant stick, although it may be worth it to you to be able to read a list of simple ingredients without polysyllabic scientific words.

Best Budget Deodorant for Men: Degree Men UltraClear Antiperspirant Deodorant

Good for: Those looking for a budget-friendly price on a quality deodorant

Best Budget

Degree Men UltraClear Antiperspirant 72-Hour Protection

GGR Score: 3.96

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Product Highlights

• Ultra-clear antiperspirant and deodorant
• Features Degree MotionSense Technology and anti-white mark and yellow stain technology
• 4 scents available

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Motion sense technology that releases scent as you move
• Available in 4 scents
• Also available as a spray

Cons

• Customer reviews noted that the stick left stains
• Mixed reviews on scent and effectiveness
• New packaging features a new formula that longtime users disliked

Bottom Line

Degree Ultraclear Black White is both a deodorant and an antiperspirant with a new formula. Longtime users disliked the new formula, which switched from aluminum zirconium tetrachlorohydrex to aluminum sesquichlorohydrate. Customers also found that the deodorant stained their clothes and left white marks.

With deodorants being comparable to cosmetics like toothpaste, body wash, or shampoo, some men are concerned more about getting the best deal. Our budget pick does just that. Degree Men UltraClear Antiperspirant Deodorant provides good protection while averaging about $4 per stick. (There are many value pack options available on Amazon, so make sure you compare them to find your best price.)

Degree UltraClear is made to prevent marks and discoloration on shirts, a common side effect of some deodorants. It appears to have done well on that front, although GGR staff writer Matt Dustin, CES, PN1-NC, doesn’t like its ease of application, rating it a 3 out of 5. “This is pretty chalky if you use a lot, and it clumps a bit.”

RELATED: How to Get Sweat Smell out of Clothes

The antiperspirant deodorant provides good protection despite being a budget option, leading Matt to rate it a 4 out of 5. “I didn’t sweat for the whole day, so it was solid protection.” He does add, however, “I’m not sure about the odor protection; I didn’t smell bad, but I also rarely do.”

Since this is both an antiperspirant and deodorant, it contains two potentially harmful ingredients: aluminum and alcohol. People with sensitive skin may want to avoid this deodorant and opt for a natural deodorant instead.

Best Men’s Deodorant for Workouts: Old Spice Deo Stick

Good for: Lifters or runners needing odor protection for intense workouts

Best for Workouts

Old Spice Deo Stick

GGR Score: 3.5

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Product Highlights

• Available in 12 different scents
• Features 24-hour protection

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Scents positively reviewed by customers
• More affordable than competitors at less than $4
• Available in 12 different scents

Cons

• Some customers had issues getting incorrect scent and/or amount when ordering from Amazon
• Just a deodorant, not an antiperspirant
• Some customers experienced underarm rash

Bottom Line

Old Spice Deodorant is available in 12 different scents that generally have positive reviews from customers. It is not an antiperspirant, so it does not limit sweating. However, it doesn’t contain aluminum. The customer reviews are mostly positive, but some did experience an underarm rash.

I prefer to use deodorants during my workouts, since I know I’m going to sweat from the intensity and exertion of snatches and clean and jerks. If you’re looking for a decent deodorant for your next strength or cardio session, we recommend Old Spice Deo Stick. Available in a variety of scents, Old Spice deodorant has made a name for itself with a variety of zany commercials. How does their deodorant hold up, though?

Pretty well, from our testing. Its strength is the ease of application. GGR head of content Nicole Davis’ husband Rob Davis tried out the Old Spice Deo Stick, and rated the application a 5 out of 5. “The stick is easy to wind up and the deodorant glides on smoothly,” he says.

Rob got the Original scent, which he wasn’t a fan of. “It’s too much of an old-school scent,” he says. “It’s just not for me.” He rates it a 2 out of 5. I myself have used other scents from Old Spice, and they can be hit or miss. Generally speaking, these are mostly musky scents, so if you’re looking for more floral or mild scents, Old Spice may not fit your preferences.

Being a deodorant, it doesn’t have the long-lasting protection of an antiperspirant, earning it a 3 out of 5. Old Spice was the one deodorant we tested that also had an adverse effect while Rob used it. Old Spice sticks contain alcohol, which can cause irritation or even a burning sensation. I myself have had this happen, although I’ll add that it’s only happened with certain scents. Still, people with sensitive skin may want to avoid this deodorant stick.

Best-Smelling Deodorant for Men: Jack Black Pit Boss

Good for: Guys who prefer a nice scent with decent protection

Best-Smelling

Jack Black Pit Boss Men’s Deodorant

GGR Score: 3.64

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Product Highlights

• Antiperspirant and deodorant designed for sensitive skin
• Features Jack Black’s popular “All-Over” scent
• Also contains Vitamin E and aloe leaf juice

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Both a deodorant and antiperspirant
• Formulated for sensitive skin
• Multiple scents available

Cons

• Customers complained it clumps
• Mixed reviews on scent
• More than $20 dollars, much more expensive than competitors
• Mixed reviews on effectiveness

Bottom Line

Jack Black is a premium skincare company that provides quality products for men. Pit Boss is both a deodorant and antiperspirant but got mixed reviews on its ability to stop sweat. The scent had very mixed reviews. In general, customers found Pit Boss to be too expensive even if they liked the smell and effectiveness.

If you’re wanting a nice, musky scent that’s not overpowering, Jack Black Pit Boss might be your best choice. I tried the Original scent, and it provided a scent almost like cologne, but much more mild. If you’re looking for a scent that won’t overpower the room, this is it. I rate the scent a 4.5 out of 5. It also comes in other more floral scents, if that’s your preference.

Although it’s pricey, I’d say Jack Black (not that Jack Black) Pit Boss is an experience. Unlike many typical stick deodorants, Pit Boss is a round metal stick, which gives it a unique and sleek look compared to most deodorant brands. 

Still, I found the application was a little tough. Using the small circle to apply the antiperspirant didn’t feel like it got my armpit entirely, so I’d have to do several pass-throughs, trying to hit a different spot each time. Because I’m a broader person, I really had to reach to get my pits fully covered. I rate the application a 3.5 out of 5.

It works well as an antiperspirant, lasting all day for me, although the scent may fade a bit beforehand, earning it a 4 out of 5.

The ultimate issue I had with Pit Boss wasn’t the aluminum—the active ingredient in antiperspirants. It was the price; $22 is just a lot for a deodorant, even one with a premium aesthetic like Pit Boss. Still, for the look and smell alone, this might be worth a splurge purchase.

Other Deodorants for Men We Researched

Not every deodorant we’ve researched or tested has made our list of top deodorants for men, although there were certainly some we liked. Here’s another stick or two that we like, but still didn’t quite make the list.

• Harry’s Extra Strength Antiperspirant: This antiperspirant comes in four different scents and contains allantoin to help soothe your skin. However, reviews are a little mixed as to its level of protection, as quite a few people mention it doesn’t last the full 48 hours that it claims.

How We Picked and Tested Deodorants for Men

I’ve used deodorants for years now, and I’m pretty certain I can say that our staff and product testers at GGR have, too. Deodorants are pretty common in people’s toiletries and are a staple in personal care. All that to say that for this roundup of the best deodorants for men, we brought more than our fitness expertise as personal trainers and athletes—we’ve used these products for most of our lives, so we know what’s effective and what to look out for.

To create this list of the best deodorants for men, we researched dozens of different deodorant sticks, roll-ons, and sprays—some we had used previously and some we hadn’t. After selecting top brands, the men on our team tried out about a dozen different deodorants or antiperspirants.

In using the deodorant sticks, we looked at the following aspects, rating them between 1 and 5:

• Cost: Deodorants can vary by price, probably a lot more than you’d expect. The cheapest deodorants usually are under $4, but high-end deodorants can cost $20 or more.
• Scent: Like testing out taste for the best supplements for men, the scent of these deodorants is a subjective rating from our team. Still, we also looked at customer reviews to help determine our score and help make it a bit more objective.
• Ease of application: How easily does the deodorant apply to the underarm? Factors will mostly be from the texture, but the shape of the stick deodorant might help or hinder application. We also noted any clumping that occurred.
• Protection: Deodorants stop body odor, while antiperspirants prevent sweating. How long did the protection last? Some antiperspirant deodorants claim 24, 48, or even 72 hours of protection…we tested how accurate that claim was.
• Ingredients: We looked at active and key ingredients, looking for irritants or harmful chemicals, and noted when deodorants had aluminum, alcohols, or other irritating ingredients. (That said, antiperspirants will always have a form of aluminum as the active ingredient; it’s the only FDA-approved ingredient to prevent sweat.)

We also looked at customer reviews and customer service policies to help narrow down our list. Once final scores were given, we narrowed our list down to the best deodorants you see before you.

Benefits of Deodorants and Antiperspirants

There are two main reasons to use deodorants or antiperspirants: preventing excessive sweating and blocking body odor. Deodorants are made to reduce body odor, while antiperspirants reduce sweat. Some sticks are both antiperspirants and deodorants, enabling them to do both.

The Food and Drug Administration² classifies deodorants and antiperspirants differently due to their intended purpose. Deodorants are classified as cosmetics used for cleansing or beautification. On the other hand, antiperspirants are considered a drug since they’re used to alter the body’s function (in this case, preventing the body from sweating). Because of this, companies must get FDA approval before releasing a new antiperspirant.

Reducing Sweat

Sweating is a natural way for our bodies to cool down in warmer climates or to reduce excess heat. Typically a warmer area on the body, your armpits have more sweat glands, which can cause excessive sweating in certain cases. 

Because excess sweat can soak through shirts and clothing, people may wish to reduce their sweating, which is where antiperspirants come in. Antiperspirants use aluminum to block the sweat glands from producing more sweat.

There has been some concern that blocking sweat in one area may hinder the body’s ability to regulate its core temperature properly. Studies have shown³, however, that blocking sweat in the axillary area (armpits) had no effect on the body’s regulation of its temperature when exposed to warmer temperatures.

Reducing Smell

Sweat can add to body odor, although sweat in itself isn’t malodorous. When bacteria on your skin breaks down sweat particles, the process creates odors, which is where body odor comes from. The moist warmth in your armpits is an ideal environment for bacteria to cultivate, leading to them breaking down sweat and causing body odor in those areas.

Sweat from your apocrine glands⁴ in particular—located in the armpits, the groin, and the nipple area—can be abundant with proteins, which are easier for bacteria to break down.

While an antiperspirant can help reduce the amount of sweat that bacteria can break down, deodorants are made to help neutralize odors. Usually alcohol-based, deodorants make the surface of your skin acidic, which bacteria don’t like as much. There are also scents and perfumes to help mask odors.

What To Look For in Deodorants for Men

Although deodorants for men seem to be a commonplace item and a no-brainer, there are a lot of things to consider—notably the type of deodorant or antiperspirant, plus the type of ingredients you may want to avoid.

Antiperspirant vs Deodorant

First off, do you want an antiperspirant or a deodorant? An antiperspirant actually blocks sweat from being produced, while a deodorant neutralizes body odor—although it keeps you sweating.

If you’re commonly doing activities that’ll make you sweat anyway, you may want to consider a deodorant instead. I myself will typically use deodorant prior to a workout, since I know I’m sweating through my shirt completely after a tough Olympic weightlifting workout. 

However, if you’re wanting to prevent any obnoxious sweating during times you’d rather avoid it, an antiperspirant may be better for you. I’ll opt for an antiperspirant during church or another event where I’m not working out.

There are also differences in ingredients between the two. Speaking of which…

Ingredients

Deodorants and antiperspirants have been around for a long time, and there hasn’t been a lot of innovation in the field—until the past few decades. Some more common ingredients have come under scrutiny as to safety concerns for users; others are known to be irritants, especially to anyone with sensitive skin.

Let’s go over some common (and not-so-common) ingredients and why people may want to steer clear of them. Before completely shunning certain ingredients or deodorants entirely, talk to a dermatologist to fully understand the potential risks.

Aluminum

The largest talking point for ingredients in deodorants and antiperspirants is aluminum, the active ingredient in antiperspirants. Commonly found in a stick as aluminum chlorohydrate or aluminum zirconium, aluminum has been widely regarded as toxic and possibly promoting breast cancer.

However, its toxicity to humans is dependent on penetrating the skin. As a topical agent, aluminum has been shown¹ to have an extremely low chance of transmitting into the skin. However, zirconium salts, commonly used with aluminum, have been found to be toxic, and are partly regulated in Europe. Ultimately, more research needs to be done.

Men—or any indviduals—who want to avoid aluminum can simply switch to aluminum-free deodorant.

Parabens

Parabens are antimicrobial agents used to preserve cosmetics, medicine, and food. They’ve been a topic of controversy since they’ve been shown as toxic in animal and in vitro studies, according to a 2021 review⁵. 

The same review, however, also says this doesn’t mean there’s a direct correlation to human toxicity, as studies have shown parabens to be non-teratogenic (causing issues or defects during pregnancy), non-mutagenic (causing genetic mutations), and non-carcinogenic (causing cancer). For now, certain parabens are still deemed safe for cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, but consumers may still want to avoid them, especially now that many brands are releasing paraben-free deodorants.

Propylene Glycol and Alcohols

Propylene glycol is a common alcohol used in deodorants as an emulsifier. However, propylene glycol—and other alcohols that may be used in deodorant sticks—are also known irritants and allergens⁶ for users. People with sensitive skin may want to look for alcohol-free alternatives, or deodorants with aloe, vitamin E, or other moisturizers used to soothe skin.

Essential Oils

Essential oils are becoming a popular skincare alternative for a natural deodorant. Natural ingredients often avoid common irritants, and the oils are able to mask odor and fight bacteria, making them a decent alternative to traditional deodorant. Essential oils can still be irritating to those with sensitive skin, however, so you may need to opt for a fragrance-free option.

Form

Although the most common form is a deodorant stick, deodorants come in a variety of ways: sticks, roll-ons, and even body sprays. Sprays can be wet or dry sprays—simply meaning they dry on contact or do not. Roll-ons and sprays may be a bit easier to apply than sticks, and also may avoid clumping in some cases. Ultimately, it’s up to your preference as to which form of deodorant or antiperspirant you prefer.

Cost

Just like any cosmetic, prices for good deodorants can vary quite a bit, ranging from under $4 to over $20. Factors can include the ingredients used and the strength of the antiperspirant deodorant. Natural deodorants that are aluminum- and alcohol-free typically can be pricier than traditional deodorants. Clinical strength and prescription strength antiperspirants offer much more protection, but usually at a higher cost.

Best Deodorants for Men: FAQs

References

1. Martini M. C. (2020). Déodorants et antitranspirants [Deodorants and antiperspirants]. Annales de dermatologie et de venereologie, 147(5), 387–395. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.annder.2020.01.003
2. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Cosmetics Safety Q&A: Personal Care Products. U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2022. https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/resources-consumers-cosmetics/cosmetics-safety-qa-personal-care-products 
3. Burry, J. S., Evans, R. L., Rawlings, A. V., & Shiu, J. (2003). Effect of antiperspirants on whole body sweat rate and thermoregulation. International journal of cosmetic science, 25(4), 189–192. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1467-2494.2003.00184.x
4. Hodge BD, Sanvictores T, Brodell RT. Anatomy, Skin Sweat Glands. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482278/ 
5. Petric, Z., Ružić, J., & Žuntar, I. (2021). The controversies of parabens – an overview nowadays. Acta pharmaceutica (Zagreb, Croatia), 71(1), 17–32. https://doi.org/10.2478/acph-2021-0001
6. Jacob, S. E., Scheman, A., & McGowan, M. A. (2018). Propylene Glycol. Dermatitis : contact, atopic, occupational, drug, 29(1), 3–5. https://doi.org/10.1097/DER.0000000000000315

If you have a job that involves long periods of time on your feet, you know that choosing the wrong shoes can lead to stiff, achy joints in your feet, ankles, knees, and back when you get home, which nobody wants.  

Proper footwear provides ergonomic support and cushioning to help relieve foot pain and keep your feet comfortable all day long. In this guide to the best shoes for standing all day, we’re sharing our top picks for those who work on their feet.

The 7 Best Shoes for Standing All Day

• Best Overall Shoes for Standing All Day: HOKA Transport
• Best Budget Shoes for Standing All Day: Saucony Cohesion 13
• Best Non-Slip Shoes for Standing All Day: Crocs Slip Resistant Work Clog
• Best Shoes for Standing All Day for Flat Feet: KURU QUANTUM 2.0
• Best Slip-On Shoes for Standing All Day: ON Cloud 5
• Best Shoes for Standing All Day for Food Service Workers: New Balance Fresh Foam x 880 V12
• Best Shoes for Standing All Day for Health Care Workers: ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 26

Best Overall Shoes for Standing All Day: HOKA Transport

Good for: Those who want maximum comfort and style

HOKA Transport

Hoka Transport

GGR Score: 4.44

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Product Highlights

• Combination lifestyle and performance shoe designed for commuters
• Vegan and uses recycled materials
• Recommended for hiking, walking, and general lifestyle wear
• 13 colorways for women’s sizing and 10 for men’s sizing

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Water-resistant
• Available in regular and wide
• No shoe tying—features quick-toggle laces (traditional laces also included)
• Weatherproof version (GTX) and Crossover version (X) for everyday life
• American Podiatry Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance

Cons

• Hoka account required for 60 day return period
• Heavy at 9.10 oz/11.20 oz
• Not a lot of variety in colorways - very neutral
• Customer reviews found the shoes noisy

Bottom Line

The Hoka Transport is a commuter shoe that combines a lifestyle and performance sneaker. Hoka recommended these shoes for hiking, walking, and lifestyle. Most customers shared that they purchased the shoes for extended periods of walking at work or for leisure. These shoes are heavier than a typical running shoe. The customers reviews were largely positive, however, some did find them extremely uncomfortable and noted that they exacerbated their existing leg pain.

HOKA is known for producing shoes with exceptional comfort and support, like the HOKA Bondi 8, running shoes that we’ve previously tested and loved. 

Unlike a sport-specific shoe, the HOKA Transport is a lifestyle shoe, versatile enough to provide all-day comfort for any occasion. HOKA claims to have designed these shoes with the city-dweller in mind, which means they provide enough support for long walks and extended periods of standing time, with a bit more support than a lightweight running shoe would include. 

The midsole is made of compression-molded EVA foam, sustainably produced with 30% sugarcane, and a Vibram® EcoStep outsole that provides traction on any surface. 

Our tester was impressed with this sole and awarded a 4.5-out-of-5 score for stability, saying, “The sugarcane midsole is supportive yet soft enough for extended wear, and I don’t feel as if my walking gait is compromised while wearing them. Again, I don’t think they’d be good running shoes, but for walking paces I feel they’re a top pick for the task at hand.”

The HOKA Transport is built to last, comfortable, and a great choice if you’re looking for a versatile shoe you can wear all day long.

Best Budget Shoes for Standing All Day: Saucony Cohesion 13

Good for: Anyone looking for high-quality shoes on a budget

Saucony Cohesion 13

Saucony Women’s Cohesion 13

GGR Score: 3.5

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Product Highlights

• Technical yet breathable upper provides a secure hold
• Segmented rubber outsole with flexibility in forefoot
• Neutral running shoe with VersaFoam cushioning designed to absorb impact and reduce pressure
• Heel-to-toe drop/offset measure 12 mm
• Best suited for walking and an occasional jog

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Multiple color options
• Comfortable
• Relatively affordable
• Breathable

Cons

• May run small
• Narrow toe box

Bottom Line

Saucony’s Cohesion 13 is an affordable, neutral running shoe available in a wide variety of colors.

Let’s face it, if you already have a pair of weightlifting shoes, running shoes, and a few other pairs of shoes for different occasions in your life, you may not want to spend a small fortune on yet another pair of shoes. 

If that sounds like you, but you still want to wear appropriate footwear for long periods of standing, the Saucony Cohesion 13 is our recommendation. This shoe is several years old, and newer models have been released, but we tested and loved the 13s.

RELATED: Best Running Shoes for Beginners

At the time of writing, this shoe ranges from $40 to $60 on Amazon depending on the color and size you choose, and they be even cheaper as prices often fluctuate throughout the year. Other retailers may carry them for an even lower price.

Our tester, Amanda Capritto, a certified personal trainer and former GGR writer, gave these shoes a 4 out of 5 for stability. She said, “These are firm, but roll well with my stride when walking. They don’t propel you forward as much as some other running shoes, but I believe these are intended primarily for walking, so it makes sense.”

They may not be the newest, flashiest standing shoes on the market, but at such an affordable price, they’re well worth a try if you’re looking for some new shoes. 

Best Non-Slip Shoes for Standing All Day: Crocs Slip Resistant Work Clog

Good for: Those who work on slippery surfaces

Crocs Bistro Slip Resistant Work Clog

Crocs Bistro Slip Resistant Work Clog

GGR Score: 4.7

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Product Highlights

• Work clog designed with food service, hospitality, and healthcare workers in mind
• Croc style shoe with closed toe design
• Available in 3 solid colors: Blue, black, and white

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Slip-resistant tread
• Able to clean with soap and water
• ASTM F2913-11 tested, CE Certified for slip resistance
• Affordable at less than $50

Cons

• Customer reviews note the shoes can shrink in the heat/sun
• No half sizes
• Only available in 3 colors
• Customer reviews state feet get hot in shoe

Bottom Line

Crocs Bistro is a certified slip-resistant work clog. It is a typical croc style but with a closed toe shoe. Reviews were largely positive. However, some customers found that the shoe shrunk when left in the heat/sun.

Those of us who’ve worked in restaurants know that slippery surfaces are waiting around every corner, and non-slip shoes are critical for safety. While I’ve never slipped while carrying someone’s food or drink, I came dangerously close a few times in my years working in a bar, and I know it’s a terrifying feeling. 

The Crocs Bistro Slip Resistant Work Clog is specifically designed for the workplace, whether you work in a bar, garden center, water park, or anywhere else with wet surfaces. The enclosed toe design protects your foot from spills, and the bottom features Crocs Lock™ slip-resistant tread to help you maintain stable footing on nearly any surface. 

Even if you don’t like the style of Crocs, the comfy feeling may be enough to convince you.

Erin Chancer, CNC, CPT, a senior editor here at GGR, tested the shoes and said, “I’ve resisted the ‘call of the Crocs’ for a very long time, but I have family and friends who swear by them, so I was willing to give them a try. Do they look silly on me? Yes. But is the comfort worth it? YES. I may be a Crocs convert.”

She gave these shoes a 4.7-out-of-5 rating for comfort, saying the adjustable heel strap kept her foot very snug. Her only issue was the lack of air holes for ventilation typically seen on regular Crocs. Without the breathability, she noticed that her feet felt a bit warm after a while. 

For those who need non-slip shoes for work, the Crocs are a great choice. With a suggested retail price of only $49, they’re priced to fit nearly any budget. 

Best Shoes for Standing All Day for Flat Feet: KURU QUANTUM 2.0

Good for: Anyone with flat feet looking for plenty of midsole support

KURU QUANTUM 2.0

KURU QUANTUM 2.0

GGR Score: 4.34

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Product Highlights

• 8.5 mm heel-to-toe drop
• Wide design
• Plenty of cushioning in the midfoot
• Available in men's and women's colorways

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Supportive heel cushion
• Wide design and toe box
• Available in both men's and women's colorways
• 8.5 mm heel to toe drop

Cons

• Expensive
• Bulkier and heavier than many other shoes
• 8.5 mm may feel unusual to those used to minimalist shoes

Bottom Line

The KURU QUANTUM 2.0 is specifically designed for walking, providing exceptional cushioning and support. It's not a great choice for runners or weightlifters, but versatile enough for most casual daily activities.

If you have flat feet, standing for long periods of time can quickly become a painful endeavor, especially on the sole of your foot. 

The KURU QUANTUM 2.0 is specifically designed to maximize arch support and minimize heel pain. KURU shoes are meant to minimize pain from plantar fasciitis and provide proper foot support, and this is the brand’s best-selling walking shoe, which provides a bit more support and cushion than the lighter running shoes. 

For those with flat feet, this shoe features KURU’s most supportive midsole and the highest level of cushioning possible, with a wide toe box that won’t restrict your foot too much. This isn’t the lightest shoe we’ve seen, but comfort and support is more important for those who experience foot pain from extended periods of standing. 

RELATED: Best Walking Shoes for Flat Feet

Erin Chancer, CNC, CPT, a senior editor at GGR tested these shoes, and was impressed by the arch support, giving them a score of 5 out of 5 for stability. She said, “I need a lot of arch support and found that the shoes were right in the sweet spot and kept me comfortable while I ran errands downtown and took my dog for a walk in the park.”

If your flat feet are causing aches and pains when you stand all day, these shoes are well worth a try. To learn more, check out our complete KURU QUANTUM 2.0 review.

Best Slip-On Shoes for Standing All Day: ON Cloud 5

Good for: Those who need shoes that are easy to slip on and off

ON Cloud 5

On Cloud 5

GGR Score: 4.11

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Product Highlights

• The 5th iteration of On’s popular Cloud shoe
• Uses 44% recycled materials
• Features the recognizable CloudTec cushioning system

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Lighter than competitors at 7.1 oz (women) and 8.8 oz (men)
• No shoe tying: Features elastic speed lace system
• Free shipping
• 30-day free returns

Cons

• Limited size range, 5-11 (women) and 7-14 (men)
• The “clouds” in the sole can be difficult to clean
• Gravel/small rocks can easily get stuck in soles per reviews
• Customers suggested sizing up ½ size
• Limited customer reviews and none on the company website

Bottom Line

On Cloud 5 is the most recent version of the popular Cloud running shoe. They share that they have improved the fit and comfort in the newest version of the shoe. There were limited customer reviews but they recommended sizing up ½ size due to the tightness of the shoe but overall found them comfortable. Reviews did note the “clouds” were difficult to clean.

If you’re looking for the ultimate choice in comfort and convenience, slip-on shoes like the ON Cloud 5 are always a fantastic option. You don’t have to worry about your laces coming untied and creating a tripping hazard, and changing in and out of slip-ons is much faster than traditional shoes that you need to lace up each time you wear them. 

The shoes feature CloudTec® shock-absorbing cushioning in the midsole, designed to provide maximum support with each step. Rather than one solid sole, the cushioning is divided into chunks with gaps in between, providing flexibility and support in multiple directions. 

Our tester, Caine Wilkes, OLY, USAW-L1, said the shoes were very comfortable, but he was worried about the durability. He noted that while the upper material is very thin and breathable, he also feels it will be the first part of the shoe to fail, and gave these a 4 out of 5 for durability. 

He also had a small issue with the design of the sole, despite how comfortable it felt. 

“One thing is that the sole is broken up into separate squares running along the bottom of the shoe,” Caine said. “There’s deep indentations between the squares, and I’ve found it’s been very easy to get a rock stuck in my shoes while walking on the street. A minor inconvenience, but it happens a lot more than I’d like it.”

The ON Cloud 5s are comfortable, easy to wear, and very supportive, though they may be better for indoor use, as debris can easily become wedged into the sole.

Best Shoes for Standing All Day for Food Service Workers: New Balance Fresh Foam x 880 V12

Good for: Anyone who’s standing all day in a restaurant setting

New Balance Fresh Foam x 880 V12

New Balance Fresh Foam X 880v12

GGR Score: 4.27

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Product Highlights

• Neutral road-running shoe 
• 7 colorways for men and women 
• Sizes 5.0-13.0 for women and 7.0-16.0 for men

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Large size range
• 3 widths available: Standard, Wide, X-Wide
• Larger heel-to-toe drop than many competitors at 10 mm
• 45-day free returns in new condition

Cons

• Heavier than counterparts at 8.4 oz and 10.5 oz
• Limited colorways
• Runs small
• No trial period

Bottom Line

The New Balance Fresh Foam 880v12 is a very soft shoe that people enjoy using as an everyday runner. Reviewers also noted that the shoes run small.

If you work in the food service industry, whether you’re a bartender, server, barista, or any similar role, you know that the job requires long periods of standing and walking. Not to mention, you may also find yourself navigating wet floors, spills, and small kitchen spaces. 

This means that not only do you want a supportive shoe, but you’ll also need something with plenty of traction to keep you safe on all surfaces. That’s where the New Balance Fresh Foam x 880 comes in, offering support, comfort, and a grippy sole. 

Note: This review is based on our testing of the New Balance Fresh Foam x 880 v12, and newer versions have since been released, with minor upgrades that may make the shoe even better.

While the New Balance Fresh Foams are meant to be running shoes, they provide exceptional cushioning and neutral support, which means the design of the shoe doesn’t propel you forward with each step. Many of the customer reviews specifically mention wearing these shoes for walking, standing, and general all-day use, specifically because they don’t feel like running shoes. 

RELATED: Best Walking Shoes for Plantar Fascitis

The Fresh Foam X midsole provides the highest level of support and cushioning, resulting in a shoe that’s extremely comfortable to wear. Our tester noted that this makes the shoe a bit bulkier and heavier than many minimalist running shoes, but this shouldn’t matter in a food service setting. 

Because they’re meant to be all-surface running shoes, the Fresh Foams have plenty of traction and grip on any surface, making them great shoes for food service workers. They’re also available in narrow, standard, wide, and extra-wide sizes, and in multiple colorways, so you should have no problem finding your perfect fit in a color that’s suitable for work.

Best Shoes for Standing All Day for Health Care Workers: ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 26

Good for: Health care workers who spend all day on their feet

ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 26

Asics GEL-NIMBUS 26

GGR Score: 4.35

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Product Highlights

• Maximum cushioning through the midsole
• Additional shock-absorbing heel support
• Plenty of traction from the rubber outsole
• Available in wide and extra wide size options

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Maximum cushioning and heel support
• Specifically designed for shock-absorption
• 18 colorways
• Available in wide and extra wide sizes

Cons

• Expensive
• Foam compresses on long runs

Bottom Line

The Asics GEL-NIMBUS 26 is designed for maximum comfort, with FF BLAST™ PLUS ECO foam cushioning in the midsole, and additional heel support for shock absorptions. These running shoes are great for shorter runs or recovery runs.

Not only does health care work involve plenty of standing throughout the day, but many health care providers work in long shifts, as professions like nursing often require 12+ hour shifts. This requires footwear that’s not only supportive, but also comfortable enough to wear for very long periods of time. 

ASICS specializes in supportive, comfortable running shoes, and the GEL-NIMBUS 26 is one of its most cushioned shoes. The sole features FF BLAST PLUS ECO foam, which is ASICS’ softest foam yet, designed to keep your foot comfortable all day long and provide shock absorption on any surface.

The heel contains extra cushioning from a PureGEL insert, and the upper features a soft, stretchy tongue and collar to keep your entire foot comfortable. 

Our one callout is the excess cushioning in the heel. While comfortable, it may take some getting used to, as it can shift your weight forward onto your foot more than you’re used to. 

Lauren Strong, CPT, tested these shoes and found the height of the heel made the shoe comfortable, but her gait felt a bit unnatural, and she rated the stability 3.5 out of 5. She said, “This shoe will do well for someone seeking a lot of cushioning. Or perhaps someone trying to get away from a heel strike, because the shoe kind of rolls you away from a heel (and midfoot) strike.”

If you’re a health care worker looking for a shoe that’s extremely comfortable with plenty of support, the GEL-NIMBUS 26 is worth a try. Just know that it may take some getting used to if you’re used to shoes without much heel lift.

Other Shoes for Standing All Day We Researched

While we selected the best of the best using scoring from our equipment testing methodology, there are plenty of options when it comes to supportive footwear. Here are two other options we researched for standing shoes that came close, but didn’t quite make the cut. 

• Kane Revive Active Recovery Shoes: While we love these supportive recovery shoes, the massaging nodes in the footbed may be uncomfortable with extended wear. 
• HOKA ORA Recovery Shoe: This is another well-cushioned, supportive slip-on shoe, but we already have the HOKA Transport on our list, and for slip-ons, we prefer the ON Cloud 5 a bit more than the Ora recovery shoe.

How We Picked and Tested the Best Shoes for Standing All Day

We’ve tested nearly 100 pairs of shoes here at GGR, including running shoes, weightlifting shoes, recovery shoes, and everything in between. Here are the most important factors we considered when choosing the best shoes for standing all day. 

Testing and Scoring

While you can always find plenty of customer reviews for any shoes out there, that’s not enough for us to make a recommendation. 

Every single shoe we’ve included on this list has been extensively worn by one of our expert testers. We regularly wear the shoes before assigning a score using our equipment testing methodology, which looks at the most important aspects of a shoe, including:

• Construction and durability
• Stability
• Appearance and design
• Comfort
• Value

Support and Cushioning

If you’re going to be standing all day, you want to make sure your foot is supported, but it needs to be the right kind of support. 

Weightlifting shoes offer plenty of heel support, but are too stiff. On the other hand, some of the best running shoes from brands like Nike and Brooks may feel great on your feet while you’re going for a run but can shift your weight forward more than you’d like if you’re simply standing in place.

We looked for plenty of cushion and support, but in shoes that would work well for walking and standing all day, rather than being intended for one specific activity.

Value

Finally, value played a part in our list. Good shoes aren’t cheap, but we made sure to include shoes that fit a wide variety of budgets. If you want to spend $150+ on a shoe for standing all day, you certainly can, but we wanted to make sure you don’t have to. We included several affordable options in the list above.

Benefits of Wearing The Best Shoes for Standing All Day

If you’re just starting at your first job that requires long periods of standing all day, you may be wondering why you need special shoes in the first place. Here are a few of the most important benefits you’ll notice. 

Reduced Health Risks

As a former personal trainer, I can tell you that standing on your feet for long hours at a time can leave you feeling exhausted at the end of the day.

However, you don’t need to take my word for it. This 2015 study¹ looked at the known effects of standing all day at work, and found that it can lead to increased fatigue, low back pain, pregnancy complications, and even cardiovascular problems such as leg edema and varicose veins. 

Proper footwear was one of several interventions that was shown to provide pain relief, along with compression socks, inserts and insoles, and breaks to sit down whenever possible. 

Reduced Joint Pain

Standing all day can lead to all sorts of aches and pains, regardless of your fitness level.

I asked Caine Wilkes, OLY, USAW-1, a GGR Senior Staff Writer and Olympian if he noticed any benefits from wearing the standing shoes that he tested for this article, the ON Cloud 5s. 

Caine said, “As a weightlifting athlete and coach I can be on my feet for hours on competition days helping athletes, loading bars, and cheering on friends. Having a good pair of shoes for those days is vital. Supportive lightweight shoes that also have cushioning helps me and my entire body stay supported for hours on end, holding off general fatigue and joint aches longer than having a heavy, rigid shoe.”

Improved Comfort

Even if you don’t think you’re going to suffer from health conditions, an achy back, or sore feet, the shoes we chose in this list are specifically designed for comfort and support. 

Unless you work in a job that has a strict dress code and you need to wear specific shoes, there’s no point wearing shoes that make you uncomfortable at work and cause unnecessary pain. 

Wearing high heels, dress shoes, or minimalist footwear may provide an aesthetic that you prefer, but you’re not going to be as comfortable on your feet as you would while wearing properly-cushioned footwear. 

How to Choose Shoes for Standing All Day

If you’ve gone through this list and you’re still having a hard time choosing the right pair of shoes for your needs, here are the most important factors we think you should consider. 

Type of Work

Are you working in slippery, unstable environments? Do you need to be able to demonstrate exercises and be mobile at work, or are you standing behind a bar or counter?

The type of work you do determines the shoes you should choose. Someone working in an environment with set surfaces may need to prioritize traction and safety over style, while a personal trainer or physical therapist may need athletic shoes that will stay in place as they demonstrate various exercises.  

Dress Code

The type of work you do determines the shoes you should choose. If you’re standing behind a bar or counter, any shoes are probably fine, but a server at a high-end restaurant may need to adhere to a dress code and choose a more conservative style. 

Luckily, most of the shoes on our list are available in a wide range of colorways, so you’re sure to find something that fits your company’s dress code, whatever that may be. 

Cost

Finally, you’ll want to think about how often you’ll be wearing these shoes, and use that to determine a budget. If you typically sit at work and only need standing shoes on special occasions, a budget-friendly option may be more appropriate. 

However, if you’re a healthcare worker who’s going to be spending the majority of your time on your feet, proper footwear is a must-have, and it may be well worth spending a little extra to get the best of the best. 

Best Shoes for Standing All Day: FAQs

References

1. Waters, T. R., & Dick, R. B. (2015). Evidence of health risks associated with prolonged standing at work and intervention effectiveness. Rehabilitation nursing : the official journal of the Association of Rehabilitation Nurses, 40(3), 148–165. https://doi.org/10.1002/rnj.166

If you’re here to hate on Smith machines, I’m here to change your mind. But if you’re looking for the best Smith machine for your home gym, I’ve got you covered. Regardless, Smith machines are a great tool for leg and arm isolation exercises, offering a unique way to train in a garage gym.

Our team of expert product testers and researchers have compiled our picks for the best Smith machines on the market today. With certified personal trainers, lifting coaches, competitive athletes, and runners on our roster of experts, we have decades of experience to help direct you to the right gear and equipment for your home gym. 

Looking at features and specs like cost, footprint, and materials, we’ve compiled our top picks for the best Smith machines.

The 8 Best Smith Machines

• Best Smith Machine Overall: Titan Fitness Smith Machine
• Best All-In-One Smith Machine: Force USA G3
• Best Smith Machine for Small Spaces: Bolt Fitness Supply Storm Series Stinger Smith Machine Attachment
• Best Budget Smith Machine: RitFit Smith Machine with Lat-Pulldown and Low Row
• Best Smith Machine With a Power Rack: Major Fitness All-In-One Home Gym Smith Machine
• Best Smith Machine Attachment: Bulletproof VTS Lite Rack Attachment
• Best 2:1 Pulley Ratio Smith Machine: Vesta Fitness Pro Series 3-in-1 Ultimate Rack With Smith Machine
• Best Smith Machine on Amazon: Sunny Health and Fitness Essential Smith Machine Squat Rack

Best Smith Machine Overall: Titan Fitness Smith Machine

Good for: Home gym users wanting a high-value, durable Smith machine with smooth travel

Best Overall

Titan Smith Machine

GGR Score: 3.81

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Product Highlights

• 260 pounds
• 600-pound weight capacity
• Uses a regular Olympic barbell
• Very smooth and stable
• Limited range of motion at the bottom

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Durable design
• Only weighs 260 lbs
• Very smooth movement

Cons

• The bar doesn't go as low as many would want
• It's expensive
• The knurling isn't good

Bottom Line

The Titan Smith Machine is a high-quality, durable option for those looking to put a Smith Machine in their home gym. It uses an angled design and feels very smooth when in use, but the knurling is very passive.

With smooth travel along the guide rails and a stable feel throughout its use, the Titan Smith Machine is our pick for the overall best Smith machine. Although there are less expensive options out there, GGR Everything lead reviewer Lindsay Scheele, CPT, says its high-quality build makes it worth the price, rating the value a 4 out of 5.

She adds, “I’ve used Smith machines before, and they often aren’t very smooth or balanced. That’s not the case with the Titan Fitness Smith Machine.” With a frame weight of 260 pounds and rubber padding on the bottom, the Smith machine felt very stable while in use. There was no wobbling of the machine, leading Lindsay to rate the stability a solid 5 out of 5.

While the build of the frame was solid, the Titan Smith machine didn’t quite earn top marks for durability and construction because of its Smith bar, as Lindsay rates it a 4 out of 5. The 45-pound barbell (counterbalanced to 15 pounds) is pretty standard, but the knurling is very passive—an issue we see with a lot of Smith barbells. “I think for a Smith machine, it’s fine, but overall it’s not a very grippy bar,” Lindsay adds.

The Titan Smith Machine has a pretty large footprint, earning a 3-out-of-5 rating in this category. However, the amount of versatility it can add to your home gym can outweigh the large footprint. The safety catches stop short of the bottom of the Smith machine rack, making standing exercises like Smith machine deadlifts difficult to perform with a full range of motion.

Still, this is a pretty solid piece of home gym equipment. For more information, you can check out our in-depth Titan Smith Machine review.

Best All-In-One Smith Machine: Force USA G3

Good for: People looking for a Smith machine with tons of versatility

Best All-In-One

Force USA G3

GGR Score: 4.2

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Product Highlights

• All-in-one home gym machine 
• Functional trainer and squat rack
• Smith machine
• 2:1 pulley ratio
• 14 attachments included 
• Even more add-ons available for purchase

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Barbell or smith machine training
• Cable machine with two pulleys
• Plate-loaded
• Multi-grip pull up bar
• Countless exercise selection
• Includes variety of attachments

Cons

• Steel gauge not disclosed
• Entire unit weight limit under 1,000 lbs
• 772-lb smith machine and chin up weight limit

Bottom Line

The Force USA G3 is an all-in-one home gym machine. It functions as a functional trainer with two pulleys, a smith machine, and a squat rack. It’s worth noting that the design of the G3 will have you barbell training on the outside of the rack, not within the rack. However, it comes with J-cups and spotter arms so you can squat and bench safely at home.

Smith machines prove to be quite a multi-faceted piece of equipment, but even then people may want the versatility an all-in-one home gym machine can bring. The Force USA G3 provides that with a full-body workout and more. 

Along with a Smith machine, the G3 also functions as a power rack, functional trainer, chin-up station, suspension trainer, and landmine station. Plus, it has the optionality for other rack attachments, increasing the variety of exercises you can do with this all-in-one trainer. It earns a well-deserved 4.5 out of 5 for its versatility.

The inclusion of a Smith machine in the Force USA G3 is pretty unique when it comes to multi-purpose trainers like this, and it’s the main reason GGR founder Coop Mitchell thinks it’s worth taking a look at. The Smith machine has vertical guides, which differs from many other machines with a slight angle to mimic more natural movement. Some may prefer a more vertical movement for movements like a leg press, so this is something to note.

The barbell is 35 pounds and not counterbalanced. This won’t be a bad starting weight for most, but Coop does wish a bit more time was put into the Smith barbell. “You have a center knurl and an edge knurl. If you’re used to nice power bars, this is nothing to write home about,” he says. “I wish they had spent more time on this.” It gets a 4 out of 5 for its construction.

Coop does give the all-in-one trainer a rating of 5 out of 5 for its value, as it uses similar materials as Force USA’s more expensive G15 and G20 trainers. This one is plate-loaded, though, which saves consumers money on this piece of equipment.

Read our Force USA G3 review for more information on this home gym machine.

Best Smith Machine for Small Spaces: Bolt Fitness Supply Storm Series Stinger Smith Machine Attachment

Good for: Home gym owners looking to consolidate their space with a Smith machine attachment

Best for Small Spaces

Bolt Fitness Storm Series Stinger Smith Machine Attachment

GGR Score: 4

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Product Highlights

• Universal Smith machine rack attachment
• Compatible with 3” x 3” power racks with 1” holes
• 85” W x 31” D x 94” H
• 55-lb Smith machine bar

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Compact Smith machine attachment
• Can attach to rack or extends with included uprights
• Smith machine bar included

Cons

• Bar has passive knurling
• Only compatible with 3” x 3” racks with 1” holes
• 55-lb bar might be too heavy of a starting weight for some

Bottom Line

The Stinger Smith machine attachment from Bolt Fitness can add tons of versatility to your power rack while keeping a minimal footprint. This machine attachment can attach to any power rack that is 3 inches by 3 inches with 1-inch holes, or you can extend a power rack with the Stinger’s included uprights. In our testing, the build and quality is pretty average, but the functionality it adds is still fantastic.

Not every home gym has the space for a standalone Smith machine. For people needing a space-saver, we recommend the Stinger Smith Machine Attachment from Bolt Fitness Supply. You can add this rack attachment onto your power rack, or extend your power rack out with provided uprights. Either way, it keeps the floor space used to a minimum, earning it a 5 out of 5 for its footprint.

The Smith machine attachment is compatible with any 3-inch-by-3-inch power rack with 1-inch holes—like the REP PR-5000 Power Rack, or Bolt Fitness’ very own Warlord half rack and functional trainer combo. Coop Mitchell, founder of Garage Gym Reviews, says the assembly is fairly easy and hardware is provided, rating the assembly a 4.5 out of 5.

Coop does say the quality of the construction could be better, however. “The barbell has really passive knurling that is standard for cheaper barbells, and all the welds are just OK,” he says, rating the construction a 3.5 out of 5.

In use, however, Coop loves the Stinger. The 55-pound barbell weight may be a bit heavy for some users to start with, but the bar moves smoothly due to the use of roller bearings. “It’s been a centerpiece in my strength training lately,” Coop says. “There’s fit and finish upgrades that could help the quality of this machine, but overall, I’m a big fan.”

Editor’s Note: Bolt Fitness is currently running a special for showroom pickup, where you can get a discount of equipment if you’re able to pick it up at their headquarters in Houston, Texas. No worries if you aren’t local, though; Bolt Fitness ships to the contiguous United States.

Best Budget Smith Machine: RitFit Smith Machine With Lat-Pulldown and Low Row

Good for: An inexpensive Smith machine with cable machine capabilities

Best Budget

RitFit Multifunctional Smith Machine with Lat Pulldown and Low Row

GGR Score: 3.57

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Product Highlights

• Multifunctional Smith machine with lat pulldown and low row
• Includes: pull-up bar, lat pull-down bar, smith attachment, quick release plate storage rack, quick loading pedals, low row bar, landmine bar connector

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Free shipping
• Military, medial, student, and first responder discount available
• Available to purchase with and without added weight sets
• Designed specifically for home gyms
• Includes plate storage tubes

Cons

• Limited customer reviews
• Assembly required

Bottom Line

RitFit’s Multifunctional Smith Machine was designed specifically for home gyms. It is available for purchase with or without weights. The Smith Machine comes with multiple accessories to facilitate a variety of exercises. There are limited but positive customer reviews for this machine.

Smith machines are expensive, which is probably one reason you see them in commercial gyms more often than you do in home gyms. If you’re on a budget but need the guided feel of a Smith machine barbell, the RitFit Smith Machine comes in under $600, and is often marked down lower. Plus, it has a lat pulldown and low row attachment, adding to its versatility, which we rate a 4 out of 5.

GGR founder Coop Mitchell calls the RitFit Smith Machine a sleeper pick for Smith machine enthusiasts. “I can say a lot of bad things about this machine, but a low price covers so many sins,” he says in his video review. Although the construction is lacking a bit, the price is one of the lowest you’ll find, earning a rating of 4.5 out of 5 for its value.

The construction gets a 3.5 out of 5. While the knurling is virtually nonexistent and the uprights are a thinner gauge of steel, it still will hold up in most home gym settings. Make sure to install the rubber feet though, as without them the machine was pretty wobbly.

Along with a multi-grip pull-up bar, the machine comes with a lat pulldown and low row. The cable machines are plate-loaded, but the number of weight plates you can load are pretty limited—up to 165 pounds. The Smith bar has a modest weight capacity as well, as the website lists it as 440 pounds. Any bodybuilders that regularly hit heavier numbers in their squat may need a more heavy-duty machine.

Go ahead and read this RitFit Smith Machine review to get an in-depth look at this budget-friendly Smith machine. 

Best Smith Machine With a Power Rack: Major Fitness All-In-One Home Gym Smith Machine

Good for: Weightlifters wanting access to both a Smith machine and free weights

Best with a Power Rack

Major Fitness All-In-One Home Gym Smith Machine SML07

GGR Score: 4.18

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Product Highlights

• All-in-one power rack
• Includes cable crossover, Smith machine, multi-grip pull-up bar, and 360-degree landmine
• 2” x 2” 14-gauge steel with 1” upright holes
• 324-lb rack weight

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Lots of versatility
• Smith machine includes safety catch and stops
• Uses linear bearings
• 1000-lb weight capacity on J-hooks
• Good value

Cons

• Smith barbell has weight limit of only 265 lbs
• Although versatile, still a large footprint
• Only 8 adjustable Smith machine levels

Bottom Line

The Major Fitness SML07 is an all-in-one home gym machine, featuring a power rack, Smith machine, cable crossover system, multi-grip pull-up bar, and 360-degree landmine. With tons of versatility, this machine has great value, costing under $1,400. While the 14-gauge steel gives the J-hooks a weight capacity of 1,000 pounds, the Smith bar is limited to a maz weight of 265 pounds.

Smith machines are great for isolation exercises, but lifters may want the option to use an Olympic barbell and a power rack. The Major Fitness All-In-One Home Gym Smith Machine SML07 has you covered, merging a power rack with a Smith machine, as well as providing access to a cable pulley system, a multi-grip pull-up bar, and a 360-degree landmine.

The price is competitive as well, as the all-in-one trainer comes in under $1,400. Beginners starting a home gym can also add a weight bench and bumper plate set for a few hundred dollars more.

While we haven’t had a chance to test this rack and Smith machine out, we have tried out Major Fitness power racks before, and like them for their budget prices and decent construction. The SML07 is built similarly with 2-inch-by-2-inch, 14-gauge steel construction. The power rack boasts decent weight capacities, with the J-hooks supporting 1,000 pounds and the spotter arms holding up to 500 pounds.

Where the home gym may falter is with the Smith machine bar. The bar has a weight capacity of only 265 pounds, which may be fine for bench presses or other upper-body weight training, but many users might squat or deadlift a bit more than that. If you are regularly squatting more than 265 pounds, this may limit your range of exercises and may not be the ideal leg developer for you.

RELATED: Squatting With Proper Form

Best Smith Machine Attachment: Bulletproof VTS Lite Rack Attachment

Good for: Fitness enthusiasts wanting a compact Smith machine rack attachment

Best Attachment

Bulletproof VTS Lite Rack Attachment

GGR Score: 3.97

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Product Highlights

• Rack attachments that convert Olympic barbells to a Smith machine
• Can be purchased to support 3” x 3”, 2” x 3”, or 2” x 2” uprights
• Choice of straight or curved latch pins
• Can be bought for 28-30 mm or 50 mm barbells

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Affordable option for Smith machine
• Can be adjusted to high/low pulley system
• Choice of straight or curved latch pins

Cons

• Have to use your own barbell
• Pulley system requires optional equipment
• Straight latch pins only suitable for 1”, 3/4", or 5/8" holes

Bottom Line

The VTS Lite Rack Attachment uses your power rack with 3-inch-by-3-inch, 2-inch-by-3-inch, or 2-inch-by-2-inch uprights to transform the rack into a Smith machine—or a high/low pulley system, although that requires additional attachments. It doesn’t come with a Smith barbell, though; instead, you can attach your own Olympic barbell to the pair of attachments.

Already have a rack and barbell? The Bulletproof VTS Lite Rack Attachment uses a pair of trolleys that convert your barbell and uprights into a Smith machine. The VTS (Versa Trolley System) can also be converted to a low and high pulley system—with the purchase of additional attachments.

We haven’t tested out this attachment ourselves, but the Bulletproof VTS attachment is highly customizable upon purchase. The attachment is available for racks that are 3 inches by 3 inches, 2 inches by 3 inches, or 2 inches by 2 inches, making it compatible with many racks. The straight hitch pins can work for 1-inch, 3/4-inch, or 5/8-inch holes as well, and the curved hitch pin works for all hole sizes.

Once you have the trolley attached, you can latch your Olympic barbell onto the attachment and use it for a variety of Smith machine workouts: squats, bench, rows, and deadlifts. Since each VTS Lite Trolley weighs 15 pounds, and typical barbells weigh 35 or 45 pounds, this may be a fairly heavy starting weight. You’ll be starting around 65 or 75 pounds with a typical barbell weight.

The Bulletproof VTS Lite Rack Attachment won’t have safety features like standard Smith machines, either. Still, with smart training, this can be a great addition to your home gym, and more importantly, it won’t take up much room.

Best 2:1 Pulley Ratio Smith Machine: Vesta Fitness Pro Series 3-in-1 Ultimate Rack With Smith Machine

Good for: People wanting a versatile Smith machine that doubles as a functional trainer

Best 2:1 Pulley Ratio

Vesta Fitness Pro Series 3-in-1 Ultimate Rack With Smith Machine

GGR Score: 4.36

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Product Highlights

• 3-in-1 machine features half rack, Smith machine, and functional trainer
• Includes 45-lb Olympic Smith barbell that can counterbalanced to 0 lbs
• Dual 200-lb weight stacks and a 2:1 pulley ratio
• 3” x 3” steel frame with 1” holes
• Available in Black, Clear Coat, Red, or White

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Multiple colors available
• 3” x 3” 11-gauge steel
• Aluminum pulleys
• Smith barbell has 700-lb weight capacity

Cons

• Large footprint
• Expensive

Bottom Line

The Vesta Fitness Pro Series 3-in-1 Ultimate Rack combines three machines for your home gym: a half rack, a functional trainer, and a Smith machine. It has 3-inch-by-3-inch-uprights with 1-inch holes, and is made with durable gauge steel. Although it’s a pricier rack, this is a quality rack, with the Smith barbell able to hold a weight capacity of 700 pounds.

For a Smith machine with a strong pulley system, the Vesta Fitness Pro Series 3-in-1 Ultimate Rack provides. With quality construction and a durable build, this rack is built to fulfill your strength and fitness goals.

The vertical Smith machine barbell is capable of holding up to 700 pounds, which is one of the heavier weight capacities we’ve seen on a Smith machine. More impressive, however, is the bar’s starting weight. The 45-pound bar can be counterbalanced to 0 pounds, making for the lightest starting weight for a home gym Smith machine.

Along with the Smith machine, the Pro Series Ultimate Rack also has pulleys on either side of the rack uprights, linked to two 200-pound weight stacks. The pulleys have a 2-to-1 ratio, meaning 100 pounds will feel like 50 pounds of resistance. Doubling as a functional trainer, this machine also allows you to do pec flyes like you were on a cable crossover.

With a price tag of over $4,000, this is one of the pricier Smith machine racks on this list. Still, it’s built with solid materials. And while we haven’t tried out the Vesta Ultimate Rack ourselves, we’ve had a lot of experience with the high-quality materials it uses. The gauge steel used on the uprights makes for a durable rack, and the aluminum pulleys ensure smooth travel from this cable machine.

Best Smith Machine on Amazon: Sunny Health and Fitness Premium Smith Machine Squat Rack

Good for: Anyone needing a compact, affordable Smith machine

Best on Amazon

Sunny Health and Fitness Premium Smith Machine Power Rack

GGR Score: 3.7

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Product Highlights

• Power rack with Smith machine
• Alloy steel material
• 39.37” D x 87.1” W x 91.93” H
• 40-lb barbell with 800-lb capacity

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Compact Smith machine
• Accepts 2” weight plates
• Includes weight plate storage
• Less expensive than competitors
• High Smith bar weight capacity

Cons

• Rack should be bolted down
• Not as versatile as other Smith machine racks

Bottom Line

The Sunny Health and Fitness Premium Smith Machine Power Rack is a fairly inexpensive Smith machine with a compact footprint. Although there’s not much versatility in this Smith machine compared to others, this rack allows you to perform pull-ups from an adjustable pull-up bar. At 143 pounds, it’s lightweight, but should be bolted down to prevent rocking; you can also load up the weight horns to secure the machine.

If you want a Smith machine but would rather take advantage of your Prime membership, take a look at the Premium Smith Machine Squat Rack by Sunny Health and Fitness. This rack comes in two versions: the Essential and Premium (or Essential Series I or II).

I recommend the Premium version for most; not only is the Smith machine a bit more durable, but the Smith barbell fits 2-inch Olympic weight plates, unlike the Essential variation, which only accepts 1-inch standard plates. Unfortunately, the price also rises to about $1,300—although it’s often marked down to under $1,000.

We haven’t tested out this Smith machine, but one thing that impressed us about the Sunny Health and Fitness rack is its compact footprint. With a depth of under 40 inches, it won’t take much room in your home gym—especially for a standalone Smith machine.

The Smith bar starts at 40 pounds, and while the weight capacity isn’t disclosed, we’re not expecting it to be super high, particularly because of the Smith machine’s low rack weight of 143 pounds. I’d expect this to be a little unstable at this weight, so make sure to use the weight horns in the back of the rack to weigh down the machine. It also has the option to be bolted down.

Other Smith Machines We Researched

Here are a couple other Smith machines we’ve tested and liked, but they still didn’t quite make the list for one reason or another.

• Inspire Fitness FT2: The Inspire Fitness FT2 is a very durable functional trainer with Smith machine capabilities and a limited lifetime warranty on all parts for residential use. However, we aren’t huge fans of the $5,000 price tag.
• Force USA G20: This is a beefed up version of the Force USA G3, but it still uses similar materials to the G3. For that reason, we prefer the G3 over the Force USA G20 for its higher value.

How We Picked and Tested Smith Machines

It’s rare when there is strength equipment that Garage Gym Reviews hasn’t done a deep dive into, but that’s the case with Smith machines. Although we’ve reviewed some functional trainers and power racks with Smith machine capabilities over the years, it hasn’t been a huge focus, because there hasn’t been a huge demand in the home gym community.

That’s changing, however, which is leading us to make that dive into Smith machines—much like we did with saunas and cold plunge tubs. We’ve taken them through upper-body and leg workouts, determining how effective these machines are in use.

Here are some of the aspects we look at when we test Smith machines, attachments, and all-in-one trainers, rating them with scores between 1 and 5:

• Construction and materials: Because Smith machines for home use is still a fairly new market (with many brands working on releasing their version), the quality of construction can vary pretty wildly, especially with the Smith machine bar. Budget materials are fine as long as the price reflects the quality.
• Footprint: How much space does your Smith machine take up? While a large footprint wasn’t a dealbreaker, we wanted to make sure that there were options for those needing compact exercise equipment.
• Versatility: Smith machines have good versatility, allowing you to train different muscle groups in your workouts. Still, does the machine have added versatility through other functionality? Functional trainer or power rack combo units scored high here.
• Value: Like any home gym essential, the cost of the Smith machine needs to be worth the construction, functionality, and versatility of the machine. 

Benefits of Smith Machines

Although there’s been a lot of hate on Smith machines from functional fitness loyalists, there are a lot of great reasons to train with one. For anyone who loves resistance training and machines, here are a few reasons to consider a Smith machine for your home gym.

Isolation Exercises

Isolation exercises focus on one specific muscle during their execution, like how a hammer curl isolates the biceps muscle. While they shouldn’t be your only mode of training, isolation exercises complement compound exercises by intentionally training specific muscle groups.

And although each type of training—compound and isolation—has its role, studies show that isolation exercises can be just as effective as functional compound movements. Specifically, a 2015 study¹ compared single-joint (isolation) exercises with multi-joint (compound) exercises in untrained young men. After 10 weeks, both groups saw significant increases in the torque output of the elbow flexors (the biceps brachii, brachialis, and brachioradialis), as well as overall muscle thickness in the upper body.

Because a Smith machine has its bar guided on rails, it travels on only one plane of movement. This helps isolate muscles by avoiding having to use smaller muscles to stabilize the weight. When you do a shoulder press on the Smith machine, it’s almost entirely training only your shoulders and delts.

Versatility

Although Smith machines are usually thought of as leg machines, you can do a variety of upper- and lower-body exercises with them. Along with squats, deadlifts, and leg presses, you can perform bench presses, shoulder presses, and upright or bent-over rows. Smith machines can add a lot of versatility to your home gym space.

Safety

Beginners might lean toward a Smith machine instead of free weights because a Smith machine has safety features incorporated into it. Keeping the barbell on guide rails allows newer lifters to focus on the leg drive, instead of having to balance and coordinate the movement at the same time. Along with that, Smith machines usually have safety stops if a lifter has to bail out from a lift.

What to Look For in Smith Machines

Looking for just the right Smith machine for your home gym? Here’s some things to consider.

Materials

Depending on your strength levels, you may need a Smith machine with a higher weight capacity. Smith bars can range from a capacity of 200 pounds to up to 700 pounds or more. Make sure that the quality of materials and construction suits your needs.

Also, Smith barbells are often underwhelming, with passive knurling and lackluster steel. If you’re needing a heavy-duty barbell, make sure to do some research before making your purchase for a quality bar with a high weight limit.

Guiding Rod Angles

The rails that guide a Smith machine are typically either vertical or at a slight angle. The slight angle is usually a slightly more natural position for Smith machine squats, as it lets you move in a more natural squatting position. However, with that angle comes more of a footprint. A vertical Smith machine can still be used for squatting, and it can save you some space.

Footprint

Smith machines are versatile pieces of equipment, but they also have a large footprint. To combat this, you can look for a Smith machine attachment for a power rack, or you can buy an all-in-one trainer that has a built-in Smith machine—all to maximize the versatility in your machine’s footprint.

Budget

Smith machines and home gyms that include Smith machines can vary in price, from as little as $600 to as much as $6,000. Either way, it’s a chunk of change, so make sure that the machine fits your budget. You can also research financing options to see if that’s a viable option for you.

Best Smith Machines: FAQs

A 2023 systematic review² compared the results of free weights and machine training from several studies and concluded that there’s no significant difference between the two modes of resistance training. Which one you should use in your training should pretty much be left to preference.

References

1. Gentil, P., Soares, S., & Bottaro, M. (2015). Single vs. Multi-Joint Resistance Exercises: Effects on Muscle Strength and Hypertrophy. Asian journal of sports medicine, 6(2), e24057. https://doi.org/10.5812/asjsm.24057
2. Haugen, M. E., Vårvik, F. T., Larsen, S., Haugen, A. S., van den Tillaar, R., & Bjørnsen, T. (2023). Effect of free-weight vs. machine-based strength training on maximal strength, hypertrophy and jump performance – a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC sports science, medicine & rehabilitation, 15(1), 103. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13102-023-00713-4

With so many Garmin watches available, it’s hard to know what’s best for you, and which watch tracks what. Fortunately, our team of certified personal trainers, coaches, and athletes have tried out top Garmin watches to help ease your search. With collective decades of experience in the fitness field, our testers were able to try out these watches, see their durability, and test their accuracy with metrics and GPS tracking.

Without further ado, here are our top picks for the best Garmin fitness trackers on the market—for runners, outdoor athletes, and more.

The 5 Best Garmin Fitness Trackers

• Best Garmin Fitness Tracker Overall: Garmin vivoactive 5
• Best Garmin for Runners: Garmin Forerunner 265
• Best Budget Garmin: Garmin Venu Sq 2
• Best Garmin for Outdoors: Garmin Fenix 7X Sapphire
• Best Garmin Smartwatch: Garmin Forerunner 965

Best Garmin Fitness Tracker Overall: Garmin vivoactive 5

Good for: Fitness enthusiasts wanting a robust, quality fitness tracker with great value

Best overall

Garmin Vivoactive 5

GGR Score: 4.5

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Product Highlights

• Fitness tracker with up to 11 days of battery
• Available in 4 colors
• Over 30 sports apps and workouts
• Tracks pushes and built-in workouts for wheelchair users

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Available in 4 colors
• Over 30 sports apps and workouts
• Tracks pushes and built-in workouts for wheelchair users
• 11 days of battery life

Cons

• Affordable, but more expensive than other fitness trackers
• Can have a learning curve to new users

Bottom Line

Available in four different colors, the Garmin vivoactive 5 is one of their more affordable fitness trackers, costing just under $300. With a variety of sports apps and workouts available, the vivoactive 5 sets itself apart with built-in workouts and a push tracker for wheelchair users.

We like the Garmin vivoactive 5 for most people mostly due to its fairly high value. At $299, it’s one of the less expensive Garmin watches, and still has pretty robust functionality. It’s able to track a variety of health metrics and modes of training and sport. 

“It’s still a bit pricier than a Fitbit, and it is a similar price as a base Apple Watch—but you do get a lot with it,” says our product tester, GGR senior editor Erin Chancer, CNC, CPT. She rates the value a 4 out of 5.

In use, the smartwatch doubles as a heart rate monitor and activity tracker, capable of tracking activities in a variety of strength and cardio training disciplines, along with team sports. Garmin adds accessibility with both a step counter and a push tracker to detect pushes from wheelchair-bound fitness enthusiasts. Erin was able to sync the watch to her iPhone easily, and was impressed with all the metrics that could be tracked on the wearable device. 

RELATED: Hill Training To Increase Leg Strength and Running Speed

Erin rates the tech capabilities a 5 out of 5. She does warn about the learning curve though, saying, “It can be a bit intimidating if you’re new to fitness trackers, or just aren’t tech-savvy. I feel like I’ve barely scratched the surface of what this watch can do, but I’ve had to be patient learning and navigating the controls.”

The design is sleek and simple, and you can choose from four colorways. Erin gives the design and wear a 4.5 out of 5, adding that she’s forgotten she was wearing it at times—it’s been that comfortable. For a touchscreen watch with tons of capabilities and value, this is our favorite pick.

Best Garmin for Runners: Garmin Forerunner 265

Good for: Runners needing a health tracking device for their cardio workouts

Best for Runners

Garmin Forerunner 265

GGR Score: 4.3

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Product Highlights

• Fitness tracking watch designed for runners
• Up to 15 days of battery in smartwatch mode
• Comes in 2 sizes
• Tracks heart rate, sleep, stress levels, hydration, and more
• Morning report feature presents readiness levels

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Long battery life
• Multiple sizes
• Available in 6 colors
• Morning report feature presents readiness levels

Cons

• Pricier fitness tracker
• No wireless charging option

Bottom Line

The Forerunner 265 is one of Garmin’s latest fitness trackers for runners, available in six colors and two different sizes. It has a few more features than the Forerunner 165, but not as many as the 965, which gives it a middle-of-the-road price. Along with heart rate monitoring and sleep insights, the morning report presents readiness levels, each day.

If you’re wanting a smart watch for running and other activity tracking features, I’d suggest our favorite Garmin tracker for runners—the Garmin Forerunner 265. This GPS smartwatch is a beefed-up version of the Garmin Forerunner 165, capable of measuring an expansive number of running and cardio activities for runners, cyclists, and even triathletes.

RELATED: Best Running Apps

GGR senior staff writer Lauren Strong, CPT, tested out the Forerunner 265 with her husband Matt after buying the larger of the two sizes offered: a 42-millimeter or 46-millimeter watch. The larger display also fits a larger wrist—up to 205 millimeters in circumference—so Lauren let her husband test it out mostly. 

Even then, it was a bit small on him, leading Lauren to rate the adjustability a 3.5 out of 5. She adds, “The band itself has quite a few adjustments, but my husband is already on the last few holes. It’s a bit small to be honest, and I wish it came with an optional longer band.”

As far as technological capabilities go, it earns a solid 4 out of 5. “This can do a ton of stuff,” Lauren says. “I don’t think my husband or I could ever use all the features. My husband uses it mostly for steps, heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, measuring stress levels, and blood oxygen levels.” 

The GPS watch works accurately, although our testers have used it mostly for neighborhood walks. Matt hasn’t tried any additional features, like music storage or Garmin Pay—although he does get notifications if his iPhone is nearby.

The Forerunner 265 is a bit on the pricey side, costing nearly $450 and earning a 3.5 out of 5 for value from Lauren. If you’re new to running, the cheaper but less feature-filled Forerunner 165 might be a better option. However, if you’ve been tracking your running progress already and want a more robust running watch, the 265 is a great choice.

Best Budget Garmin: Garmin Venu Sq 2

Good for: Those on a budget looking for a durable health and wellness tracker

Best Budget

Garmin Venu Sq 2

GGR Score: 4.44

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Product Highlights

• Square-faced fitness tracker
• Up to 11 days battery life
• Indoor and GPS sports apps
• Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity

Pros & Cons

Pros

• More budget-friendly
• Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity
• Up to 11 days of battery life

Cons

• Only comes in 2 colors
• More basic metrics and functions

Bottom Line

The Venu Sq 2 is a budget-friendly fitness tracker and watch from Garmin. This watch still tracks a variety of metrics and has up to 11 days of battery life in smartwatch mode, although it has more basic functions when compared to other Garmin watches.

While the latest round-faced Venu is the Garmin Venu 3, the Venu Sq 2 has a square design. Plus, it’s a more affordable sports watch, as long as you’re OK with skipping on some premium features like voice functionality.

The Venu Sq 2 is available in black or mint. GGR performance editor Anthony O’Reilly, CPT, CNC, went with the mint, “since it was the only color available when I ordered,” he says. Although the mint wasn’t his favorite colorway, he still likes the appearance and design, adding, “I prefer the square design over a round watchface, and the graphics are very nice.” He rates the design a 4 out of 5.

While this is a cheaper option for Garmin watches, the Venu Sq 2 still provides a good number of metrics, although some are less robust. For example, other watches provide sleep scores as well as a sleep coach and even nap detection. The Venu Sq 2 will give a basic sleep score and insights, but won’t have the additional features.

RELATED: Best Budget Home Gym Equipment

Anthony notes, “Unlike some Garmins—like the Venu 2 Plus, the Garmin Instinct 2, or the Garmin Epix Pro—the Sq 2 doesn’t have built-in workouts, since this is a more budget-friendly option.” Nevertheless, the smartwatch syncs to your phone easily, tracks your activities, and has a stopwatch function and a heart rate sensor. Anthony still rates the tech capabilities a 4 out of 5.

Even at under $250, the Venu Sq 2 is still like most classic Garmin watches—durable, customizable, and adjustable with a long battery life. It earns a 4 out of 5 for its value since it still brings a lot to the table.

Best Garmin for Outdoors: Garmin Fenix 7X Sapphire Solar

Good for: Fitness lovers who spend a lot of their workouts outdoors

Best for Outdoors

Garmin Fenix 7X Sapphire Solar

GGR Score: 4.51

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Product Highlights

• Fitness tracker designed for outdoor activities and sports
• Solar charging can increase battery life up to 37 days
• Multi-band GPS
• Provides wellness tracking and suggested workouts

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Tracks for many outdoor sports
• Multiple colors and sizes available
• Water resistant up to 100 m
• GPS tracking

Cons

• Expensive
• Somewhat bulky appearance

Bottom Line

The Garmin Fenix 7X Sapphire Solar is a rugged smartwatch that can track a variety of outdoor sports, including golf, swimming, and horseback riding. The watch boasts a 28-day battery life that can boost up to 37 days with solar charging. It’s a pricey smartwatch, but it’s also durable, with water resistance that can withstand pressures up to 100 meters.

For hikers, trail runners, rowers, golfers, and more, the Fenix 7X Sapphire Solar is our pick for the best outdoor fitness tracker from Garmin. This is an extremely durable smartwatch, with a water resistance able to withstand pressures equivalent to a depth of 100 meters. 

The metrics and activities measured are abundant, which may be an understatement. The Fenix 7X Sapphire Solar has a battery life of up to 28 days while in smartwatch mode. Meanwhile, the solar charging mode allows for extended battery life while on the go, boasting a 37-day lifespan for one charge (in smartwatch mode).

RELATED: Best Biohacking Products

GGR head of content Nicole Davis, CPT, PN1-NC, says on the metrics, “There’s so many things you can do with this watch with tracking, monitoring, and functionality. You can even download Spotify for music. It’s pretty wild.” She rates the technological capabilities a 5 out of 5.

Nicole’s husband Rob tested out the Fenix 7X, and rates the design a 4 out of 5. “It’s a bit large and rugged-looking, but still manages to be pretty minimal,” he says. If a 51-millimeter diameter seems a bit bulky, you can opt for the Garmin Fenix 7 or 7S, which both have smaller displays.

There are options for wrist bands as well, which Rob has purchased from Amazon to switch up the smartwatch’s style. “It’s very easy to swap bands out,” he says, rating the adjustability a 5 out of 5.

The biggest drawback is the price. At $899, it’s one of the most expensive Garmin watches we’ve tested, and it cost even more when Rob purchased it. However, he’s definitely gotten his money’s worth just from wear alone, leading him to rate the value a 4 out of 5. Rob does warn, however, that, “This watch is not for the everyday person; it’s for people who take their training more seriously.” He does add, though, “The GPS accuracy alone is worth it to me.”

Best Garmin Smartwatch: Garmin Forerunner 965

Good for: People wanting tons of functionality in their fitness tracker

Best Smartwatch

Garmin Forerunner 965

GGR Score: 4.4

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Product Highlights

• Garmin running watch
• Color AMOLED display
• Features multi-band GPS and built-in maps
• Provides suggested workouts and training readiness
• Shows on-wrist running dynamics and training status
• Includes USB C cable and manual

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Available in 3 colors
• Both touchscreen and button control
• Live location tracking and incident alerts with location data
• Built-in maps and multiband maps
• Tracks sleep data and provides a readiness score in the morning

Cons

• Short 1-year warranty
• Expensive at almost $600 dollars
• No ECG heart rate tracking
• No wireless charging capabilities
• Very mixed reviews on the Garmin Connect App

Bottom Line

The Garmin Forerunner 965 is a running watch with multi-sport functionality. It features an AMOLED display, multi-band GPS, and built-in maps and tracks your activity, recovery, and sleep. Customer reviews for that watch are mostly positive. However, multiple customers dislike the Garmin Connect interface.

For the runner or athlete wanting their fitness tracker to operate a little more like a smartwatch, we recommend the Garmin Forerunner 965. This more advanced version of the 165 and 265 has more activities to measure, including climbing, cycling, and motorsports. 

RELATED: Best Cycling Apps

Amanda Dvorak, GGR senior editor and certified personal trainer, also mentions its connectivity to apps and your smartphone. “There are tons of apps you can download on the Forerunner, including music apps like Spotify or Amazon music. I tried out Spotify and it worked great.” She rates the tech capabilities a 5 out of 5.

You can also sync with the Garmin Connect app, which connects you with the Garmin community. Plus, you can use Garmin Pay, a payment method similar to Apple or Google Pay.

Amanda has used Garmin watches for a while now, and rates their durability a 5 out of 5. She says, “While I haven’t had the Forerunner 965 for long, I used the original Venu for years, and it works just as well as it did on day one.” At one point, she bought a new band, but otherwise, the watch is in top shape.

If you know you want basic features, you may want to consider going with the Forerunner 265 or 165 to save yourself a couple hundred dollars. For the best durability and functionality, you won’t go wrong with the 965. You can read more in our in-depth Garmin Forerunner 965 review.

How We Picked and Tested Garmin Fitness Trackers

To make our list of the best Garmin fitness trackers, we did the best thing we could do—we tried out some of the most popular models. Our expert testers used these watches to track their workouts, measuring metrics like training load and inputting activities like strength training, cardio, and more. 

We gave each Garmin a score of 1 to 5 in the following categories:

• Aesthetics and design: This was a subjective score, but we looked at the colorways available and the overall look of each watch. Did these watches look like fitness apparel, or could they be used as everyday wear?
• Adjustability: Whether it’s by replacing the included band with a larger one, or adjusting notches, how easily does the watch make adjustments? Is it able to fit larger or smaller wrist sizes alike?
• Technological capabilities: There’s a lot that these fitness trackers can do, such as real-time heart rate monitoring and counting steps. Does it have the option to add apps from your phone, and does it track other metrics and activities?
• Durability: This is a look at both the durability of the materials used, as well as the electronics used. We looked at the watches’ longevity, as well as the materials used for the straps, faces, and bezels.
• Community: Garmin uses the Garmin Connect app to connect you to the Garmin community. Features include challenges in which you compete against other users, as well as joining groups within the app.
• Value: Does the price make sense for the fitness tracker? Prices will vary, but so will functionality, so the price just needs to match the worth of the smartwatch.

Additionally, we looked at customer reviews. Typically, we look at policies like warranties, returns, and financing, as well as customer service—but these policies are all the same for Garmin products (1-year warranties and 30-day returns).

After rating these Garmin products, we picked our favorites and built this list of the best trackers Garmin has to offer.

Benefits of Garmin Fitness Trackers

What sets Garmin apart from other fitness trackers? All fitness trackers have the benefit of visualizing and tracking your fitness goals, as well as helping you recover smarter, with metrics based on sleep, hydration, and overall stress levels. Many also have compatibility with Apple and Android devices, like Garmin.

Still, a couple things do stand out with Garmin watches.

Garmin Connect

People looking for motivation and accountability can find that in the Garmin Connect app. This app gives you access to challenges and fitness-related achievements, where you can see how you stack up with other Garmin users. Also, you can join groups within the app for support from other fitness enthusiasts.

RELATED: Best Online Workout Programs

Improved Battery Life

Garmin has a reputation for extended battery life, and many of the watches we tested can last over a week or more on a single charge.

It’s important to remember that these times are given in smartwatch mode, which uses a minimal amount of the display. In use, the battery is still impressive, just not quite as powerful. 

Amanda Dvorak, ISSA-CPT, mentions when testing her Forerunner 965, that, “It claims to have a 23-day battery life, but when I first charged it and tracked six workouts, I got about 9 days out of the single charge. Afterwards, I got 10.” Nine or 10 days is still an impressive battery life, but just know that different functions and tracking modes will alter the battery consumption.

Good Durability

Along with an extended battery life, Garmin is known for increased durability. Using titanium and stainless steel for the bezel and a durable silicone strap, these watches are made to last. The internal workings are also durable. Quite a few members on our testing team have used Garmin over the years, and they’ve held up far longer than the 1-year warranty that Garmin has on the watch.

What to Look For in Garmin Fitness Trackers

If you’re interested in a Garmin watch, but aren’t sure which is right for you, here’s a few things to look at.

Aesthetics

You’re going to want a fitness tracker and watch that you’ll enjoy wearing. There are plenty of designs from Garmin, ranging from minimal watch faces and slick designs, to more rugged-looking products that have a more traditional look for watches. Colors vary too, from neutral to bright and sporty. Regardless of your preferences, you should be able to find a colorway that suits your wants and needs.

Wrist Size

Garmin clearly labels the size wrist that each fitness tracker can fit and gives a range, due to the adjustment notches on each wrist band. If you have a particularly large or small wrist, make sure to take a look at the specs chart to confirm the watch you want will fit your wrist. Some watches are built for smaller or larger athletes, so keep this in mind!

Metrics and Activities

How much do you want your fitness tracker to actually track? Some may only want GPS navigation or heart rate monitoring. Other athletes may want more in-depth measurements and metrics, such as sleep insights, recovery and stress management, or even calories burned for specific sports and activities.

Garmin records a variety of activities, from running to horseback riding. If you have a specific sport in mind, make sure the Garmin watch you’re looking at has the ability to measure and track that activity or sport.

Cost

Of course, you’ll need to account for your budget. Garmin offers a wide range of watches and prices, from a couple hundred dollars to nearly $1,000. Added features and functionality is great, but it also hikes the price up. Fortunately, Garmin has different variations of certain watches—like the Forerunner—where you can find a price and features that match your specific needs.

Best Garmin Fitness Trackers: FAQs

Now, as a registered dietitian nutritionist, I would be remiss if I didn’t emphasize that we shouldn’t rely on fancy sodas to support our gut and digestive health. While they garner a lot of likes with the young ones on social media (after all, a “healthy soda” isn’t a hard sell), they’re still sodas. That said, these drinks can have a place in your wellness routine, so we wanted to find and try the most popular brands on the market today.

Our product testers include certified nutrition coaches and certified personal trainers, and they tested each of the prebiotic sodas on this list. After testing multiple brands and flavors, they rated the sodas on factors such as:

• Formulation: How much fiber does a can of soda have? Is it low in added sugar?
• Taste: Did the sodas come in a wide range of flavors, and were they enjoyable to drink?
• Mouthfeel and carbonation: Was it similar to drinking another carbonated beverage, or was the texture totally different?
• Side effects: Did our testers experience any negative side effects after drinking the sodas?

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.

Best Prebiotic Sodas

• Best Prebiotic Soda Overall: OLIPOP
• Best-Tasting Prebiotic Soda: wildwonder Sparkling Probiotic Juice Drink
• Best Healthy Prebiotic Soda: Daytrip Organic Prebiotic Soda
• Best Prebiotic Soda Without Stevia: Turveda
• Best Probiotic Soda: Culture POP
• Best Budget Prebiotic Soda: poppi

Best Prebiotic Soda Overall: OLIPOP

Good for: Those looking for a soda with a potent formulation

Best Overall

OLIPOP Prebiotic Soft Drink

GGR Score: 3.76

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Product Highlights

• Plant-based soda alternative with a high fiber content
• Listed benefits: Supports microbiome and digestive health
• Available in 17 flavors

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 45-day money-back guarantee
• Paleo, vegan, gluten-free, and non-GMO
• 17 different flavors
• Subscribe and save 15%
• Variety packs available
• Available in-store at places like Target, Walmart, and grocery stores

Cons

• More expensive than traditional sodas
• Most flavors require refrigeration (shelf-stable flavors are limited)
• Contains stevia, which some individuals may prefer to avoid
• Uses a proprietary blend that does not disclose the quantities of ingredients included

Bottom Line

OLIPOP is a prebiotic soda meant to help you replace your traditional soda with a healthier option. The soda is generally positively reviewed, though some negative reviews complained about the price making it too expensive to purchase regularly. Some customers disliked the taste and noted an aftertaste.

OLIPOP is a prebiotic soda that claims it tastes like the soda you grew up drinking while providing actual health benefits. OLIPOP wants people to know that you can indulge your craving for sweets without sacrificing health by including plant fiber, prebiotics, and botanicals in their drinks.

GGR Senior Editor Erin Chancer, NASM-CNC, ISSA-CPT, tested OLIPOP and gave it a 4 out of 5 for taste. “I love root beer and the OLIPOP version of root beer is passable, but not quite up to par,” Erin remarked. “The fruit options aren’t bad, though they had sort of a ‘perfume’ flavor.”

While our tester didn’t love the taste of the OLIPOP flavors she tried, we do like that it has a large quantity of diverse prebiotic fibers, particularly chicory root. Chicory root contains a type of fiber called inulin, which studies have shown has a direct effect on the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut¹. 

That said, the taste is likely so-so because OLIPOP doesn’t contain any high-fructose corn syrup, artificial sweeteners, colors, or flavors. So, if anything, it could be a healthier alternative to soft drinks when making your evening mocktails. 

As far as mouthfeel and carbonation, Erin awarded OLIPOP a rating of 5 out of 5. “The mouthfeel was pretty close to sparkling water or a seltzer,” she said. She also gave a rating of 4 out of 5 for side effects, noting, “I didn’t feel any physical side effects outside of just disliking a few of the soda flavors.”

We also want to make sure to bold and circle the fact that the Vintage Cola and Cherry Cola flavors contain 50 milligrams of caffeine from green tea. This isn’t a ton, but if you plan on chugging these babies all day to stay hydrated, it’s something to be aware of. 

RELATED: Hydration for Runners

Best-Tasting Prebiotic Soda: wildwonder Sparkling Probiotic Juice Drink

Good for: People looking for something comparable to kombucha with a better flavor

Best-Tasting

wildwonder Sparkling Probiotic Juice Drink

GGR Score: 3.32

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Product Highlights

• Sparkling juice featuring both prebiotics and probiotics
• Features 1 billion probiotics and 5 g of fiber
• Listed benefits: Improved energy, mood, metabolism, and cognitive function and decreased stress and bloating
• Women-owned business
• Featured on Shark Tank
• 9 flavors available

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Contains both prebiotics and live probiotics
• Numerous variety packs available
• Available to purchase in a 12-, 24-, or 36-pack
• 9 different flavors available
• 5% of profits go toward empowering women and marginalized communities
• Vegan, non-GMO, and certified organic

Cons

• Expensive at over $3 per can
• Mixed reviews on taste
• Limited in-store availability

Bottom Line

Wildwonder is a sparkling drink with both prebiotics and probiotics. These drinks are designed to improve energy, mood, metabolism, and brain function while helping to decrease stress and bloating. The reviews on taste are mixed. Multiple customers complained of the high price as well.

Wildwonder is a woman-owned brand that’s been featured on the hit show “Shark Tank.” In her pitch, founder Rosa Li described it as having “kombucha benefits without the vinegary taste or refined sugar.” It’s also marketed as the world’s first sparkling beverage with both prebiotics and probiotics. 

The beverage comes in Peach Ginger, Mango Gold, and Guava Rose flavors on Amazon, but there are many more flavors available on the official website. Of the flavors offered on Amazon, Frieda tried them all and awarded an impressive 4.5 out of 5 which is why wildwonder earned the spot of the best-tasting soda on this list. 

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GGR Editor Frieda Johnson, NASM-CNC, ISSA-SET, tested wildwonder and reported, “I really liked these! The Guava Rose was good, but did have too strong of a rose flavor for me. Mango Gold, which contains turmeric, was also pretty good. However, my favorite was the Peach Ginger. Basically, they all taste the way they are labeled without any weird aftertaste like you get with traditional sodas that contain stevia or Splenda.”

Frieda gave wildwonder a 5 out of 5 for mouthfeel and carbonation. “I don’t drink a lot of soft drinks, or any carbonated drinks for that matter, but these feel pretty similar,” she commented. She also didn’t experience any negative side effects like bloating or gastrointestinal distress, so we gave wildwonder a 5 out of 5 for side effects. 

There are only two types of prebiotic fiber in wildwonder drinks: Jerusalem artichoke and chicory root inulin. It does contain probiotics in the form of Bacillus subtilis, but there isn’t a ton of reliable research on the health benefits of this strain.

That said, existing studies show it is often used as a treatment for children and older adults suffering from diarrhea. Supplementing with the beneficial bacteria has been shown to help ease gastrointestinal pain and promote smoother digestion². 

RELATED: Super Greens Powder Benefits

All things considered, wildwonder is a good low-calorie alternative to traditional sodas with only 6 grams of sugar. Also, given its content of probiotics, it may even be a better-tasting alternative for kombucha for those who can’t get behind the flavor of the fermented drink.

Best Healthy Prebiotic Soda: Daytrip Organic Prebiotic Soda

Good for: Those looking for an uplifting soda with a light flavor

Best Healthy

Daytrip Prebiotic Soda

GGR Score: 3.8

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Product Highlights

Prebiotic-infused soda 5 grams of prebiotics from agave Listed benefits: Improved moods

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Vegan, gluten-free, and USDA organic
• No artificial ingredients
• Keto-friendly

Cons

• Only 6 flavors
• More expensive than traditional sodas
• Limited customer reviews
• Uses a proprietary terpene blend

Bottom Line

Daytrip Prebiotic Soda is a healthier version of traditional soda that features 5 grams of prebiotics from agave and 5 grams mood boosting terpenes blend. There are very limited customer reviews but some customers noted some of the flavors were closer to sparkling water than soda.

Daytrip is a California-based brand founded in 2019. It gets its name from its content of terpenes, which are known their mood-lifting effects. Before you balk, though, know that while terpenes may have uplifting, psychoactive effects similar to THC, terpenes and cannabinoids are not the same. Thus, these drinks contain zero THC. 

The main prebiotic fiber in this soda is agave inulin, which is used as a natural sweetener just like agave syrup. The main differences between agave inulin and agave syrup are the chemical structure and the health benefits. 

Studies have shown that ingestion of agave inulin can change the population of beneficial microorganisms in the gut of healthy adults³. However, more research is needed to confirm that this change directly translates to better digestive health. 

GGR Senior Staff Writer Caine Wilkes, OLY, USAW-L1, rated the taste a 4.5 out of 5 after trying the fruit flavor variety pack. “I was pretty impressed with the flavor,” he reported. “It’s a little bit of sweet with a dash of fruity—flavorful and light. 

“That said, sometimes all the flavors start tasting similar, probably because they are all sweetened with agave,” Caine continued. “However, I was still able to distinguish some distinct flavors from each beverage.”

RELATED: Pedialyte Sport Drink Review

Caine gave Daytrip a 5 out of 5 for mouthfeel and carbonation, saying, “Doesn’t feel quite as carbonated as most sodas, but the whole drink is light overall. It’s comparable to a sparkling water that’s been lightly sweetened.” He also experienced no side effects, so Daytrip received a 5 out of 5 in that category.

We named Daytrip the healthiest due to its fiber content and overall use of natural ingredients. It’s also organic, vegan, and gluten-free and is fortified with at least 100% of your daily value of Vitamin C. However, it does have 12 grams of sugar from cane sugar and the agave.

Best Prebiotic Soda Without Stevia: Turveda

Good for: Those avoiding added sugars and/or who don’t like the taste of stevia

Best Without Stevia

TURVEDA Prebiotic Super Soda

GGR Score: 3

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Product Highlights

• Vegan soda alternative featuring prebiotics, super herbs, and adaptogens
• All varieties support digestive health
• Some flavors also support immunity and may reduce feelings of stress
• Three flavors with three functions: Immunity, Chill, and Wellness

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Vegan and non-GMO
• No preservatives

Cons

• More expensive than traditional sodas
• Only three flavors
• Extremely limited customer reviews
• Very limited in-store availability
• No variety pack with all flavors

Bottom Line

TURVEDA is a vegan prebiotic soda available in three flavors, each with a different targeted benefit: immunity, chill, or wellness. There are extremely limited customer reviews for this product.

This “prebiotic super soda” got its start when a student teamed up with his gastroenterologist father to construct a healthier soda for the gut and mind. Turveda stands out not just for its lack of stevia, but also for its inclusion of adaptogens along with prebiotics.

For instance, its “chill” drinks contain ashwagandha. Its “wellness” versions contain cordyceps mushroom extract, plus antioxidants like turmeric and ginger. All of the sodas are sweetened with monk fruit juice. 

Turveda was tested by Matt Dustin, CES, PN1-NC, staff writer at GGR who was not a fan of the flavor, so he gave a rating of 2 out of 5. “I had Chill, which contains lavender, vanilla, and ashwagandha,” Matt says. “The aftertaste was very strong with a prominent lavender and herbal flavor that made it very difficult to finish.”

RELATED: Nutricost Ashwagandha Gummies Review

He did give a 4 out of 5 for mouthfeel and carbonation. “It has a comparable texture to soda,” he said. He also rated Turveda a 5 out of 5 for side effects, as he didn’t experience anything negative with the exception of not enjoying the flavor. 

The good news is that Turveda is the first brand on our list to have zero added sugars. This is great for those with conditions like diabetes who may want to enjoy a flavorful drink while still keeping blood sugar under control. Each Turveda soda also prominently features ginger, a compound that’s been shown to help promote better digestive health and reduce bloating in the gut⁴.  

Best Probiotic Soda: Culture POP

Good for: Individuals looking for a drink with live cultures rather than fiber

Best Probiotic Soda

culture POP Soda Prebiotic Drink

GGR Score: 3.86

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Product Highlights

• Caffeine-free probiotic soda made with fruit juice, spices, and herbs
• Listed benefits: Supports digestion, gastrointestinal balance, and immunity
• 8 available flavors

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Vegan, kosher, gluten-free, and certified non-GMO
• Sampler pack with at least 1 of every flavor available
• Free shipping on US-based orders
• Shelf-stable and does not need to be stored in a fridge

Cons

• More expensive than traditional sodas
• Only 8 flavors
• Customers noted poor packaging led to damaged cans when ordering from the company website
• Limited in-store availability

Bottom Line

Culture POP Soda is a probiotic alternative to traditional sodas that claims to support gut health by including the probiotic Bacillus subtilis. There were mixed reviews on the taste, with multiple customers noting it was more similar to sparkling water than soda.

Culture POP gets its name from its content of live cultures. Though this drink doesn’t have any prebiotic fibers, it does contain billions of colony-forming units (CFUs) of beneficial microorganisms. Culture POP also says it is shelf-stable, as its probiotics can remain viable when stored at room temperature. You can store these babies in your pantry, in your bag, or even your car. 

We had Culture POP tested by Lauren Strong, CPT, senior staff writer at GGR. She gave Culture POP a 4.5 out of 5 for taste. “The flavor was semi-sweet, refreshing and light—I thought it was great,” Lauren said. “I also totally love the bitter taste of ginger, so the Ginger Lime flavor felt really great on my tastebuds.”

This would be a good time to mention that Culture POP is naturally sweetened with fruit juice and contains no added sugars or stevia. If you’ve ever had a sparkling water like Spindrift, then you’re familiar with the idea. Lauren gave Culture POP a 5 out of 5 for side effects, as she experienced none. 

Lauren also gave it a 5-out-of-5 rating for mouthfeel and carbonation, saying, “I’d compare it to drinking seltzer water and consider it a pretty good thing that it doesn’t give your throat this sticky-sweet feeling like regular soda does.”

RELATED: Best Probiotic Supplements

Culture POP won’t contribute to your fiber intake any time soon. Still, if you enjoy lightly sweetened sparkling water and want to try one that has that vibe plus some good bacteria, this is the brand for you. 

Best Budget Prebiotic Soda: poppi

Good for: Those looking for a low-cost alternative to sugary soft drinks

Best Budget

poppi Prebiotic Soda

GGR Score: 3.66

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Product Highlights

• Available in 13 different flavors
• Features apple cider vinegar, fruit juice, and inulin prebiotics
• As seen on Shark Tank

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Shelf-stable and does not need to be refrigerated (though it’s recommended to serve chilled)
• Variety packs available
• Non-GMO Project Verified and Kosher certified
• More affordable than other prebiotic sodas
• Available in stores like Target, Publix, and Costco
• Vegan and gluten-free (though not certified for either)

Cons

• Only available in 12-packs
• In-store availability may vary by region
• Uses stevia, which some people may be sensitive to
• More expensive than traditional soda
• Mixed reviews on taste

Bottom Line

Poppi is billed as a healthier alternative to traditional sodas. Each soda contains fruit juice, prebiotics, and apple cider vinegar. It is more expensive than traditional soda and has very mixed reviews on taste. Some customers found it to be a good replacement for soda, while others found it undrinkable and didn’t finish the 12-pack they purchased.

We want to start off by acknowledging the ongoing lawsuit with poppi. The lawsuit alleges that the mere 2 grams of inulin prebiotic fiber isn’t enough to deliver the gut health benefits the soda claims to offer. That said, it’s still low enough in calories and sugar to be a healthier alternative to regular soft drinks, so we still wanted to give it a try. 

We had GGR Head of Content Nicole Davis, CPT, PN1-NC, test poppi. She gave it a 4 out of 5 for mouthfeel and carbonation. “I didn’t find it had as much of a crispy texture as traditional soda, but that was totally fine with me,” Nicole said. She also had no side effects, so she gave a 5-out-of-5 rating there. 

RELATED: Best Fiber Supplement

So, what about taste? Nicole thought Poppi earned a 4 out of 5 in that area. “I had the Strawberry Lemonade, Grape, Cherry Limeade, and Orange from the variety pack, and Orange and Strawberry Lemonade were definitely the winners,” Nicole reported. 

“They aren’t overly sweet like traditional or diet soda and the acidity from the apple cider vinegar is definitely there, but it’s subtle,” she continued. “That said, I found them more flavorful than sparkling water, so they had a nice balance in that respect.”

How We Picked and Tested the Best Prebiotic Sodas

As we were going through the different brands of prebiotic soda, we found some that were much better than others for various reasons. Here are some qualities of our chosen brands that earned them a spot on our list:

Presence of Caffeine

Colas like Coke are notorious for containing small amounts of caffeine, as they are made using kola nuts, which are a natural source of caffeine. Some prebiotic sodas come in flavors that are similar to Coke, but the ones we chose have little to no caffeine content. After all, these aren’t pre-workout drinks. They are beverages meant for casual consumption throughout the day, including in the evening. 

RELATED: Best Stim-Free Pre-Workout

Calorie Content

One key feature of the prebiotic sodas we chose is that they are low in calories. None of them even crack 100 calories. The average 12-ounce can of traditional soda is 140 calories, all of which are empty. They deliver zero health benefits, which isn’t good when you could use those calories for whole foods that deliver actual nutrition. 

In addition, we tried to pick brands that are low in calories to cater to our fitness-conscious readers who may be watching their calories closely and appreciate drinks that don’t totally blow their daily calorie allowance. 

RELATED: Best Weight Loss Programs

Finally, those looking for an alternative to diet soda, whether it’s because they don’t enjoy the aftertaste or just have an aversion to artificial sweeteners, can enjoy a prebiotic soda. Prebiotic sodas may not be zero-calorie, but they’re not huge calorie bombs, either. 

Added Sugars

The presence of added sugars in prebiotic soda isn’t exactly a dealbreaker. At least some sugar can mask the flavor of bacteria, apple cider vinegar, or other health-promoting ingredients the soda contains. 

However, an excessive amount of added, refined sugar isn’t a good feature. Considering we are drinking prebiotic soda for health, taking it along with something inflammatory like refined sugar defeats the purpose. 

Furthermore, studies have shown that high intake of refined sugar causes inflammation in the gut that disrupts the gut microbiome in a way that makes it difficult for good bacteria to thrive⁵, thus negatively affecting gut health. 

Flavor

Forget all the health talk and such—we also wanted to present sodas that tasted good. There are plenty of other ways to get your prebiotics, be it from supplements or a food source. So, why choose a foul-tasting prebiotic soda when you could just chew on a piece of raw jicama? That’s why we tried to pick brands that had flavors our team could sign off on. 

What is Prebiotic Soda?

Right out of the gate, let’s not confuse probiotics with prebiotics. Probiotics refer to the live bacteria present in supplements and whole foods like kimchi, kefir, or Greek yogurt. There are also probiotics in kombucha, which is similar to a probiotic soda. 

RELATED: Best Fiber Supplements for Constipation

Prebiotics are not bacteria, but fibers. The digestive system doesn’t fully break down these fibers after we eat them; instead, the fibers sit in the gut. While there, the bacteria in our gut feed on them for food, allowing them to grow, multiply, and thrive. 

However, only certain types of fiber feed our good gut bacteria, which are associated with better health. These types of fibers are what we call prebiotics. Recently, these fibers have been added to soda to help support gut health and, viola, we have prebiotic soda. 

While simply consuming this fiber doesn’t guarantee better gut health or even earn these drinks the label of “good for you,” it does help support the intake of more fiber, which is something most Americans need. 

Recent research suggests that Americans, on average, only consume about 16 grams of fiber per day, when the recommended daily amount is 25 grams for women and 38 grams for men. So, we have a lot of work to do. 

That said, any nutritionist will tell you not to rely on prebiotic soda to meet your daily fiber needs. Most of your fiber should come from healthy carbohydrates like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Some common sources of prebiotics are apples, bananas, Jerusalem artichokes, asparagus, oats, beans and garlic.  

Benefits of Prebiotic Soda

Why even consider a prebiotic soda? It certainly isn’t as wallet-friendly as what you can find in your local vending machine, so what’s the incentive? Here are some solid reasons to try prebiotic soda:

It Supports a Healthy Gut Microbiome

It’s no question that prebiotic fiber can nourish your gut bacteria, which is the main appeal of these drinks. If you don’t have access to a food source of prebiotic fiber or just don’t care for artichokes and oats, then prebiotic soda can be a way to supplement your prebiotic intake for gut health. 

Remember, prebiotics work a lot better when also consumed with probiotic foods, so try to work both into your diet for best results. 

It’s a Healthier Alternative to Soda

While we established that prebiotic sodas shouldn’t be your main source of prebiotic fibers, they are certainly a better alternative to traditional soda. Regular soda is high in calories, added sugars, artificial flavors, and colors—not to mention there’s not a nutrient in sight. 

RELATED: What Is Erythritol?

So, prebiotic soda can be a better alternative. They give the same bubbly satisfaction you can use in mocktails or to just sip on during a hot day, but come with some potential health benefits that regular soda can’t offer. 

It Encourages Fiber Intake

Getting in 25+ grams of fiber per day can be tough, especially for those who struggle with eating enough whole grains or produce. Now, it’s certainly not recommended that you try to meet your fiber needs from prebiotic soda alone. Not only would you lose out on a lot of nutrition by doing this, but you may also experience some serious GI distress. 

That said, it can help contribute to your daily fiber needs if you have digestive issues, are looking out for your heart health, or just generally want to make sure you’re meeting your daily needs to optimize your wellness. 

Dosing and Interactions 

For the most part, prebiotic sodas are safe for healthy adults. However, excessive consumption of prebiotic fibers can have a laxative-like effect. They can also cause constipation, depending on the type of fiber ingested. Other side effects of too many prebiotics include gas, bloating, and stomach cramps.

This is especially true for those who already suffer from irritable bowel syndrome, as studies have shown that a higher intake of fiber can make symptoms of the disorder worse⁷.

Individuals who take certain medications also shouldn’t use products like prebiotic soda. Prebiotics may reduce the effectiveness of certain chemotherapy drugs used to treat cancer or immunosuppressant medications by blocking their absorption in the gut. If you take any prescription medications, check with your primary care physician and a registered dietitian to see which foods, supplements, and other products you should avoid.

RELATED: Athletic Greens Review

Finally, in some extreme cases, it’s been shown that ingesting 30+ grams of prebiotic fiber can increase one’s risk of liver damage and inflammation⁸. While this would require you to be pounding cans and cans of the stuff daily, it shouldn’t be underestimated how common it is for people to go overboard on what they consider to be a good thing. 

Third-Party Testing

At GGR, we always recommend opting for wellness products that are third-party tested, especially by a recognized body such as NSF Certified for Sport or Informed Choice. That said, these tests are typically reserved for dietary supplements, like pre-workout. 

All of the products on this list are beverages, so they technically fall under the jurisdiction of the Food and Drug Administration. The FDA, for all intents and purposes, has much stricter regulations in terms of what food and drinks they allow on shelves. Therefore, the lack of third-party testing doesn’t mean much for prebiotic sodas. The likelihood of their safety is extremely high, so you can rest easy. 

Buying Guide: What to Look for in Prebiotic Sodas

Prebiotic sodas are a new product—as in, they just came on the scene within the last 5 years or so new. One can’t be blamed for not having a clue where to start when shopping for a good one. Luckily, we put together some criteria to give you a good place to start:

Fiber Content

The most important thing to look out for when shopping for prebiotic sodas is the fiber content. Just because a soda has prebiotics in it doesn’t mean it’s worth buying, as it might not have enough to actually feed the gut bacteria. Try to find a brand that contains at least 5 grams of fiber per serving.

Sugar Content

As mentioned, too much added sugar can have a detrimental effect on the gut microbiome by causing inflammation and an imbalance of good versus bad bacteria. Thus, look out for sodas with high quantities of added sugars.

That said, be careful. “Sugar” and “added sugar” are two separate things and many labels now make the distinction on the back of the can. For example, a prebiotic soda may contain zero added sugar and use fruit juice as a sweetener instead, but the nutrition facts label will say the sugar content is high.

RELATED: Best Sugar-Free Protein Powder

The difference is that sugar from fruit doesn’t cause the same inflammation and gut damage we described with added sugar, so you don’t want to avoid something that is better for you. Therefore, read your labels carefully and check the label for added sugar ingredients like cane sugar, syrups, and nectars. 

Price

If you plan on drinking these sodas regularly, make sure you don’t drink yourself out of house and home. When shopping, do a price comparison to see which ones fit your budget. Furthermore, if some products are pricier, check the fiber content and ingredients to ensure they are worth the price. 

Brands that have a higher fiber content, contain other health-promoting compounds like adaptogens, or include several types of prebiotic fiber may be worth the extra money, as they may offer more benefits. 

Caffeine

Some prebiotic sodas may contain caffeine, especially if they come in flavors similar to cola. If you are sensitive to caffeine, check the labels to see if the flavor you want contains any. 

Customer Reviews

Many of these products are fairly new on the market, so you’re taking a gamble with buying something that doesn’t have much of a reputation. If you’re still on the fence, check out the customer reviews on Amazon of the brands you’re interested in. 

Though you may not get reliable feedback on the health benefits, you can at least get a sense of how customers feel about the flavor and value of each prebiotic soda, which can help you make a more informed decision. 

FAQs About Prebiotic Sodas

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

1. Vandeputte D, Falony G, Vieira-Silva S, et al. Prebiotic inulin-type fructans induce specific changes in the human gut microbiota. Gut. 2017;66(11):1968-1974. doi:10.1136/gutjnl-2016-313271
2. Rui X, Ma SX. A retrospective study of probiotics for the treatment of children with antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Medicine (Baltimore). 2020;99(23):e20631. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000020631
3. Holscher HD, Bauer LL, Gourineni V, Pelkman CL, Fahey GC Jr, Swanson KS. Agave Inulin Supplementation Affects the Fecal Microbiota of Healthy Adults Participating in a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Trial. J Nutr. 2015;145(9):2025-2032. doi:10.3945/jn.115.217331
4. Nikkhah Bodagh M, Maleki I, Hekmatdoost A. Ginger in gastrointestinal disorders: A systematic review of clinical trials. Food Sci Nutr. 2018;7(1):96-108. Published 2018 Nov 5. doi:10.1002/fsn3.807
5. Satokari R. High Intake of Sugar and the Balance between Pro- and Anti-Inflammatory Gut Bacteria. Nutrients. 2020;12(5):1348. Published 2020 May 8. doi:10.3390/nu12051348
6. Quagliani D, Felt-Gunderson P. Closing America’s Fiber Intake Gap: Communication Strategies From a Food and Fiber Summit. Am J Lifestyle Med. 2016;11(1):80-85. Published 2016 Jul 7. doi:10.1177/1559827615588079
7. Rau S, Gregg A, Yaceczko S, Limketkai B. Prebiotics and Probiotics for Gastrointestinal Disorders. Nutrients. 2024;16(6):778. Published 2024 Mar 9. doi:10.3390/nu16060778
8. Kosmalski M, Frankowski R, Deska K, Różycka-Kosmalska M, Pietras T. Exploring the Impact of Nutrition on Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Management: Unveiling the Roles of Various Foods, Food Components, and Compounds. Nutrients. 2023;15(13):2838. Published 2023 Jun 22. doi:10.3390/nu15132838

So, our team set out to compile a list of the best creatine for men. Read on to see what we found.

RELATED: The Best Supplements for Men

We intend the term “men” to include all men, including trans men. However, we recognize that almost all research on this topic has focused on cis men (i.e., men who are not trans). For that reason, when we reference gender-based research and nutritional recommendations, we will clarify by saying “cis men.” We encourage trans and nonbinary people of all genders to check in with a trans-competent nutritionist regarding their supplements and training needs.

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.

Best Creatine Supplements for Men

• Best Creatine for Men Overall: Transparent Labs Creatine HMB
• Best Budget Creatine for Men: Nutricost Micronized Creatine Monohydrate
• Best-Tasting Creatine for Men: Legion Recharge
• Best Creatine for Weight Loss for Men: Onnit Creatine Monohydrate
• Best Creatine Gummies for Men: Swoly Creatine Gummy
• Best Creatine for Muscle Growth for Men: XWERKS Lift
• Best Creatine Monohydrate for Men: Sports Research Creatine Monohydrate
• Best Creatine Powder for Men: Jacked Factory Creatine Monohydrate
• Best Creatine Pills for Men: Optimum Nutrition Micronized Creatine Capsules
• Best Pre-Workout With Creatine for Men: Kaged Pre-Kaged Elite

Best Creatine for Men Overall: Transparent Labs Creatine HMB

Good for: Those who want a clean, evidence-based creatine from a trusted brand

Best Overall

Transparent Labs Creatine HMB

GGR Score: 4.5

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Product Highlights

• Uses research-backed doses 
• Available in 10 fruit flavors as well as an unflavored option
• Free from artificial sweeteners, colored dyes, fillers, and harmful additives

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 10+ flavors, 1 unflavored option
• Includes B-Hydroxy B-Methylbutyrate (HMB)
• 5 grams of creatine monohydrate per serving
• Contains no added sugar, artificial sweeteners, dyes, or fillers

Cons

• No stimulant (for those looking for pre-workout boost)

Bottom Line

Transparent Labs’ Creatine HMB puts a unique twist on the more traditional creatine monohydrate by adding HMB to more effectively build strength, stamina and recovery.

Known for their scientifically formulated dietary supplements and clearly labeled ingredients, Transparent Labs has recently achieved a meteoric rise in the sports nutrition industry. Creatine HMB from Transparent Labs contains 5 grams of creatine, which means it contains the maximum, efficacious amount of creatine that studies have shown is optimal to provide exercise performance benefits, which is between 3-5 grams per day¹.

As a sports dietitian, I love that HMB is included in this supplement. The reason for this is studies have shown that both HMB and creatine have the most significant effects² on supporting increased strength and muscle growth. 

β-Hydroxy β-Methylbutyrate (HMB) is a compound that provides a host of health benefits for fitness buffs³. These include the ability to build lean body mass, boost muscle strength, particularly in the lower body, and even help with weight loss when taken along with resistance training. 

We had this creatine tested by both Nicole Davis, GGR head of content and a certified personal trainer, and Amanda Capritto, CPT, CES, CNC, CF-L1, CSNC, a former GGR senior staff writer. We rated it 4 out of 5 for taste as both our testers had some meh experiences. 

“I wasn’t a fan of the black cherry,” Nicole reports. “Even with the recommended amount of water it tasted watery.” Amanda, who sampled the Peach Mango, says, “The flavor is strong and isn’t bad, but the bioperine changes the taste and gives it a weird, spicy smell.” 

The pair also agreed on a 3.5 out of 5 rating for solubility. “There were definitely some floaties and, if you don’t chug it all at once, it settles on you,” they report. They did give a 5 out of 5 for side effects, though, as neither experienced anything negative while taking the dietary supplement.

As a final note, Nicole laments, “I was hyped up to try flavored creatine, but it was a bit of a disappointment. I’d rather just use unflavored creatine supplements and mix it with my other drinks.” All in all, though, given the careful, science-backed dosage, the addition of HMB and the lack of artificial junk, we had to crown Transparent Labs as the best overall brand for creatine for people who identify as men. 

Read our full Transparent Labs Creatine Review to learn more. 

Best Budget Creatine for Men: Nutricost Micronized Creatine Monohydrate

Good for: People doing a loading phase or who are on a tight supplement budget

Best Budget

Nutricost Creatine Monohydrate

GGR Score: 4.3

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Product Highlights

• Powder creatine monohydrate supplement 
• 5 g of creatine per serving 
• Improved strength and muscle growth 
• May help prevent injuries
• Supports cognitive and bone health

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Subscribe and save 15%
• Non-GMO and gluten-free
• Manufactured in cGMP-compliant facility
• Affordable at under $0.40 per serving
• Unflavored variety has 1 ingredient, micronized creatine monohydrate

Cons

• Some flavors sold out
• Flavored versions contain sucralose which may cause stomach upset
• Mixed reviews on mixability
• Mixed reviews on taste

Bottom Line

Nutricost Creatine Powder contains 5 grams of creatine per serving and is available in both flavored and unflavored varieties. Nutricost shares that their creatine supplement can help with muscle building and strength, injury prevention, and cognitive and bone health. This supplement has mixed reviews on taste and mixability.

Not too many frills to discuss with this supplement. The unflavored version contains just one ingredient and it’s present in the effective dose of 5 grams. If you’re someone who is just wanting to get started taking creatine, Nutricost is an economical way to do it. 

We had this creatine tested by three of our team members: GGR Editor Frieda Johnson, CNC, SET; GGR Performance Editor Anthony O’Reilly, CPT, CNC; and GGR Senior Editor Amanda Dvorak, CPT.

RELATED: Best Pre-Workout For Men

For taste, we rated it a 4.5 out of 5 after having our team try the unflavored version. “Even mixed in water, it has no taste whatsoever,” says Frieda. “Doesn’t alter the flavor of any other supplements we mix it with, either,” both Anthony and Amanda report after trying it with their pre-workout and protein powder. 

We rated it 3 out of 5 for solubility. “I never had any grittiness or crazy settling, but to be fair, when I mix it with protein powder it’s difficult to tell which one is settling,” Amanda describes. Frieda, however, had a different experience. “This actually settles a lot,” she says.

We gave it a 5 out of 5 for side effects. “I didn’t notice anything, but I’ve been taking creatine supplements for years, so I can’t speak on how it would affect a beginner,” says Amanda. Anthony, though, has a clearer point of view. “What makes me a fan of this one is I don’t get the bloating I get with other creatine monohydrate powder.”

Frieda sums Nutricost Micronized Creatine Monohydrate up perfectly: “For how effective it is, creatine is among the most cost-effective fitness supplements out there, but Nutricost is remarkably affordable even by market standards.”

If you want to know more, read our full Nutricost Micronized Creatine Monohydrate Review. 

Best-Tasting Creatine for Men: Legion Recharge

Good for: Those looking for a more comprehensive post-workout supplement that tastes great

Best-Tasting

Legion Recharge

GGR Score: 4.7

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Product Highlights

• Nature-based post-workout drink designed to improve recovery and increase muscle growth
• Contains 5 grams of micronized creatine, 2.1 grams of L-carnitine L-tartrate, 10.5 milligrams of corosolic acid
• Research-backed levels of ingredients
• Made in a cGMP, FDA-inspected, and NSF-certified facility
• Money-back guarantee

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Great customer service
• Money-back guarantee
• Can view actual lab results
• All natural
• No added sugar

Cons

• Stevia flavor is too sweet for some
• Unflavored is actually sweetened

Bottom Line

If you’re looking for an all-natural post-workout supplement that is made of research-backed ingredients, Recharge post-workout supplement is one worth considering. Its taste and positive impact on performance is appreciated by the vast majority of users.

Legion Recharge is a special supplement as it doesn’t self-identify as a creatine supplement, but as a post-workout supplement due to its inclusion of other recovery ingredients. Recharge contains 5 grams of creatine monohydrate in micronized form. 

A micronized creatine supplement is processed using smaller crystals, allowing mixing to be easier, but this doesn’t necessarily make it a creatine that’s more high-quality or that has better benefits.

RELATED: Best Muscle Recovery Supplements

One ingredient that is worth highlighting, though, is the 10 grams of corosolic acid, something that you’ve likely not heard of. It’s still fairly new on the supplement scene so science is limited, but research done on it has shown that it can help alter insulin levels in a way that boosts the absorption of nutrients like creatine and protein⁴ when taken post workout. 

The reason it’s really on our list, though, is for the taste. We had Recharge tested by GGR Head of Content Nicole Davis and Lindsay Scheele, lead reviewer at GGR Everything and a certified personal trainer, and they gave it a 5-out-of-5 rating in taste.

“The strawberry lemonade had a tart, but sweet flavor that I liked,” Nicole reports. “The sour candy was amazing,” Lindsay gushes. With these endorsements, Recharge’s placement on our list becomes less and less of a surprise.  

We also gave it a 5 out of 5 in solubility. “Took seconds to dissolve with minimal effort,” says Lindsay after just shaking it in a water bottle for a bit. Nicole also had no issues. For side effects, we gave it a 5 out of 5, as well, as nothing negative was reported from either of our team members.

We did have to give it a 1.5 out of 5 for price, however. While the cost isn’t terrible, people just looking for an affordable creatine supplement might bristle. That said, Lindsay had some parting words to say about Legion Recharge, “When I tested Recharge I was in a tough part of my training cycle and noticed an improvement even though I was still sore. Can’t rule out a placebo effect, but either way, I’ll be using this post workout supplement for a while!”

To learn more, read our full Legion Recharge Review. 

Best Creatine for Weight Loss for Men: Onnit Creatine Monohydrate

Good for: Those who want a third-party tested creatine with zero extra ingredients

Best for Weight Loss

Onnit Creatine Monohydrate

GGR Score: 4.75

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Product Highlights

• Unflavored to mix with your favorite drink
• Dairy-free, soy-free, and vegan
• Designed to improve anaerobic performance, muscle recovery, and explosiveness
• One serving, or two scoops, provides 5 grams of creatine monohydrate
• Third-party tested to be competition-safe and certified by Informed Sport
• Formulated to promote the regeneration of ATP and  increases in muscle mass

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Unflavored does not leave a poor aftertaste when mixed with a flavored drink
• Dairy-free, soy-free, vegan
• Informed Sport Certified
• Affordable
• Website provides studies on the effectiveness of creatine

Cons

• Gritty
• Small container

Bottom Line

If you're looking for a pure, low-cost creatine monohydrate, Onnit Creatine Monohydrate may be a good fit for you.

If you’re an experienced sports nutritionist, you’ve come across Onnit. As part of its Informed Sport certification, Onnit’s products are tested by LGC, a world-class anti-doping laboratory. This means it’s one of the safest supplements you can take as an elite or professional athlete, as this level of testing is regarded as the gold standard in third-party testing. 

We had Onnit creatine tested by Frieda Johnson, CNC, and Nicole Davis, PN1-NC, who rated the creatine 4.75 out of 5 for taste. “Even in plain water I couldn’t taste anything at all,” Nicole says about the unflavored creatine. “I also didn’t have an issue drinking it with water, but I did notice a bit of a bitter aftertaste,” Frieda reported.

Our testers were harsher critics when it came to the solubility, though, which they rated 3 out of 5. “You do have to stir it repeatedly when taking it because it settles,” Frieda warns. Our testers gave it a 5 out of 5 for side effects. “I haven’t recognized any difference, good or bad, since taking this creatine daily for the past few weeks,” says Frieda.

She also alerts consumers to the serving size: “To get 5 grams, you need 2 scoops, which is OK, but weird. I’ve actually forgotten to take both scoops at times since most creatine I’ve taken only needs one scoop.” This is something to be aware of because, as mentioned earlier, any dose under 3 grams doesn’t carry the same athletic performance benefits and a single scoop only delivers 2.5 grams of creatine. 

That said, the lack of extra ingredients, flavors, or sweeteners, plus third-party testing to provide some assurance there’s no invisible additives, is why we crowned Onnit the best creatine for people who identify as men for weight loss. 

For a more comprehensive assessment, read our full Onnit Creatine Review. 

Best Creatine Gummies for Men: Swoly Creatine Gummy

Good for: People who aren’t fans of taking creatine monohydrate powder and pills

Best Gummies

Swoly Creatine Gummies

GGR Score: 4.25

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Product Highlights

• Creatine in gummy form
• Strawberry-flavored
• 4 grams of creatine monohydrate per serving
• 5 gummies per serving

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Yummy way to get your creatine in
• Some may prefer over the powder
• Taste great

Cons

• Does contain added sugar
• Only 4 grams of creatine per serving
• 5 gummies per serving

Bottom Line

Swoly's creatine gummies are a delicious way to take your creatine daily, especially if you don't care for the powdered form. You'll need five of these to reach a serving, and a serving is only 4 grams of creatine (not the research-backed dose of 5 grams that we like to see), but they taste great nonetheless.

Supplement gummies are great for anyone who doesn’t enjoy choking down powder or capsules to get their creatine fix. Outside of taste, creatine gummies are also more convenient in terms of portability and lack of mixing needed. Swoly is also free of gluten and gelatin, so it’s safe for vegans. 

Kate Meier, GGR senior director of content, certified personal trainer, and Olympic weightlifting coach, agrees with this sentiment after we asked her to try Swoly gummies. “I’d much rather take a gummy over pills and powders,” she says. “It is meh you have to take 5 gummies to get 4 grams of creatine, but I wouldn’t have an issue eating 50 of these guys.” 

Kate did rate Swoly gummies a 4 out of 5 for formulation. “There are only 4 grams of creatine and it contains an uncomfy amount of unhealthy ingredients, including artificial flavors, artificial sweeteners, and added sugar.”

“They are delicious, though,” Kate adds, justifying our rating of 5 out of 5 for taste. “They’re so much like Annie’s Homegrown Organic fruit snacks I have to hide them to make sure my daughter doesn’t eat the jar.” We also gave a score 5 out of 5 for solubility/chewability. “They are definitely gummy, but chewing and swallowing them is easy,” Kate says. 

Finally, she rated them 5 out of 5 for side effects as she didn’t notice anything negative, but “maybe I’m just addicted to the taste,” Kate mentions. All in all, if you don’t mind the formulation not being the cleanest and a bigger-than-average serving size, Swoly gummies are a great, alternate way to take your creatine. 

For more details, see our full Swoly Creatine Gummies Review. 

Best Creatine for Muscle Growth for Men: XWERKS Lift

Good for: Active individuals who need to have a large stock of creatine on hand

Best for Muscle Growth

XWERKS Lift

GGR Score: 4.5

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Product Highlights

• Pure micronized creatine monohydrate
• Unflavored
• Each bag contains 80, 5-gram servings
• Mixes into your favorite drink 

Pros & Cons

Pros

• One simple ingredient
• Easy to digest
• Combined with strength training it increases the growth of lean muscle

Cons

• Does not come in flavors

Bottom Line

Xwerks Lift is an affordable, clean, and effective creatine supplement that provides 5 grams of micronized creatine monohydrate per scoop. Anyone looking for a simple and budget-friendly creatine powder may be pleased with Lift.

XWERKS Lift is a no-frills creatine that comes in a container that delivers 80 servings, significantly more than the typical 30-serving container. This is significant because, for those opting to do a creatine loading phase to help maximize their muscle growth, it’s a convenient bag to have on hand when you need large doses of creatine each day.

Now, research shows loading creatine doesn’t give you more profound muscle gain than taking it normally⁵, but it still remains a preference for many. But what is it like to take XWERKS Lift? We put Certified Sports Nutrition Coach Amanda Capritto up to the task of finding out for us. 

Amanda gave the creatine, which only comes unflavored, a score of 5 out of 5 for taste. “The taste is indiscernible when mixing it with pre-workout, coffee, protein powder, or other flavored drinks,” Amanda details. “In water, it is a little bitter, but not enough to knock the score down.”

“When you mix it with water there is a bit of residue that settles at the bottom,” Amanda reports, “But there’s no grainy texture or anything.” So, for solubility, we awarded 4.75 out of 5. Finally, we gave it 5 out of 5 for side effects. “I tend to get bloating from creatine, but I didn’t get any from this one or any other negative effects, so that says a lot.”

You can read our full XWERKS Lift Creatine Review to learn more. 

Best Creatine Monohydrate for Men: Sports Research Creatine Monohydrate

Good for: Individuals who want a pure creatine monohydrate that’s third-party tested

Best Creatine Monohydrate

Sports Research Creatine Monohydrate

GGR Score: 4.9

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Product Highlights

• 5 grams of creatine monohydrate per serving
• Less than $0.50 per serving
• Third party-certified
• Unflavored

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Affordable
• Easy to mix
• Research-backed dose of creatine
• Third party-certified

Cons

• No flavor options

Bottom Line

Our testers love Sports Research Creatine Monohydrate because it's less than 50 cents per serving, is truly tasteless, and is third party-certified so athletes can take it knowing there's no junk inside.

At the time of writing, Sports Research creatine monohydrate is the #4 most popular creatine on Amazon, if that gives any indication of how popular it is. This is why we crowned it the best creatine monohydrate on this list along with the feedback we got from GGR Performance Editor Anthony O’Reilly, CPT, CNC.

After trying the creatine monohydrate powder, Anthony rated it a 5 out of 5 for taste. “All I tasted was water when I mixed it with water,” Anthony says. “Totally tasteless.” He also gave it a 5 out of 5 for solubility. “If I didn’t mix the creatine in the water myself, I wouldn’t have known it was there; that’s how easily it mixes,” Anthony reports. 

RELATED: Creatine vs Pre-Workout

Anthony also had nothing negative to report after using it, so we gave it 5 out of 5 for side effects. Sports Research creatine is also free from GMOs and gluten along with being third-party tested by Informed Sport, so it’s appropriate to take for most individuals. 

Best Creatine Powder for Men: Jacked Factory Creatine Monohydrate

Good for: Those who don’t need anything fancy from their creatine powder

Best Creatine Powder

Jacked Factory Creatine Monohydrate

GGR Score: 4.5

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Product Highlights

• 5 grams per scoop
• Free shipping if you subscribe to monthly deliveries
• 30-200 servings per container
• $0.50 or less per serving

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 5 grams per scoop
• Affordable, at $0.50 or less per serving
• Unflavored

Cons

• Some customers say it's hard to mix
• Is not third-party tested
• Lacks other ingredients known to improve strength and muscle mass

Bottom Line

Jacked Factory Creatine Monohydrate contains a large dose of a proven muscle-building supplement at an affordable price.

Jacked Factory gets our vote as the best creatine monohydrate powder, as the company promotes the supplement as one meant to be stacked or mixed with other post workout supplements like branched-chain amino acids.

We had Jacked Factory creatine tested by Kate Meier, CPT, USAW-L1, CF-L1. “There is nothing complicated about this creatine,” Kate says as her overall sentiment of the product. She gave it a 5 out of 5 for both taste and side effects. “When mixed with water, all I taste is water,” Kate says. “I didn’t experience any side effects either.”

She did give it a 4 out of 5 for solubility, though. “If you don’t drink it right away, there will be some sediment at the bottom,” Kate says. For a high-quality creatine, Jacked Factory is also pretty affordable and offers a 100% Hassle-Free Money-Back Guarantee.

To learn more, you can read our full Jacked Factory Creatine Monohydrate Review. 

Best Creatine Pills for Men: Optimum Nutrition Micronized Creatine Capsules

Good for: People who prefer not to have to drink or chew their creatine

Best Creatine Pills

Optimum Nutrition Micronized Creatine Capsules

GGR Score: 4.2

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Product Highlights

• Supports muscle growth, recovery, and overall performance
• Provides 2.5 grams of creatine monohydrate per 2-capsule serving (5 grams recommended daily)
• Easy to take on the go
• Should be taken with a meal
• Receives great reviews for its effectiveness

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Capsule form is more convenient for some
• No need to worry about mixability or taste
• Main ingredient is high-quality creatine monohydrate
• Fewer reported digestive side effects

Cons

• Must take four pills for 5-gram dose
• More expensive than powder form

Bottom Line

If you prefer capsules over powder, the Optimum Nutrition Micronized Creatine Capsules provide the same dosage and affect on performance as seen in the traditional powder supplement.

With the ubiquity of Optimum Nutrition as a brand in the sports supplement space, it’s no surprise that it has the #1 best-selling creatine capsule on Amazon and our pick for the best creatine pill for people who identify as men. 

Though capsules give the exact same benefits as powder (they are essentially powder wrapped in a tiny package, after all), the one thing we want to warn you about is the dosing. Tester Kate Meier, CPT, USAW-L1, CF-L1, also holds the same sentiment, despite giving the creatine a high rating. “To get the 5 grams of creatine you need, you have to take four pills,” she cautions. 

RELATED: The Best Optimum Nutrition Flavor

“What makes it more confusing is the label that says a serving is 2.5 grams,” Kate continues. “Which means a 5-gram serving makes this creatine substantially more expensive.” That said, though, she did give a 5 out of 5 in taste, swallowability, and side effects. 

“They had no flavor and the pills are easy to get down,” Kate says. “I also didn’t have any negative side effects.”

Best Pre-Workout With Creatine for Men: Kaged Pre-Kaged Elite

Good for: Those seeking athletic performance benefits who want more with their creatine

Best Pre-Workout With Creatine

Kaged Pre-Kaged Elite

GGR Score: 4.4

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Product Highlights

• Pre-workout formulated with creatine monohydrate and creatine nitrate
• 5 grams of total creatine
• Expensive—$3 per serving
• Third-party tested
• 3 flavors: Strawberry Lemonade, Fruit Punch, Glacier Grape

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Pre-workout and creatine in one
• Contains 5 grams of total creatine
• Third-party tested

Cons

• Expensive

Bottom Line

If you're looking for a product that combines a pre-workout with creatine, Kaged Pre-Kaged Elite might be a good choice.

Considering that Pre-Kaged Elite pre-workout costs nearly $2.50 per serving, it is not for the budget-conscious. So, this is a creatine pre-workout that’s best suited for serious athletes and bodybuilders for whom cost is no object.

RELATED: Best Pre-Workout With Creatine

Nonetheless, we had this pre-workout tested by Jacob Penner, a USA Weightlifting L-2 coach. He gave it a 4 out of 5 for taste. “It wasn’t overpowering or anything and tasted good, but it was very citrusy,” says Jacob. For solubility, we gave it a 5 out of 5, since Jacob said, “You don’t need a blender here! Dissolves in water completely.”

Jacob also loves the effects, giving it a 5 out of 5 for side effects. “I don’t get the tingles and feel consistently high energy when I take it. Not super hyper and no crashing, either.” Overall, though, Jacob isn’t totally convinced it’s worth the price. “I’m a huge fan of the flavor and the effects, but I wouldn’t use it on the days I need a huge surge of energy. That said, I would use it again on my regular training days.”

For more details, you can read our full Kaged Pre-Kaged Elite Review. 

Other Creatine for Men We Researched

• Crazy Muscle Three-Atine: It takes 6 capsules to get 5 grams of creatine. According to our tester, the capsules were relatively small, but we thought 6 pills was a bit much. Moreover, we were not able to verify that it has been independently tested by a major organization like NSF or Informed Sport.
• Beyond Raw Creatine HCl: Frieda Johnson, our tester, disliked this one because of its very sour taste, plus we don’t think it’s third-party tested.
• Crazy Nutrition Ultimate CRN-5: A few floaties are visible after mixing it and it contains sucralose, which can cause GI upset for some people.

How to Choose the Best Creatine Supplement for You

With the seemingly endless options to choose from in terms of creatine, it can be tough to narrow down the choices. Here are some key things to consider when shopping around:

Cost

When shopping for supplements, price is always a factor to consider since you often get what you pay for, but you should also be realistic about your budget when choosing a supplement. With creatine, you get the best results when you take it daily, so picking something you can consistently afford to stock up on is critical. 

RELATED: Best Supplements or Muscle Growth

Creatine tends to be the cheapest if purchased in bulk and unflavored with minimal ingredients. Brands with other post-workout ingredients like HMB or branched-chain amino acids as well as those which are third-party tested by Informed Choice or NSF for Sport usually cost more. 

Finally, be sure to calculate the price per serving, not per scoop, since not every scoop contains 5 grams of creatine. If you are looking for the maximum dose, do some math to see how many servings/dollars that will run you. 

Forms of Creatine

Most people buy creatine powder, but capsules and gummies are also becoming more popular.  

Consider your taste preferences, your lifestyle, and any other supplements you’re taking before picking a type of creatine to stick with.

As an example, if you take other post-workout supplements like protein powder, choosing an unflavored powder to mix into it is a good choice. If you dislike drinking your supplements and are only taking creatine, capsules may be a better fit. If you’re on the move a lot and don’t want to lug around a shaker bottle, then gummies may be most appropriate for you. 

Dosage

Next to choosing the correct form of creatine, the dose is the most important factor when selecting creatine supplements. It is unfortunate that many supplement companies depend on consumers’ ignorance of the amount of creatine they actually need to achieve their goals and use that to their advantage to underdose servings in order to cut costs. 

RELATED: Creatine Monohydrate Dosage

If the label says that there are 3,000 milligrams or 5,000 milligrams of this product per serving, it may sound like more, but it’s equal to 3 grams and 5 grams, respectively, just expressed in different units. Lastly, some brands may contain multiple forms of creatine that add up to 5 or more grams, but less than 3 grams of monohydrate. So read your labels carefully. 

Benefits of Creatine for Men

So, why are we even doing this? It’s because, as the most studied sports supplement out there, creatine has proven benefits for active men, women and older adults. Here are some of the many things creatine can do for you. 

Helps Build Lean Mass

It’s no secret that most men take creatine to support weight gain. Creatine initially causes weight gain from water retention in muscle cells, but creatine also supports an increase in muscle mass when combined with a consistent resistance training program⁶, according to hundreds of studies. 

RELATED: 12 Benefits Of Strength Training That Aren’t Just Muscle Growth

Despite its proven effectiveness, each individual will experience muscle gain differently depending on several factors, including genetics, their training regimen, their fitness level, their diet, and their exercise regimen choice.

Boosts ATP Production

By making phosphocreatine available to the body’s energy systems, creatine plays a major role boosting the production of ATP, the body’s unit of energy. In this way, creatine boosts athletic performance by increasing energy availability⁷. 

This is especially true for muscle strength, power, and sprinting, which is why a sports nutritionist may recommend creatine to runners or triathletes along with those who do resistance training. It has been demonstrated in one study that athletes who consumed creatine supplements experienced a 4-7% increase in peak power output and overall sprinting speed⁸.

Convenient for Vegetarians

It’s safe to say that vegans probably don’t eat enough creatine since creatine is most commonly found in animal products like red meat, poultry, and seafood. So, it’s not a shock that science has shown vegans and vegetarians to have lower creatine stores in their muscle cells than meat eaters⁹. 

RELATED: Best Vegan Protein Powder

Given that most creatine supplements lack animal products, they are not only appropriate for vegans and vegetarians, but can help increase muscle mass in a population that may struggle with accomplishing this goal through a plant-based diet. 

Different Types of Creatine

You can find creatine in many different forms with some brands containing multiple forms in a single supplement. So, it’s important to know which one is which, how they differ, and what they have in common. 

Creatine Nitrate

Nitric oxide, also known as nitrates, has exercise performance benefits, as many athletes know. The dilation of the arteries by nitrates allows for a better blood flow and improved oxygenation¹⁰. By increasing oxygen transport efficiency, fatigue from lack of oxygen to the skeletal muscles can be delayed, improving endurance during high-intensity exercise.

However, people mistakenly conflate these benefits with creatine and believe they’ll get more benefits from both compounds. Unfortunately, science shows creatine monohydrate and nitrate provide similar benefits¹¹. 

Creatine HCl

According to creatine HCl advocates, hydrochloric acid bonds with creatine and supports higher creatine levels in the muscle. A recent study suggested that creatine is 38 times more water-soluble than creatine monohydrate¹², which is what created the belief.

Therefore, some brands claim they can offer a lower dose of creatine HCl and still give you the same benefits. However, no human studies to date have proven this claim to be true. 

RELATED: Creatine HCl vs Monohydrate

Creatine Citrate and Creatine Malate

These monohydrate alternatives are not more effective than creatine monohydrate¹³, according to research.

Researchers have found that malic acid, a component of creatine malate, may help improve exercise performance on its own in mice¹⁴, but not necessarily in conjunction with creatine. Science has not been able to replicate these results in humans.

Creatine Ethyl Ester

Several studies have shown that this type of creatine is more bioavailable than other types of creatine. However, a placebo-controlled study found that its impact is similar to that of the placebo¹⁵. In simpler but harsher terms, you may as well be taking nothing at all if you decide to take creatine ethyl ester. 

Creatine Monohydrate

In terms of effectiveness, safeness, and effectiveness, it’s widely understood that creatine monohydrate is the best type of creatine to take¹⁶. According to a review published recently, creatine monohydrate is also the least expensive¹⁷ form of creatine on the market, which also makes it the most practical.

Who Shouldn’t Take Creatine?

Don’t buy into the creatine myths that misinform about the side effects of creatine. Creatine is one of the safest supplements you can take. However, there are some medical conditions that can be exacerbated by creatine supplements. 

Creatine is not recommended for people with liver disease, heart disease, or kidney problems since their bodies will be unable to safely clear the compound from the body¹⁸. Furthermore, if you take any prescription medications or diuretics, you should consult with your healthcare provider as the water retention that comes with creatine can counteract these medications.

Best Creatine for Men: FAQs

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

1. Antonio J, Candow DG, Forbes SC, et al. Common questions and misconceptions about creatine supplementation: what does the scientific evidence really show?. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2021;18(1):13. Published 2021 Feb 8. doi:10.1186/s12970-021-00412-w
2. Nissen SL, Sharp RL. Effect of dietary supplements on lean mass and strength gains with resistance exercise: a meta-analysis. J Appl Physiol (1985). 2003;94(2):651-659. doi:10.1152/japplphysiol.00755.2002
3. Thomson JS, Watson PE, Rowlands DS. Effects of nine weeks of beta-hydroxy-beta- methylbutyrate supplementation on strength and body composition in resistance trained men. J Strength Cond Res. 2009;23(3):827-835. doi:10.1519/JSC.0b013e3181a00d47
4. Fukushima M, Matsuyama F, Ueda N, et al. Effect of corosolic acid on postchallenge plasma glucose levels. Diabetes Res Clin Pract. 2006;73(2):174-177. doi:10.1016/j.diabres.2006.01.010
5. Hultman E, Söderlund K, Timmons JA, Cederblad G, Greenhaff PL. Muscle creatine loading in men. J Appl Physiol (1985). 1996;81(1):232-237. doi:10.1152/jappl.1996.81.1.232
6. Rawson, ES, Volek, JS. Effects of creatine supplementation and resistance training on muscle strength and weightlifting performance. J Strength Cond Res. 2003;17(4):822-831. doi:10.1519/1533-4287(2003)017<0822:eocsar>2.0.co;2
7. Moraes Rd, Van Bavel D, Moraes BS, Tibiriçá E. Effects of dietary creatine supplementation on systemic microvascular density and reactivity in healthy young adults. Nutr J. 2014;13(1):115. Published 2014 Dec 15. doi:10.1186/1475-2891-13-115
8. Bogdanis GC, Nevill ME, Aphamis G, et al. Effects of Oral Creatine Supplementation on Power Output during Repeated Treadmill Sprinting. Nutrients. 2022;14(6):1140. Published 2022 Mar 8. doi:10.3390/nu14061140
9. Wax B, Kerksick CM, Jagim AR, Mayo JJ, Lyons BC, Kreider RB. Creatine for Exercise and Sports Performance, with Recovery Considerations for Healthy Populations. Nutrients. 2021;13(6):1915. Published 2021 Jun 2. doi:10.3390/nu13061915
10. Macuh M, Knap B. Effects of Nitrate Supplementation on Exercise Performance in Humans: A Narrative Review. Nutrients. 2021;13(9):3183. Published 2021 Sep 13. doi:10.3390/nu13093183
11. Galvan E, Walker DK, Simbo SY, et al. Acute and chronic safety and efficacy of dose dependent creatine nitrate supplementation and exercise performance. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2016;13:12. Published 2016 Mar 31. doi:10.1186/s12970-016-0124-0
12. Gufford BT, Sriraghavan K, Miller NJ, et al. Physicochemical characterization of creatine N-methylguanidinium salts. J Diet Suppl. 2010;7(3):240-252. doi:10.3109/19390211.2010.491507
13. Jäger R, Harris RC, Purpura M, Francaux M. Comparison of new forms of creatine in raising plasma creatine levels. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2007;4:17. Published 2007 Nov 12. doi:10.1186/1550-2783-4-17
14. Wu JL, Wu QP, Huang JM, Chen R, Cai M, Tan JB. Effects of L-malate on physical stamina and activities of enzymes related to the malate-aspartate shuttle in liver of mice. Physiol Res. 2007;56(2):213-220. doi:10.33549/physiolres.930937
15. Spillane M, Schoch R, Cooke M, et al. The effects of creatine ethyl ester supplementation combined with heavy resistance training on body composition, muscle performance, and serum and muscle creatine levels. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2009;6:6. Published 2009 Feb 19. doi:10.1186/1550-2783-6-6
16. Wax B, Kerksick CM, Jagim AR, Mayo JJ, Lyons BC, Kreider RB. Creatine for Exercise and Sports Performance, with Recovery Considerations for Healthy Populations. Nutrients. 2021;13(6):1915. Published 2021 Jun 2. doi:10.3390/nu13061915
17. Fazio, C; Elder, C; Harris, M. Efficacy of Alternative Forms of Creatine Supplementation on Improving Performance and Body Composition in Healthy Subjects: A Systematic Review. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, February 11, 2021. | DOI: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000003873 
18. Vega J, Huidobro E JP. Efectos en la función renal de la suplementación de creatina con fines deportivos [Effects of creatine supplementation on renal function]. Rev Med Chil. 2019;147(5):628-633. doi:10.4067/S0034-98872019000500628

We’re a group of fitness professionals—including certified personal trainers, marathon runners, professional athletes, and certified nutrition coaches—dedicated to happy feet (you’ll find that abundantly clear in our best running socks roundup).

For testing and reviewing equity, our experts use a detailed testing strategy to score eight different categories, including price, versatility, constriction, and stability, on a 1 to 5-star scale. I’ll cover our testing categories in more detail at the end of this guide. 

Without further ado, let’s start running toward our top picks. 

NOTE: We intend the term “women” to include all women who identify as such. Additionally, many of the shoes we listed come in multiple sizes, widths, and gender identities making them suitable for a wide range of buyers.

9 Best Women’s Running Shoes 

• Best Overall Running Shoes for Women: Brooks Ghost 16
• Best Long-Distance Running Shoes for Women: Nike Invincible 3
• Best Treadmill Running Shoes for Women: lululemon Blissfeel 2
• Best Road Running Shoes for Women: Saucony Guide 17
• Best Nike Running Shoes for Women: Nike Free Run
• Best Cushioned Running Shoes for Women: HOKA Clifton 9
• Best Budget Running Shoes for Women: Saucony Cohesion 13
• Best Trail Running Shoes for Women: Altra Lone Peak
• Best Barefoot Running Shoes for Women: Xero Shoes HFS II

Best Overall Running Shoes for Women: Brooks Ghost 16

Good for: Runners looking for a daily trainer with a superb midsole 

Best Overall

Brooks Ghost 16

GGR Score: 4.2

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Product Highlights

• Brooks neutral road running shoe
• Features 67.3% recycled materials in the upper
• 16 colorways in women’s sizing and 14 colorways in men’s
• Features DNA LOFT v3 cushioning for soft landing and segmented crash pad for improved heel toe transitions

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Available in 4 widths: medium, wide, narrow, and extra wide
• Brooks Run Happy Guarantee: Try for 90 days and return for no cost if you are not satisfied

Cons

• Very limited colorways available in wide, extra, wide, and narrow
• Some longtime customers found the 16 less comfortable than the previous versions
• Customer reviews found the shoes less durable than previous versions

Bottom Line

Brooks Ghost 16 is the most recent of the company's neutral road running shoe. This version features 67.3% recycled materials in the upper. It is available in four different widths and fairly positively reviewed, however, some long-time customers preferred previous versions of the shoe.

The Brooks Ghost 16 is a solid choice for your daily run, walk, or bopping around town, making them our top pick for the best all-around running shoe for women. We’ve tested several iterations of the Brooks Ghost running shoes and selected previous Ghost models for our best running shoes for beginners roundup—as they’re one of the brand’s signature silhouettes—but our tester wore the Ghost 16 version for several weeks for on-road running routes. 

The stand-out feature of the Ghost 16—other than a ton of colorways to choose from—is its construction and durability. Brooks is a brand known for durable sneakers and has a reputation for daily wearability. Our expert tester would certainly agree with that statement. 

“There are no signs of wear and tear, but I will mention I’m really mindful to rotate my shoes depending on what activity I’m doing or how long my run is going to be,” says our expert tester. “That said, I give the Ghost 16 a 5-star rating for durability.” 

In addition to solid construction, our tester notes the DNA LOFT v3 foam midsole is super light and has the ability to rebound easily for quick turnovers and comfortable landings. “The Ghost shoe is a common ‘first running shoe,’ and in my opinion, anyone opting for the Ghost 16 as their introductory sneaker is getting the best midsole the brand has put out in years,” they added.

As for stability, the Ghost 16 earns 4.5 out of 5 stars. The Ghost 16 is a quintessential neutral runner, according to our tester. “My stride feels unhindered in them and I don’t feel as if I’m striking or pushing off at an awkward angle,” they said. 

Best Long-Distance Running Shoes for Women: Nike Invincible 3

Good for: Runners looking for neutral stability and excellent responsiveness

Best Long-Distance

Nike Invincible 3

GGR Score: 4.1

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Product Highlights

• Nike everyday running shoe with maximum cushioning
• Larger midsole than previous iterations for more cushion
• Features ZoomX foam, waffle outsole, and extra cushioning around heel and tongue

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Custom colorways available (for additional charge)
• Available in regular and extra wide
• Large number of colorways available
• Customer reviews found the shoes comfortable

Cons

• More expensive than competitors
• Heavier than competitors
• Customers reviews complained shoe is not durable
• Less colorways in extra wide version
• Customer reviews suggested size up ½ size

Bottom Line

The Nike Invincible 3 is a heavily cushioned everyday running shoe. Customer reviews found the shoe very comfortable and “bouncy.” However, they did note that the toe box is snug and suggested sizing up ½ size. Multiple customers also had issues with durability, reporting the sole starts to separate from the shoe.

If you’re an endurance runner looking for a shoe that won’t compress with long distances, the Nike Invincible 3 is an excellent choice. The Invincible 3 shoes feature a wider and taller midsole–-made from Nike ZoomX foam—than previous iterations, but our tester found that it didn’t compress on long runs. 

Our expert tester, a running shoe connoisseur, notes that previous Invincible shoes were almost too spongy for performance and endurance running. However, the Nike Invincible 3 earns a 4-out-of-5-star rating for stability. 

Our GGR expert tester appreciated the firmness of the midsole and the neutral stability saying, “There are no stabilizing features that would make this ideal for overpronators, but I could see anyone with minimal pronation enjoying the shoe overall.” 

The ZoomX foam not only offers a firm base for long runs, but it’s also resilient and rebounds quickly, earning the Invincible 3 a 4.5 out of 5-star rating in our durability and construction category. 

Our GGR expert tester notes they appreciated the construction because it helped maintain a consistent underfoot feel from one long run to the next. “Because I’ve worn the Invincible 2, I can also say that the upper mesh feels more durable. You could wear these for a while without picking up unwanted scuffs, scrapes, or rips,” explains our expert. 

RELATED: Tips for Long Distance Running 

Best Treadmill Running Shoes for Women: lululemon Blissfeel 2

Good for: Runners looking for a firm treadmill running shoe suitable for cross-training 

Best Treadmill Shoes

Lululemon Blissfeel 2 Running Shoe

GGR Score: 3.8

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Product Highlights

• Everyday neutral running shoe designed specifically for women
• Based on 4 years of research and 1 million foot scans
• 10 colorways for Blissfeel and 5 for Blissfeel Trail

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Also available as a trail running shoe
• 30-day trial: Return if you are not satisfied after 30 days of use
• Appearance of the shoe positively reviewed

Cons

• No wide shoes available—Lululemon recommends sizing up ½ for people with wider feet
• Very mixed customer reviews—either the best or worst shoe they’ve worn
• Heavier than competitors

Bottom Line

The Blissfeel 2 is a neutral running shoe designed by Lululemon specifically for women. It has very mixed reviews. Customer reviews either loved the shoe and found them extremely comfortable or thought they were some of the worst shoes they have tried. Some customers also had issues with durability. Complaining that the fabric around the heel began tearing with light use.

I personally tested the lululemon Blissfeel 2 running shoes and can honestly say they’re one of the best treadmill running shoes and general indoor training. I think they’re ideal for treadmill running because of the firmness of the forefoot and midsole. While many folks may want extra cushioning, that same firmness will allow you to hop off the treadmill and have a stable base for squats and lunges. 

For reference, as a certified personal trainer (CPT), I would not recommend squatting in HOKA trainers or a similar rocker-style running shoe. Because of this, the Blissfeel shoes earn a 4-out-of-5-star rating when it comes to versatility. 

The Blissfeel 2’s also offer solid construction and durability that will likely hold up to wear and tear around the gym. I rated this category 4 out of 5 stars, knowing lululemon is a brand with high-quality apparel; however, I docked a point because the lululemon website doesn’t disclose the materials of the upper or midsole like many other running shoe brands typically do.   

The lululemon Blissfeel is a neutral running shoe, which I thought was comfortable for my feet. It’s not an ideal option for flat feet or folks who protonate, but if you have a moderate arch and stable ankles, the Blissfeel is an excellent choice. I scored the Blissfeel 2’s a 4 out of 5 stars for stability. 

Check out our full lululemon Blissfeel 2 review for more details. 

Best Road Running Shoes for Women: Saucony Guide 17

Good for: Road runners who want cushioning and stability to protect against pronation 

Best on the Road

Saucony Guide 17

GGR Score: 4.1

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Product Highlights

• Vegan everyday running shoe with maximum cushioning
• Features Saucony’s PWRRUN technology to increasing cushion without increasing weight
• CenterPath Technology: To improve stability
• 8 women’s sizing colorways and 3 in men’s sizing

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Available regular and wide
• Uses recycled materials
• Positively reviewed by customers who struggled to find comfy wide shoes

Cons

• Limited colorways compared to competitors- especially men’s sizing
• Customers found they ran large
• Mixed reviews on the aesthetics

Bottom Line

The Saucony Guide 17 is a supportive everyday running shoe. It features Saucony’s PWRRUN technology that increases cushioning and softness without increasing weight. This shoe was very positively reviewed by multiple customers that had foot issues and struggled to find comfortable shoes. Multiple customers also noted the shoes run a bit large. The reviews were also mixed on the aesthetics of the shoe, complaining they are too “chunky”.

The Saucony Guide 17 is our top pick for road runners because of its stability features. While not all road runners need a stability shoe, this is an excellent option if you tend to overpronate or have flat feet. 

GGR expert product tester and senior editor Amanda Dvorak scored stability 4 out of 5 stars. The Saucony Guide 17 features “CenterPath” technology and is the brand’s solution to blending comfort and stability. The shoe has a broader platform outsole and higher sidewalls to stabilize your feet and help brace your gait. 

The locked-in stability of the Saucony Guide 17 doesn’t mean you’ll lack cushioning. The Guide 17 features the brand’s signature PWRRUN midsole, which Amanda found not too squishy or springy. “The amount of cushioning felt a little weird at first, but I got used to it quickly. I haven’t experienced any foot pain at all since running in these,” she says. 

Amanda also appreciates the roomy toe box on the Guide 17’s. “It’s probably the widest of any running or training shoe I’ve ever worn,” says Amanda. “I have an average width foot and thought it was too wide at first, but now I like having the room for my toes to spread out.”

As for durability, Amanda wore these trainers for about a month before giving her full review. She scored durability and construction 4 out of 5 stars. “These still look brand new. I haven’t seen any wear or tear,” she reports. “But I’ve only worn them on the road. I think they would see a lot more wear from trail running.” 

RELATED: How Long Do Running Shoes Last?

Best Nike Running Shoes for Women: Nike Free Run

Good for: Anyone looking for a light, neutral shoe ideal for racing and training 

Best Nike

Nike Free Run

GGR Score: 3.9

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Product Highlights

• Minimalist-style running shoe
• Neutral stability
• 8 mm heel-to-toe drop
• Men's and women's sizing

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Minimalist design
• Suitable for cross-training
• Affordable price tag

Cons

• No stability features
• Narrow toe box
• May wear out with long miles

Bottom Line

Nike Free Run shoes have seen several iterations over the years but our testers still enjoy wearing them for daily runs and cross-training. These are ideal for people seeking trainers with neutral support and a low-to-the-ground feeling.

Nike Free Runs are a classic style from the Nike running shoe market, and for good reason. They’re a lightweight, neutral shoe, making them ideal for pushing the pace on your next run. 

GGR Senior Director of Content Kate Meier is an avid runner and weightlifter. And she’s admittedly obsessed with Nike Free Runs, wearing most iterations of the shoe since it was released in 2005. “I’ve worn them for full marathons, half marathons, 10K races, 5K races, casual jogging, and cross-training. They are my go-to racing shoes and training shoes,” says Kate. 

RELATED: Half Marathon Training Plan

When it comes to stability, the Nike Free Run is a neutral shoe with minimal cushioning. It’s not nothing—there is still an eight-millimeter heel-to-toe drop, but you won’t find a high-stacking platform on these shoes. Kate scores the stability category 2 out of 5 stars, saying, “If you need cushioning and stability for your running style, these aren’t for you.” 

While there may not be much for stability and cushioning, Kate gave the Free Run shoes a 5-out-of-5-star rating for durability, noting she’s never had any issues with the construction of the shoe. “I used to log a ton of miles while training for a marathon and would wear them out in under a year,” says Kate. “However, if you’re not marathon training and are good about rotating your running shoes, you can make these last much longer than that,” says Kate. 

Not only does Kate like wearing the Nike Free Run for running and training, but she also likes the way they look for everyday wear. “I’ve had many different colors and own an all-white pair I think are ideal for the ‘athleisure’ look and running around town,” adds Kate. 

Best Cushioned Running Shoes for Women: HOKA Clifton 9

Good for: An every day running shoe featuring neutral stability and balanced cushioning 

Best Cushioned

Hoka Clifton 9

GGR Score: 4.3

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Product Highlights

• Hoka’s neutral shoe for walking and everyday running
• 4 grams lighter than the Clifton 8
• Increased stack height 3 mm
• Made with vegan and recycled materials

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Available in both regular and wide
• American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance
• Available with GORE-TEX for weather resistance in GTX and GTX TS models
• Love it or return it: 30-day guarantee
• Generally positive reviews

Cons

• Less colorways available in women’s sizes
• Limited colorways in wide
• Some longtime Clifton users dislike the updates

Bottom Line

The Hoka Clifton 9 is the newest model of Hoka’s neutral shoe for walking and running. This model is 4 grams lighter and has added 3 millimeters of stack height. The shoe is vegan and utilizes a variety of recycled materials. Most of the reviews were positive and found the shoe comfortable, however, some longtime Clifton users disliked the changes and preferred previous models.

The HOKA Clifton 9 is our top pick for best cushioned running shoes because they’re not too plush or too responsive; they’re just right. The midsole features an EVA foam for reducing impact, but the forefoot offers a bit of stiffness for performance and speed. 

Erin Chancer, a certified personal trainer and GGR senior editor, tested the HOKA Clifton 9 running shoes and enjoyed the overall experience. Although the HOKA is designed as a neutral running shoe, Erin felt super stable running in the Clifton 9 sneakers and scored the stability a 4.5 out of 5 stars. “I have pretty narrow feet and anticipated my feet swimming in these, but I felt like they were molded to me,” says Erin.

She even notes that she didn’t need any break-in time with the Cliftons and they felt like the right shoes from the start. “I’m happy to report no blisters or sore feet,” she says. 

Erin notes that some reviews she read mention that customers with wider feet didn’t like the way the Clifton 9 fit, but Erin noticed HOKA offers both regular and wide options in the Clifton. They also come in whole and half sizes through a wide range of U.S. shoe sizes, potentially making the Clifton 9 a good fit for a lot of runners. 

Additionally, Erin scored the construction and overall durability of the Cliftons at 4.5 out of 5 stars. “This is a really well-made shoe with durable materials,” says Erin.

“These are my first pair of HOKAs, and I can see why they’re so popular. The EVA foam midsole is both comfortable and springy. Plus, the rocker-style profile helped me maintain proper running form,” she says. 

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Best Budget Running Shoes for Women: Saucony Cohesion 13

Good for: Runners looking for an affordable shoe from a reliable brand 

Best Budget

Saucony Women’s Cohesion 13

GGR Score: 3.9

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Product Highlights

• Technical yet breathable upper provides a secure hold
• Segmented rubber outsole with flexibility in forefoot
• Neutral running shoe with VersaFoam cushioning designed to absorb impact and reduce pressure
• Heel-to-toe drop/offset measure 12 mm
• Best suited for walking and an occasional jog

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Multiple color options
• Comfortable
• Relatively affordable
• Breathable

Cons

• May run small
• Narrow toe box

Bottom Line

Saucony’s Cohesion 13 is an affordable, neutral running shoe available in a wide variety of colors.

If you’re on a budget and want a pair of shoes to lace up from a reputable brand, we think the Saucony Cohesion 13 is a solid choice. It’s an older model from Saucony that’s still available on third-party retailers like Amazon. The best part is that most colorways are priced under $60 a pair. 

Amanda Capritto, former GGR expert tester and avid runner, scored the price and overall value 4.5 out of 5 stars. “The Cohesion shoes are an excellent budget option for new runners who don’t want to spend a lot before knowing if they’re going to stick with running,” says Amanda. 

The Saucony Cohesion offers neutral stability, which is an excellent option for beginners as well to understand their natural gait. Amanda notes the Cohesion sneakers are firm and offer decent stability even for neutral shoes. 

She scored the budget-friendly shoes 4 out of 5 stars in the category. “These are firm but roll well with my stride when walking. They don’t propel you forward as much as some other running shoes,” she says. 

In terms of durability, Amanda gave the Cohesion shoes a 3-out-of-5-star rating. “These don’t seem like the most durable sneakers I’ve worn, but for the cost, it’s not surprising,” says Amanda. 

It’s worth noting colorways and sizing may be limited on Amazon because the Saucony Cohesion 13 was released in 2019. The newest styles of the brand’s most popular running shoes (including Endorphin, Triumph, and Ride) are available on the Saucony website. 

RELATED: Best Running Vests 

Best Trail Running Shoes for Women: Altra Lone Peak

Good for: Trail runners interested in a zero drop, yet cushioned shoe 

Best on the Trail

Altra Lone Peak

GGR Score: 4.4

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Product Highlights

• Balanced cushioning platform, 0-mm drop, and Altra’s signature FootShape with a roomy toe box.
• Designed to handle any terrain with its MaxTrac outsole and TrailClaw canted lugs 
• Lacing closure system feels secure
• American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance
• Lightweight

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Lightweight
• Grippy outsole for solid traction
• Canted lugs
• Flexible
• Moderate cushioning

Cons

• Some reports of issues with the upper wearing down quickly
• If you prefer more cushioning, this may leave you wanting

Bottom Line

Providing a solid amount of traction, grip, and responsiveness, the Altra Men’s Lone Peak 6 is a balanced trail running shoe with a lot of flexibility.

Trail runners looking for minimalist style shoes (with a wide toe box) will enjoy the Altra Lone Peak shoes. Former GGR tester and runner Amanda Capritto tested the Altra Lone Peak 6, and it quickly became her go-to trail runner. 

Since then, Altra has come out with two more iterations of the Lone Peak trainer runner with all of the same signature features Amanda appreciated. The “FootShape” wide toe box initially grabbed Amanda’s attention during her first try-on. 

“There is much more room in the toe box than in traditional running shoes,” says Amanda. She scored adjustments and comfort 5 out of 5 stars. “These feel insanely comfortable in all ways.” 

She scored stability 4.5 out of 5 stars, saying, “While there aren’t traditional stability features for pronation, these shoes hug your foot and give you space to splay your toes for natural stability.” 

You may also like the Lone Peak runners that feature a zero-drop design with a 25-millimeter stack height, but no delta between the toes and heel. While the Lone Peaks are quite minimal, there’s still foam cushioning through the midsole, plus a “Stoneguard” insert for additional protection underfoot. 

Construction also scores high on the Altra Lone Peak shoes at 4.5 out of 5 stars. The upper material is made from ripstop mesh that’s not just durable to rips and tears; it’s water resistant. The rubber outsole also features a deep lug pattern designed for outdoor trails and uneven terrain. 

RELATED: Best Trail Running Shoes

Best Barefoot Running Shoes for Women: Xero Shoes HFS II

Good for: Runners looking to see what all the barefoot hubbub is about 

Best Barefoot-Style

Xero Shoes HFS II

GGR Score: 4.3

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Product Highlights

• Minimalist road running shoe
• Lightweight at 8.3 oz in mens size 9
• Tire tread-inspired outsole the stay secure off the road
• Thin Barefoam layer of protection added to sole
• 0 mm heel-toe drop

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Durable tread and outsole
• Lightweight
• Wide toe box
• Break in easily

Cons

• Can heat up quickly
• Fairly pricey

Bottom Line

The HFS II from Xero Shoes is a lightweight minimalist shoe designed for road running, although it can be taken off-road as well. These shoes have a durable rubber sole, rated for 5,000 miles, and a thin Barefoam layer added to the shoe for extra protection. If you prefer minimal shoes for barefoot running, this is a solid choice.

If you’re on the hunt for a barefoot-style shoe that won’t break the bank, the Xero Shoes HFS II are our top recommendation. Barefoot shoes don’t offer much stability and cushioning, but our tester thought this pair wasn’t void of these elements. 

GGR expert tester, Erin Chancer wore the Xero HFS II for several weeks before giving her insights. She says the HFS II doesn’t require a break-in period, making them ideal for barefoot beginners.

Traditionally, our testers are looking for stability features in running shoes, but barefoot shoes don’t offer added arch support, heel cupping, guide rails, or sidewalls. Regardless, Erin found her feet to be stable in the Xero Shoes and scored stability 4 out of 5 stars. 

“I have narrow feet and expected to be swimming in the wide toe box, but these formed to my feet quite well. I felt super stable,” says Erin. 

For added stability, you’ll have tread-inspired sole for traction while running on pavement or trails. And although the soles of Xero shoes are thin— about one millimeter—the brand has a 5,000-mile sole warranty. For construction and durability, Erin scored the HFS II at 4 out of 5 stars. 

“These Xero Shoes are super lightweight and flexible. I wear them for running and various activities, including working out and running errands,” says Erin. “I haven’t experienced any signs of wear and tear.” 

Erin also notes the price—about $120 on the Xero Shoes website—offers a decent value compared to other barefoot shoes on the market, which are typically priced between $150 and $200 per pair and don’t offer a 5,000-mile sole warranty. 

Check out our Xero HFS II review for more details on Erin’s experience. 

Other Running Shoes We Tested

• On Cloudgo Running Shoes: These are a solid option for neutral stability, but ultimately both of the Nike sneakers we tested scored higher.  
• NOBULL Runners: While our testers like these running shoes, they’re really designed for the casual runner. They look pretty cool with their minimalist design, but we’ve tested shoes with a better locked-in feeling that avid runners need. 
• Asics Gel Nimbus: I personally tested these sneakers with a rocker-style, ultra-cushioned sole. Although these will work for some folks, wearing these sends me to my toes and changes my gait more than I’d like. 
• New Balance Fresh Foam: These are a popular running shoe for both women and men, but our team hasn’t tested the newest iteration of the Fresh Foams. 

How We Picked and Tested

As mentioned at the beginning of this roundup, our expert testers are tasked with scoring and reviewing running shoes based on in-depth fitness equipment testing methodologies developed by our editorial team of experts. We score for running shoes on the following categories: 

• Overall appearance: We know running shoes are designed for function, not fashion. However, our testers gave high scores based on sleek designs, multiple colorway options, and whether they’d wear them outside of their workouts. 
• Construction and durability: High scores are given to shoes with durable materials and a design intended for running with proper cushioning, outsole material, and breathable uppers. 
• Stability and performance: Testers consider if their running shoes are made to improve stability or create neutral stability (like a minimalist-style shoe). Either way, high scores are reserved for running shoes that remain connected to the foot while running. 
• Versatility: If a shoe can easily be worn for nearly any gym activity, it earned a high score in this category. 
• Adjustments and comfort: This category considers sizing options, width options, and additional adjustments like internal straps and Velcro loops. 
• Price and value: High scores are reserved for running shoes that either bring a lot of value to those who want to buy them or are competitively priced. 
• Customer service and reviews: Our testers not only take their own experience into account, they consider customer reviews and what the overall customer experience was like. 

Benefits of Running Shoes for Women

A high-quality pair of running shoes may turn a decent run into a “hell yeah” kind of run. And we’re not the only ones who think so. A March 2020 review published in the Journal of Sports Science & Medicine¹ states:  

• A stiffer forefoot may improve running performance. 
• Soft, thick, and cushioned midsoles can reduce impact and absorb shock. 
• Minimalist-style shoes may improve running economy and increase strength in the Achilles tendon. 

What To Look for in Running Shoes for Women

When considering a running shoe, there are a number of factors to consider. Here are our top three things to asses: 

Heel-to-Toe Drop

The heel-to-toe drop measurement helps you gauge the difference between your heel and forefoot, usually measured in millimeters. Higher numbers indicate more height between your heel and toe. Higher heel-to-toe drops are favorable for runners to land heel first. Lower drops are best for front or midfoot runners. 

Cushioning and Stability 

A cushioned shoe helps absorb impact from your foot strike. Cushioning also makes for a more comfortable feel, but cloud-like cushioning can impact the shoe’s stability. Cushioning is great for comfort, but if your main goal is speed, you’ll want shoes with less cushion. 

If you need a stable running shoe, be sure to read through the product details, as most running shoe brands assign either “neutral” or “stability” to their running shoes.  

Stability shoes are typically a bit stiffer and offer more arch support to compensate for flat feet and overpronation, whereas neutral shoes have more flexibility and less arch support. Stability shoes may even feature guide rails, the elevated part of the sole that propels you forward (think rocker-style shoes). 

Toe Box and Width 

If you have wide feet, bunions, or other foot-related concerns, consider sizing up or double-checking if the brand you’re interested in has different width options. If there are no width options, be sure to read the product description for indications of a toe box roomy enough for all the toes to spread out naturally. 

Best Running Shoes for Women: FAQs

References

1. Sun, X., Lam, W. K., Zhang, X., Wang, J., & Fu, W. (2020). Systematic Review of the Role of Footwear Constructions in Running Biomechanics: Implications for Running-Related Injury and Performance. Journal of sports science & medicine, 19(1), 20–37. 

While acupuncture is best done by a certified professional, acupressure mats are readily attainable for your own home use, just like the best yoga mats, and have a broad range of claimed health benefits. But with so many options, it’s hard to know what’s effective and what’s ideal for your needs.

Fear not, reader; several members of the GGR team—including myself—have tried out the best acupressure mats on the market to bring you our top picks. Although acupressure mats were new to several experts on our staff, we still bring our decades of experience in the fitness world as certified personal trainers, coaches, and competitive athletes.

We spent hours on each of these acupressure mats, working on relaxing and de-stressing (I know, it’s a tough job, but someone had to do it). During our resting…er, testing, we rated factors such as the materials and dimensions of the mat to bring you this comprehensive list of the best acupressure mat sets.

The 7 Best Acupressure Mats

• Best Acupressure Mat Overall: CXCTCT XL Yoga Acupressure Mat Set
• Best Budget Acupressure Mat: Spoonk Acupressure Eco Mat
• Best Acupressure Mat for Travel: TimeBeeWell Eco Mat and Pillow Travel Set
• Most Comfortable Acupressure Mat: DoSensePro Acupressure Mat and Pillow
• Easiest to Clean Acupressure Mat: Sivan Acupressure Mat and Pillow
• Best Acupressure Mat for Neck and Shoulders: Gaiam Acupressure Mat and Pillow
• Most Durable Acupressure Mat: ProsourceFit Acupressure Mat and Pillow

Best Acupressure Mat Overall: CXCTCT XL Yoga Acupressure Mat Set

Good for: People wanting a full-body acupressure set at a good value

Best Overall

CXCTCT Extra-Long Yoga Acupressure Mat

GGR Score: 4.61

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Product Highlights

• Magnetic acupressure mat and pillow with over 12,000 spikes
• Strategically placed magnetic points which claim to decrease inflammation and pain
• Listed benefits of decreased headaches and shoulder, neck, and back pain
• Lay on mat 10-30 minutes per day to see benefits
• Included: Extra-long mat, pillow, 2 massage balls, and carrying case

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Mat, pillow, and 2 massage balls included
• Carrying case included for ease of use with travel
• Also features acupressure points with magnets

Cons

• Hand wash only
• More expensive than competitors
• Limited colorways compared to competitors
• Listed as extra-long but only 47”

Bottom Line

The Extra-Long Magnetic Acupressure Mat features over 12,0000 spikes. It is more expensive than competitors but you’ll get the pillow, mat, carrying case and two massage balls. Customer reviews for this set are generally positive but some customers found it too expensive.

The CXCTCT XL Yoga Acupressure Mat Set is our pick for the best overall simply for its value and durability. It gets a 4 out of 5 for its price of around $70, and you get quite a bit for that: an extra-long mat and pillow set, along with mobility balls and a carrying case.

For the price, the materials appear high-quality, earning it a 4.5 out of 5 on materials and care. The cotton pad, foam interior, and plastic acupressure spikes are simple, but the mat feels durable, according to our product tester and GGR senior staff writer Lauren Strong, CPT. She says, “The foam doesn’t depress while you’re on it; it looks and feels like this will hold up for quite a while.”

Lauren was new to acupressure but quickly learned she liked it, as she rates the comfort and effectiveness of the CXCTCT mat a 4.5 out of 5. Using the mat is “pretty intense at first, but you ease into it. I like it best while using it during meditation,” she reports.

RELATED: 8 Benefits of Yoga

She does add for first-timers that the best results come when the spikes sit on bare skin. “Even the thinnest T-shirt can dull the miniature spikes. It stimulates your skin and nerves so much that you kind of forget where you were uncomfortable before you got on it,” she says.

While it is one of the pricier mats we’ve tested, the extra-long length of 47 inches might encourage some taller users to make this purchase. Plus, the added value of the other accessories make this a worthwhile investment.

Best Budget Acupressure Mat: Spoonk Acupressure Eco Mat

Good for: Users wanting an affordable acupressure mat with some accessories

Best Budget

Spoonk Acupressure Eco Mat

GGR Score: 3.7

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Product Highlights

• The original spiked relaxation mat with over 6,000 points
• Endorsed by Dr. Oz
• Claims to increase circulation; improve relaxation; relieve muscle, nerve, and back pain; and improve sleep
• Comes with travel mat, regular size mat, and sling carrying bag

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Includes regular mat and travel mat
• Carrying case included for ease with travel

Cons

• Only 2 colorways available
• Mixed reviews on effectiveness of product
• No pillow included
• Mat is much shorter than competitors

Bottom Line

The Spoonk Acupressure Mats have over 6,000 points. There is no pillow included but the smaller travel mat can be rolled up to act as a pillow. The mat also comes with a ball and travel case. Some customers found this relaxing while others found it painful.

If you’re wanting an acupressure mat to relieve some muscle tension without breaking the bank, your best bet is the Spoonk Acupressure Eco Mat. This set comes with a mat, pillow, carrying case, and mobility ball. “That’s quite a lot for less than $25,” says GGR director of content Kate Meier, NASM-CPT, USAW-L1, CF-L1, who tested out the Spoonk mat. She rates the price a 5 out of 5.

RELATED: Best Budget Home Gym Equipment

Kate gives the materials and care of the mat a 3 out of 5, saying, “The plastic cover comes off easy enough to hand-wash, but the mat’s materials definitely feel a bit on the budget side.” She adds, “I haven’t had it for very long, but I could imagine the seams might start to come loose over time, and the spikes may even fall off.”

The other gripe is the size, earning only a 2 out of 5. At 16 inches long and 14 inches wide, this acupressure mat may not be suitable for taller or broader people. “I’m 5-feet-4-inches tall and most of my back is on it, but anyone with a longer torso won’t be fully covered,” Kate says. Still, for its price, this is a nice deal for people with smaller torsos.

A word to the wise: If you’re looking for a true budget option, go with the Navy Blue mat. As of this writing, this mat is on Amazon for $23, while the Pagoda Blue variation is priced at nearly $50. I don’t understand why, as they are the same product, but if you’re wanting a real value deal, go with the cheaper option—with free shipping for Amazon Prime members.

Best Acupressure Mat for Travel: TimeBeeWell Eco Mat and Pillow Travel Set

Good for: Acupressure enthusiasts that are always on the go

Best for Travel

TimeBeeWell Eco-Friendly Back and Neck Pain Relief Mat and Pillow Travel Set

GGR Score: 4.12

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Product Highlights

• Acupressure mat, with 253 spikes and pillow with 74 spikes
• Claims to decrease pain and stress, increase blood flow, and relax mind and body
• Lay on mat for 10-30 minutes
• Includes acupressure mat and pillow with carrying case

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Both mat and pillow included
• Made with eco-friendly materials
• Positive customer reviews

Cons

• Only available in 3 colors
• Hand wash only
• No information provided on the inner foam materials
• More expensive than competitors

Bottom Line

The TimeBeeWell mat is made with eco-friendly materials but they do not provide information on the inner foam. The mat is designed to relieve pain. This mat has largely positive customer reviews that reported regular use of the mat decreased their pain. There were some that found the mat uncomfortable.

Have acupressure mat, will travel.

If you find yourself constantly on the move, the TimeBeeWll Eco Mat and Pillow Travel is ideal for travel. This neck pillow and mat combo comes with a carrying bag that makes it easy to transport to and from the gym, or while globetrotting.

GGR editor Frieda Johnson, CNC, SET, rates the size of the mat a near perfect score of 4.75 out of 5. She adds, “It’s on the smaller side and is pretty lightweight, but I can still fit my whole back on it with no problems. Plus, a friend of mine who is larger than me also had no issues.” She does dock a quarter-point from the score, as particularly broader people may have issues with the 17-inch width of the mat.

Made with 100% cotton and ABS plastic, the mat’s materials and care earn a 4.5 out of 5 from Frieda. “It feels high-quality and the foam feels sturdy,” she says. The mat doesn’t get perfect scores here, though, since it didn’t come with any care instructions. Most likely, the mat should be hand-washed to prevent any damage to the mat or laundry machines.

Frieda rates the comfort and effectiveness a 3 out of 5, however, as she wasn’t sure if she was getting any real benefit from the mat; granted, this was her first time using an acupressure mat. As far as comfort goes, Frieda explains, “With a shirt on, I can’t feel it at all. Using it on bare skin is uncomfortable but manageable.”

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Still, for fans of acupressure mats, this is a great choice for traveling.

Most Comfortable Acupressure Mat: DoSensePro Acupressure Mat and Pillow

Good for: Anyone looking for a comfortable acupressure mat for relaxing after a long day of work and stress

Most Comfortable

DoSensePro Acupressure Mat and Pillow Set

GGR Score: 4.19

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Product Highlights

• Acupressure mat and pillow set
• Claims to decrease pain, increase energy, and improve sleep
• Includes acupressure mat, pillow, carrying case, and reusable hot/cold pack
• Lay on mat 15-40 minutes per day

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Pillow and mat set
• Reusable hot/cold pack and carrying case included
• Mostly positive customer reviews

Cons

• Limited colorways available
• No information on how to care for mat

Bottom Line

DoSensePro Acupressure Mat and Pillow set is 29 inches long and designed to accommodate your entire back. This product claims to decrease pain, increase energy levels, and improve sleep. Most reviews were positive but some customers found it uncomfortable and did not help with their pain.

You may not think lying on thousands of plastic spikes can be comfortable, but take my word for it—it can be. I tried out the DoSensePro Acupressure Mat and Pillow Set and rated the comfort and effectiveness a 4.5 out of 5. I used it for 20 minutes at a time after heavy squats and bench presses, and it was a nice way to wind down after a workout session.

I didn’t give it full marks on its effectiveness, mostly because I wasn’t sure how effective it was. While it was pleasant, I’m not entirely sure if it felt relaxing because I was lying down on the plastic spikes, or if it was relaxing just because I was lying down and relaxing for 20 minutes. Regardless, I was pretty comfy on the DoSensePro.

The DoSensePro mat comes with a reusable hot and cold gel pack with the carrying bag and pillow—one of the few acupressure mats to include one, earning it a 5 out of 5 in extra features and accessories. At around $40 (and often marked down on Amazon), the acupressure mat has good value with the features you get.

With a length of 29 inches, the mat fits my low back and glutes up to my shoulders fairly well, especially with the addition of the neck pillow. That’s impressive, considering I’m a big guy. That said, the width of 16.5 inches was a bit on the narrow side for me, not quite getting all of my shoulders. I think the width will work for most people though, so I give the size of the mat a 4 out of 5.

Easiest to Clean Acupressure Mat: Sivan Acupressure Mat and Pillow

Good for: People who want a mat that is simple to clean up in between uses

Easiest to Clean

Sivan Back and Neck Pain Relief Acupressure Mat and Pillow Set

GGR Score: 3.83

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Product Highlights

• Acupressure mat and pillow set
• Claims to increase circulation, decrease pain, improve sleep, relieve stress, and help digestion
• Included: Acupressure mat and pillow

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Pillow and mat included
• Rolls up for storage and travel
• Mostly positive customer reviews

Cons

• Only available in two colors
• Hand wash only
• No warranty information listed

Bottom Line

Sivan Acupressure Mat and Pillow Set that rolls up for storage and travel. The set is designed to increase circulation, decrease pain, and improve sleep. The customer reviews are largely positive with many customers experiencing pain relief. There were customers that found the mat too uncomfortable to use regularly.

Let’s face it; acupressure mat companies will rarely recommend machine-washing their mats, all to protect the spikes on the mat as well as the washer and dryer units. So, when we want a mat that’s easy to clean, we want it to be easy to hand-wash. The Sivan Acupressure Mat is just that, with a simple cotton cover with Velcro on one end. This allows you to peel the cotton from the foam mat easily for a quick hand-wash and then hang the mat to dry.

GGR head of content Nicole Davis, CPT, PN1-NC, tried out the Sivan mat and gave the comfort and effectiveness a 4 out of 5. Being new to acupressure mats, Nicole explains, “The first time I laid on the acupressure mat, I was definitely uncomfortable. But I’ve been using it for a few minutes each day and now, I actually really enjoy it. It’s still uncomfortable at first, but the longer you lay there and breathe, the better it feels.”

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Specifically, Nicole likes the neck pillow. “I can carry a lot of muscle tension in my neck, and that leads to headaches and migraines. The neck pillow is a nice way to relieve some of that tension.” Aside from the neck pillow, the Sivan Acupressure Mat doesn’t come with any other features, earning it a 3 out of 5 on features and accessories.

Although the mat is fairly easy to clean, the materials seem flimsy to Nicole, as she rates the materials and care of the mat a 2.5 out of 5. “The flimsiest part is the foam padding inside; it’s not very thick at all,” Nicole adds. Still, at under $35 and often marked under $30, this mat has pretty good value.

Best Acupressure Mat for Neck and Shoulders: Gaiam Acupressure Mat and Pillow

Good for: Those wanting a solid mat with a pillow combo to target a tight neck

Best for Neck and Shoulders

Gaiam Acupressure Mat and Pillow Set

GGR Score: 4.13

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Product Highlights

• Acupressure mat and pillow with thousands of points
• Claims to increase circulation, decrease pain, stress and tension, and increase relaxation
• Use mat 10-30 minutes per day

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Mat and pillow included
• Affordable compared to competitors

Cons

• Only available in grey
• Only available in shorter half-body length
• Very limited customer ratings
• Information not provided on materials

Bottom Line

Gaiam Acupressure Mat and Pillow set is an affordable option for acupressure. It is designed to decrease pain, stress, and tension. There are limited customer reviews, most found it helpful. Some customers found it too uncomfortable to use regularly. Gaiam does not provide information on the materials used to make this product.

If you’re looking for an acupressure mat to address shoulder and neck pain, the Gaiam Acupressure Mat and Pillow Set is a solid choice. With a length of 25 inches and an included pillow, the mat is long enough to relieve tension in tight shoulders and necks alike.

GGR senior editor Erin Chancer, NASM-CNC, ISSA-CPT, used the Gaiam acupressure mat and found it particularly effective in relieving tension in her arches while standing on the mat. “I’m new to acupressure, so I was really intimidated by the spikes at first,” Erin says. “However, I found the plastic to be softer than expected and felt good about using it. I could even adjust without causing pain. I’d say this is a great intro to acupressure for beginners who may be more sensitive.” She rates the effectiveness a 4 out of 5.

The length and width may be limiting to taller folks, as Erin rates the size a 3.5 out of 5. She adds, “At slightly over 2 feet long, it’s bigger than other mat and pillow sets I’ve seen at similar price points. Still, I wouldn’t expect it to work for bigger users.”

One extra feature that Erin used a lot was the added instructional guide on different ways to use the acupressure mat. Being new to acupressure, this was a great addition that helped Erin try out a variety of poses. Although the set comes with just the neck pillow and mat, the addition of the guide led Erin to rate the extra features a solid 4 out of 5.

Most Durable Acupressure Mat: ProsourceFit Acupressure Mat and Pillow

Good for: Those looking for a long-lasting acupressure mat

Most Durable

ProsourceFit Acupressure Mat and Pillow Set

GGR Score: 3.9

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Product Highlights

• Half-body mat with 6,210 acupressure points (full-body mat has 11,178 points)
• 1,782 acupressure points on the pillow
• Claims to relieve stress, stimulate endorphins, reduce pain, and increase energy
• Lay down for 20 minutes a day to see results

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Category: Recovery
• Product Price: $29.99
• Available in 11 different colors
• Mat and pillow included
• Available in large and extra-large sizes
• Lifetime warranty
• Mostly positive customer reviews

Cons

• Cover is hand-wash only
• Customers note the insert can move around inside the cotton cover
• Limited colors in full-body version

Bottom Line

ProSourceFit Acupressure Mat and Pillow set comes in two sizes: a half-body and full-body mat. They are listed together on the Amazon product page, so be careful when purchasing. Customer reviews are largely positive, stating that the mat helped to relieve their pain. Some did find the acupressure points “too spiky” and uncomfortable.

Many acupressure mats are simplistic, with cotton covers, foam pads, and plastic spikes. Still, many of them appear to be fairly flimsy, with stitching that could come loose over time. If durability is a priority, the ProsourceFit Acupressure Mat and Pillow is a great choice. Our tester and GGR staff writer Matt Dustin, CES, PN1-NC, rates the materials a 4 out of 5, saying, “This looks like it’ll actually last. I’m impressed, especially for the price point.”

At under $30, the mat is one of the less expensive mats we tested, earning a 5 out of 5 for its price. Still Matt rates the size a 3 out of 5. “At 26.5 inches long and 16.5 inches wide, it’s about as big as a bed pillow. It covers my back while in use, but nothing more,” Matt adds.

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The comfort and effectiveness gets a 3 out of 5 from Matt, who found it pretty uncomfortable as a first-time user. “I’ve done so much physical therapy and dry needling over the years, and I think I have a pretty high pain tolerance, but this is pretty painful,” he says. “I understand that’s the point, but it’s still pretty tough to use. I’ve tried a few times and can last for a couple of minutes, but I haven’t noticed any major benefits.”

The discomfort may be because the ProsourceFit mat appears to have fewer spikes per circle, which can cause a more intense experience. Still, for being under $30 and fairly durable, this can be a great choice.

Other Acupressure Mats We Researched

There are quite a few options when it comes to acupressure mats and pillows. Here are a few more mats we took a look at, although they ultimately didn’t end up on our list for one reason or another.

• Pranamat ECO Acupressure Mat and Pillow: While we haven’t had a chance to test out this acupressure mat, we do like the quality materials of the Pranamat ECO, including 100% natural coconut fibers making up the mat’s interior. However, at $285, it’s hard to recommend this, even with its natural and durable materials.
• Shakti Acupressure Mat: The Shakti Mat is made with thousands of spikes and durable materials, even boasting a 5-year warranty. Still, we have yet to test this mat out; once we do, it may shake up this lineup.
• WTHN Acupressure Mat Set: This mat has decent materials, leading many users to recommend the product. We don’t see enough from the mat that warrants the $78 price tag, though.

How We Picked and Tested

You may think that once you’ve seen an acupressure mat, you’ve seen them all; that’s simply not the case. Our team rated each acupressure mat we tried out based on several factors—like we do all with all of the products we test according to our fitness equipment testing methodology. Along with customer service and customer reviews, we gave each mat a score from 1 to 5 on these aspects:

• Price: Acupressure mats can cost $30 or less, but can be a few hundred dollars in some cases. Typically, we want the price to match the level of quality of the mat. The mats with higher scores here were under $75. 
• Materials and care: Usually acupressure mats have a cotton exterior surrounding foam padding, with plastic spikes along the mat. Still, the durability and quality of construction can vary between mats. Also, the ease of washing these mats was factored in as well, although most will require hand-washing to preserve the plastic acupressure points.
• Size: You’ll want an acupressure mat that can fit your whole back, but one that’s also lightweight and portable. Top marks were given to mats that fit both criteria.
• Extra features and accessories: Some mat sets come with a mat and pillow, but others will come with accessories to aid in your recovery session: hot and cold packs, mobility balls, or carrying cases.
• Comfort and effectiveness: How did it feel to use the acupressure mat? Our testers noted the level of comfort they felt while using the mat, as well as any positive effects, such as a relaxed feeling.

Our testers laid on these mats, but we also tried them out in other ways. We stood on them and laid in different positions to target different areas of the body. If the mat could be used in a chair, we tried that as well. After robustly trying these mats out, we determined which mats would suit most people to create our best overall pick and the rest of our list.

Benefits of Acupressure Mats

Some acupressure mats claim to work by stimulating and manipulating the meridian energies flowing throughout the body. The concept of balancing energy channels or meridians stems from Chinese medicine and acupuncturists in particular. While it’s a bit tough to prove this in studies and research, there are some studies available that show how acupressure mats can be beneficial in other ways.

To be frank, the jury is still out on the effectiveness of acupressure mats. While some research and studies suggest that acupressure mats can have potential benefits (which we’ll go over shortly), some studies suggest otherwise—at least for some demographics.

One study from 2023¹, for example, tested two groups of young, healthy college students in their stress and well-being over a three-week period. One group uses relaxation practices, while the other group included an acupressure mat in their practices. After the three-week period, both groups’ stress levels reportedly decreased, and sleep quality and concentration improved. However, there was no significant difference between the two groups.

This implies that the acupressure mat didn’t improve relaxation practices amongst these younger college students. Still, some studies have shown positive effects from practicing acupressure. Let’s dive into the potential benefits of acupressure mats.

Can Help Relieve Pain

Have nagging back or shoulder pain? The art of acupressure has been shown to help with pain management, as demonstrated in a 2021 study² that examined several patients suffering from chronic lower back pain. All patients underwent 10 supervised exercise sessions, followed by an at-home rehabilitation program that lasted six months. An experimental group was given an acupressure mat as additional practice.

At the end of the six months, all groups reported reductions in chronic pain and an improved quality of life. However, the experimental group using acupressure saw more significant improvement than other groups. The study concludes that acupressure mats are a viable way to help with pain relief—in addition to regular exercise.

RELATED: Best Back Exercises

Can Enhance Blood Circulation

One of the best ways to increase your recovery is through increasing blood flow to the injured or affected area. Acupressure has been shown to aid in that, although some studies have mixed results.

One such study from January 2024³ studied the effects of acupressure and acupuncture on tendons, particularly the circulation of the tendons. Circulation of treated and untreated tendons were measured before and after either acupuncture or acupressure, and then again after a second treatment two weeks later.

While acupuncture increased blood flow in the tendons in all cases, acupressure increased blood circulation in the treated tendon during recovery, but not in the untreated tendon. This suggests that the blood circulation benefits of acupressure would be localized to where the acupressure is being administered. 

May Help With Stress Relief

The act of lying down on small spikes can actually be relaxing—almost a form of meditation or even self-care. Some studies suggest that acupressure may also be a means to reduce stress and anxiety.

A randomized controlled trial from 2014⁴ used acupressure therapy on half of 108 patients undergoing hemodialysis to monitor improvements on stress, anxiety, and depression. After four weeks of regular use, the group using acupressure experienced significant improvements in stress levels, as well as less anxiety and depression. This trial does suggest that acupressure may be a viable way to aid mental health in patients, and people in general.

May Improve Sleep

A systematic review from 2018⁵ examined several studies done on acupressure therapy, in particular the effect it has on sleep. Studies showed that acupressure generally helped patients get better sleep, with there being no negative reports on sleep quality. In particular, four studies showed the greatest improvements in sleep latency (the ability to fall asleep) and length of time sleeping.

What to Look for in Acupressure Mats

Looking for the acupressure mat that’s just right for you? Here are a few things to look for in your mat, whether this is your first time or you’ve used acupressure mats for years.

Spikes

How acupressure mats work is through the spikes; it’s one of the biggest features to consider. Spikes are usually situated on a series of circles, or florets. There are typically thousands of spikes on a mat to help distribute your body weight so you’re not feeling too much sensation in one area.

More spikes per floret will distribute your weight even more, making the mat more comfortable. Fewer spikes will make the acupressure mat more challenging by increasing the sensations on your bare skin. Simply put, beginners should look for more spikes, while more advanced users of acupressure may prefer fewer pressure points.

Size

Most acupressure mats are pieces of compact exercise equipment, made to cover your lower and upper back, with an acupressure pillow to support your neck. Most are around 2 feet long and 15 to 17 inches wide, which should cover most people. However, some larger people may need a mat closer to 30 inches long, or a mat on the wider side.

Full-body mats are available as well, which will allow you to lay your legs on the mat at the same time—although that’ll typically raise the cost.

Materials

Most acupressure mats have a cotton cover surrounding a foam mat, with spike florets lining one side of the cover. The plastic should be a hard plastic that won’t break easily, and the cotton and stitching should be heavy-duty.

Along with that, the materials should be easy to care for and maintain. Most mats should only be washed by hand, to protect the spikes from damage in a washing machine. But some mats can still be a nuisance to break apart to wash.

Price

Acupressure mats vary wildly by price. Most are under $100, with quite a few budget-friendly items being under $30. Still, some approach $300, but are made with high-quality materials. Consider your budget before making your choice, and also make sure that the price makes sense for the product’s durability and effectiveness.

Best Acupressure Mat: FAQs

References

1. Kisker, J., & Schöne, B. (2024). Regular use of acupressure mats reduces perceived stress at subjective but not psychophysiological levels: Insights from a three-week relaxation training. Applied psychology. Health and well-being, 16(1), 338–355. https://doi.org/10.1111/aphw.12490
2. Frizziero, A.; Finotti, P.; Scala, C.L.; Morone, G.; Piran, G.; Masiero, S. Efficacy of an Acupressure Mat in Association with Therapeutic Exercise in the Management of Chronic Low Back Pain: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Study. Appl. Sci., 2021(11), 5211. https://doi.org/10.3390/app11115211
3. Kubo, K., Yasuda, A., Yajima, H., Takayama, M., & Takakura, N. (2024). Effects of acupuncture and acupressure of the acupoint compared to the tendon on the blood circulation of human tendon in vivo. European journal of applied physiology, 124(1), 269–279. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-023-05277-2
4. Hmwe, N. T., Subramanian, P., Tan, L. P., & Chong, W. K. (2015). The effects of acupressure on depression, anxiety and stress in patients with hemodialysis: a randomized controlled trial. International journal of nursing studies, 52(2), 509–518. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2014.11.002
5. Waits, A., Tang, Y. R., Cheng, H. M., Tai, C. J., & Chien, L. Y. (2018). Acupressure effect on sleep quality: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Sleep medicine reviews, 37, 24–34. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.smrv.2016.12.004

While the best probiotic supplements can benefit most people, a 2024 review¹ supports they can be a non-invasive and cost-effective approach to support cis women’s health in many ways—like treating vaginal infection, managing polycystic ovary syndrome², and alleviating menstrual pain, among other health benefits. Plus, the power of probiotics can even extend to their children, making them useful for generations to come. 

As a registered dietitian, I collaborated with expert product testers to identify the best probiotic for women. Here are a few of the things we looked for:

• Formulation: Does the product prioritize beneficial bacteria strains? 
• Third-party testing: Is the label accurate? Can we trust the product’s purity?
• Price per serving: Does the cost align with market standards, offering good value?

Let’s dive into our top picks and find the perfect match for your health needs!

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.

NOTE: We intend the term “women” to include all women, including trans women. However, we recognize that almost all research on this topic has focused on cis women (i.e., women who are not trans). For that reason, when we reference gender-based research and nutritional recommendations, we will clarify by saying “cis women.” We encourage trans and nonbinary people of all genders to check in with a trans-competent nutritionist regarding their supplements and training needs.

Best Probiotic for Women

• Best Probiotic for Women Overall: Transparent Labs Probiotic
• Best Pre- and Probiotic for Women: Ritual Synbiotic+
• Best Probiotic for Weight Loss: Onnit Total Gut Health
• Best Probiotic for Women Over 50: Nutricost Probotic
• Best Probiotic for Gut Health: Sports Research Daily Probiotic
• Best Probiotic for IBS: Seed DS-01 Daily Synbiotic
• Best Probiotic for Vaginal Health: HUM Private Party
• Best Probiotic for Urinary Support: Thorne Women’s Daily Probiotic
• Best Daily Probiotic for Women: Garden of Life Once Daily Women’s Probiotic
• Best Liquid Probiotic: Mary Ruth’s Organic Liquid Probiotic

Best Probiotic for Women Overall: Transparent Labs Probiotic

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GGR Score: 3

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