So you’ve taken pre-workouts and need the “next best thing”. You want something more hardcore than whats available mainstream….You want the strongest pre workouts on planet Earth.
Bottom line, if you’re looking for the strongest pre workouts, you’ve come to the right place.
The pre-workouts below are NOT FOR THE FAINT HEARTED. Some should be illegal to be honest.
Checkout our top three if you’re in a rush:
New Favorite Stim Junkie Pre-Workout  | Amazing Euphoric Pre Workout  | Euphoric+Nootropic Pre Workout  |
Primary Rating: 4.8 | Primary Rating: 4.4 | Primary Rating: 4.5 |
Pros:
| Pros:
| Pros:
|
- Best Mood Elevation
- Amazing Pumps
- Amazing Focus
- Mood Elevation
- Good DMHA
- Great Sense of Urgency
Want your face blown off with some DMAA for stimulant insanity?
Heres some Crack. (lol literally a pre workout called crack)
Do you want 600 mg of caffeine?
We’ve got a pre-workout for you. Enjoy Hooligan, probably the only pre workout on this list without exotic stimulants
Want a pre-workout with a euphoric head buzz?
Check out Smack Pre-Workout with 300mg DMHA (high quality as well, think Pablo Escobar Quality).
Want to see our favorite pre workout?
Check out El Jefe. The best here for great energy, laser focus, euphoria, and pumps. The best experience we had in a pre workout in a while.
Whether you want high stim energy, intense focus and euphoria, or simply hardcore intensity and aggression in the gym, we have something for you.
As us pre workout veterans say, strong pre workouts have more to their story than meets the eye on the supplement facts.
Pre workouts are like cars, they look sexy on the outside BUT you need to test drive them to make sure they are up to par.
And we at Pre Workout World have test driven hundreds of pre workouts. These are the strongest we have ever tried.
This list is for the stim junkies, the true pre-workout connoisseurs. The crazies of the world.
This list is updated multiple times per month to make sure you’re getting the latest and strongest pre workouts available.
Here’s the quick summary of the strongest pre workouts and their effects:
El Jefe LTD is a super powerful limited edition pre workout and slightly more powerful version of the OG.
One of our personal favorite pre workouts!
Discount codes:
PREWORLD = 20% off at ASC Supplements
A smooth high-stim, euphoric experience with low caffeine.
The best nootropic pre workout we have tried in years.
DMHA: 300 mg
Caffeine Anhydrous: 150 mg
Noopept: 25 mg
Di-Caffeine Malate: 200 mg
Discount codes:
PREWORLD = 15% off at Nutri Cartel
Very limited stock
Hard-hitting, "happy" DMHA experience.
All stims, no pumps. But well worth it for stim junkies.
Discount codes:
PREWORLD = 15% off at My Supplement Plug
A legendary DMHA hitter.
Dark Energy's Legal Brother (Litterally)
The real deal.
Caffeine: 400 mg
DMHA: 200 mg
Best Flavor: Godly Peach
Discount codes:
PREWORLD = 15% off Nutri Cartel
El Jefe Guerilla Pre Workout is the strongest & smoothest nootropic daily driver pre workout without exotic stimulants in 2022. Jefe Guerilla is brimming with pump, energy, and focus ingredients to keep you going all day long. It may even be better than Hooligan and Godzilla.
Citrulline: 8,000 mg
Nitrates: 3,000 mg
VasoDrive AP: 508 mg
Caffeine: 550 mg
Alpha GPC: 800 mg
DMAE: 750 mg
An amazing limited edition pre workout from Muscle Force and NutriCartel.
The real deal. Our favorite pre workout from Muscle Force.
Caffeine: 450 mg
DMHA: 250 mg
Theanine: 0 (Good Thing)
Discount codes:
PREWORLD = 15% off Nutri Cartel
Most hardcore DMAA pre workout/fat burner available.
Definetly not for beginners. Be careful with this one.
Limited Quantities Available 2022.
Discount code:
PREWORLD = 15% off at NutriCartel
A hardcore stim junkie pre workout with DMAA, Yohimbine and Ephedra Extract.
One of the more in-demand pre-workouts in 2022.
Discount code:
PREWORLD = 15% off at NutriCartel
In Stock as of 13 Feb, 2023
Most hardcore DMAA and loaded pump formula.
One of the most in-demand pre-workouts for two years running.
DMAA: 120 mg
Caffeine: 400 mg
A well-rounded, hardcore, pre workout.
Caffeine: 600 mg
DMHA: 300 mg
Eria Jarensis: 300 mg
Best Flavor: Cherry Cola
Discount codes:
PREWORLD = 15% off at Nutri Cartel
Dark Labs latest pre workout.
Most complete pre workout from Dark Labs without DMAA. Awesome experience for stim junkies.
PEA's: 1000 mg
Caffeine: 500 mg
Discount code:
PREWORLD = 15% off at NutriCartel
Hooligan is the strongest pre workout without banned substances.
Caffeine: 600 mg
Alpha GPC: 600 mg
Lions Mane: 1,000 mg
Discount codes:
PREWORLD = 15% off at Nutrition Cartel
Strongest Pre Workouts for 2023
- El Jefe Pre Workout: Our Favorite Pre Workout
- Jefe LTD Pre Workout: Our Fav But Limited Edition
- Flame Pre Workout: Euphoric
- Smack Pre-Workout: Best Euphoric+Nootropic Pre Workout
- El Jefe Guerilla Pre Workout: Best All Around Hardcore Pre Workout
- Zeus Pre Workout: Legendary DMHA Pre Workout
- Crack Reloaded: Strong Pre W/O DMAA or DMHA
- Gulag Pre Workout: New DMHA Pre Workout
- Assassin Pre Workout: Well Balanced Stim Junky Pre Workout
- Hooligan Pre Workout: Best W/O Exotic Stims
- Phenta Plex Pre Workout: Illicit Focus
- Street Series Pre Workout: Best Thermogenic DMHA Pre Workout
Each of the pre workouts listed is unique in their own special way. They’re all strong pre workouts, but the one that is “right” for you depends on what you’re looking for. Any of these strong AF pre workouts can be used as a successful tool in your tool box.
El Jefe Pre Workout (Our Overall Favorite High Stim Pre Workout)
El Jefe is a high stim pre workout from ASC Supplements designed for the veteran stim junkies. El Jefe has an amazing pump and stim package that really comes together amazing.
We usually do not like supplements that use a proprietary blend because I think transparency is important, but El Jefe is the exception to this rule… it’s hard to argue with the effects.
For pumps it contains a clinical amount of citrulline, Nitrosigine, taurine, and betaine. Just looking at this you will get pumps.
From what I can tell from the ingredient list on the stim package, El Jefe contains Juglans Regia Extract (the real DMHA), two types of caffeine, eria jarensis, bitter orange, nelumbo, and alpha yohimbine, most notably.
El Jefe hits really nicely, providing insane mood enhancement, amazing pumps and a solid energy boost. It finds a sweet spot between cracked out pre workouts that have negative side effects and ordinary daily driver pre workouts.
Also the most reliable pre workout on this list. I always feel great when I take El Jefe, mostly happy and productive, and don’t have any crash afterward.
Even though its a proprietary blend, I’d definitely recommend El Jefe for those looking for a “happy pre workout” that doesn’t burn you out or one you get used to.
El Jefe is one of the most powerful high-stim pre workout that delivers euphoric energy and long lasting focus.
One of our favorite high stim pre workouts!
Discount codes:
PREWORLD = 15% off at ASC Supplements and Nutri Cartel
El Jefe Limited Edition Pre Workout (Limited Edition Pre Workout)
El Jefe Limited Edition Pre Workout is a special spin-off on our favorite high stim pre workout, El Jefe. Generally speaking, it is similar to the original El Jefe but with additional stimulants and different dosages of those stimulants. It is a more aggressive feeling compared to the original.
El Jefe Limited Edition still provides the best mood elevation experience out there, but it is more aggressive than the original. It wasn’t elevating to a point where I would feel jittery.
The pumps were also amazing. Probably the best pumps a stim junky pre workout can provide, also similar as the Jefe OG.
Just like with the OG, it is one of the absolute best without the jitters and anxiety. It doesn’t overdo it.
Overall, El Jefe limited edition does not disappoint. As usual with ASC Supplements, this impressed me and it is a pre workout I’d recommend for as long as it is in circulation. It is strong, and probably the best all around experience anywhere. No negative side effects.
The only issue is it’s a limited edition. Which means they will eventually sell out or reformulate for another version.
El Jefe LTD is a super powerful limited edition pre workout and slightly more powerful version of the OG.
One of our personal favorite pre workouts!
Discount codes:
PREWORLD = 20% off at ASC Supplements
Crack Pre Workout (Best DMAA Experience)
Crack Pre Workout is an insanely strong DMAA pre workout that is a fully dosed stimulant, focus and pump ingredient panel. It is manufactured in Poland but honestly we can never know 100%. Nor can we trust underground companies like Dark Labs to put in what they say is in here is really in here. But after us and many others testing this, we can confirm this is the REAL DMAA DEAL.
On the pump side, you’ll get the following ingredients per serving:
- 8 grams of citrulline malate (2:1)
- 1.5 grams of agmatine sulfate
- 1 gram of arginine nitrate
- 1 gram of beet root powder
- 250 mg of norvaline
For the focus and energy side, you’ll get the following ingredients per serving:
- 400 mg of caffeine
- 120 mg of Geranium
- 500 mg of choline bitartrate
- 25 mg of Sceletium Tortuosum Extract
Even though it’s a short stimulant profile, it’s a powerful combination for endurance and intense energy.
Crack includes 3 grams of beta alanine will give us all the tingles many of us stim heads love.
Check out the ingredients below.
*Note=Geranium is DMAA*
Crack comes with 20 Servings per container but this is where the 1 scoop/2 scoop approach comes in handy. Many will enjoy this product at just one scoop. which could stretch the product out to 40 servings.
This product will definetly not be around forever so get it before the FDA does….
In Stock as of 13 Feb, 2023
Most hardcore DMAA and loaded pump formula.
One of the most in-demand pre-workouts for two years running.
DMAA: 120 mg
Caffeine: 400 mg
Smack Pre Workout (Best Nootropic + Euphoric Experience)
Smack pre workout is a high stim pre-workout from Vices & Vibes. This is the best nootropic+euphoric pre workout we have ever experienced.
Smack pre workout contains the highest amount of DMHA ever seen in a pre workout at 300 mg (2-amino-5, aka Walter White quality), 300 mg of caffeine from two sources, 250 mg of N-Phenethyl Dimethylamine, 25 mg of Noopept, and 25 mg of isoproplynorsynephrine.
The most apparent effects of Smack are the nootropics and mood elevation. The energy is there, but it is very subtle; no big explosion upfront. This is because of the equal blend of caffeine anhydrous and di caffeine malate. The result is a smoother, longer-lasting pre-workout experience.
About 26 minutes in, the huge surge of happiness and mood elevation comes in. Its like a rocket of happiness. Right after that, the laser focus sets in. I mean serious focus.
Smack, really, is for those looking for a productive workout without any fuss or distractions.
A smooth high-stim, euphoric experience with low caffeine.
The best nootropic pre workout we have tried in years.
DMHA: 300 mg
Caffeine Anhydrous: 150 mg
Noopept: 25 mg
Di-Caffeine Malate: 200 mg
Discount codes:
PREWORLD = 15% off at Nutri Cartel
Hooligan Pre Workout (Strongest Pre Workout W/O Exotic Stimulants)
Hooligan pre workout from Apollon Nutrition is probably the strongest pre workout we have ever come across without any banned substances (athletes rejoice).
A few highlights from Hooligan v6, per serving:
- 8 grams of Citrulline for pumps
- 1 gram of Lions Mane
- 450 mg caffeine anhydrous + 200 mg dicaffeine malate (75%) = 600 mg of active caffeine
- 600 mg Alpha GPC
- 500 mg Theobromine
Like its crazier counterpart, Assassin, Hooligan earns the designation of a fully dosed pre workout and is one of the strongest hardcore pre workouts in its own special way. This label may include fewer stimulants, but may no mistake – it’s going to fire on all cylinders.
Hooligan is the perfect choice for folks looking for a high stim pre workout that delivers long lasting energy and skin ripping pumps.
If you’re seeking endurance, this is for you.
In terms of feeling, Hooligan is predominantly an energy & focus pre workout that lasts for a few hours after your workout. It doesn’t make you feel crazy or aggressive.
The 200 mg of di-caffeine malate (yielding an effective dose of 150 mg of caffeine) is an “extended release” version of caffeine, which helps negate any negative “crash” effects resulting from the strong 450 mg of caffeine anhydrous.
But don’t let the caffeine content scare you aware. The tyrosine and rhodiola extract helps smooth out your experience as well and reduce any negative side effects from the high caffeine dosage.
Overall, Hooligan is very thoughtfully crafted supplement that holds a special place in our supplement industry.
Hooligan is the strongest pre workout without banned substances.
Caffeine: 600 mg
Alpha GPC: 600 mg
Lions Mane: 1,000 mg
Discount codes:
PREWORLD = 15% off at Nutrition Cartel
Zeus Pre Workout (Legendary DMHA Pre Workout)
Zeus pre workout is a dmha pre workout that has been causing some noise. Its literally Dark Energy’s legal brother (the same people behind Dark Energy are also behind Zeus Pre Workout.
Some highlights of this legend include:
- 6 grams of citrulline malate (2:1)
- 750 mg of DMAE
- 600 mg of PEA’s
- 200 mg of DMHA
- 50 mg of GABA
Zeus’ main effects are a good kick of energy, sense of urgency, and mood enhancements.
Within 15 minutes, the sense of urgency comes. This was followed by strong, smooth energy that lasted for at least 5-6 hours.
A legendary DMHA hitter.
Dark Energy's Legal Brother (Litterally)
The real deal.
Caffeine: 400 mg
DMHA: 200 mg
Best Flavor: Godly Peach
Discount codes:
PREWORLD = 15% off Nutri Cartel
Phenta Plex Pre Workout (Possibly Enhanced)
Phenta Plex is definetly one of the more controversial pre workouts on this list. On one hand, some people say this is the closest replacement to Excelsior pre workout on the market. On the other hand, people say they did not feel anything.
For those who know what Excelsior is, you know what that means. For those who don’t know, Excelsior was commonly known for provided hours of crazy focus. Some compared it to amphetamines, basically many felt it was spiked with an unknown ingredient. But these claims were never substantiated, and Excelsior unfortunately disappeared from the market overnight.
But looking at this label, there is no explanation for this claims of being an Excelsior replacement which is why we say it is possibly enhanced with a super ingredient.
For me personally, Phenta Plex felt similar to Excelsior. Not as intense, probably a few steps behind. But it did provide me with great focus and motivation.
No side effects either like Excelsior, which was known for appetite suppression and crazy crash.
If you are a true stim junkie, this is a must try.
Phenta Plex is considered by many to be the best pre workout for illicit focus. Quite possibly an "Excelsior" replacement.
The label is small and strange, which is why some thing this is "enhanced".
Definetly controversial
Assassin Pre Workout (Well Balanced)
Assassin pre workout is a powerful, balanced supplement from Apollon Nutrition (the second supplement from Apollon on this list). It is for going beast mode in the gym. This is one of the harder hitting pre workouts on this list.
This is definitely “stim junkie” approved.
In each serving of Assassin, these ingredients stand out:
- 450 mg caffeine anhydrous + 200 mg dicaffeine malate = 600 mg active caffeine
- 800 mg PEAs
- 2000 mg L-Tyrosine
- 300 mg DMHA
- 3.5 g Beta Alanine
Assassin has changed over the years. It is now a more balanced version of all Assassin that have been in existence. Version 6 was super hardcore and very aggressive, probably more aggressive than what most expected. Now with version 7, it is a more balanced experience.
A well-rounded, hardcore, pre workout.
Caffeine: 600 mg
DMHA: 300 mg
Eria Jarensis: 300 mg
Best Flavor: Cherry Cola
Discount codes:
PREWORLD = 15% off at Nutri Cartel
Gulag Pre Workout (Newest and Hottest DMHA Pre Workout)
Gulag Preworkout is the newest and hottest high-stim pre-workout supplement from Just Vibes, a new brand on the market.
The highlights of the ingredient profile:
- 6g of Citrulline Malate
- 3.2 g Beta-Alanine
- 1.5g Agmatine Sulfate
- 250 mg Caffeine
- DMHA
If you are looking for pumps in your pre-workout, there is not much here. Gulag is centered around energy, focus, and mood, and it delivers.
Some are saying this is the new Dark Energy and Jack3D OG(not really but its similar).
You’re getting a good wave of energy and mood enhancement with this one.
It comes through with amazing mood, motivation and energy. I could only recommend this for advanced users who’ve dealt with gray-market stims in their product and don’t necessarily care about pumps.
New DMHA pre-workout only for stim junkies.
Discount codes:
PREWORLD = 15% off at NutriCartel
PREWORLD = 15% off at MySupplementPlug
Flame Pre Workout (Amazing Euphoric Experience)
Flame Pre Workout is another pre workout from Dark Labs known for its hefty doses of DMHA and Eria Jarensis.
Flame has been getting a lot of hype, and the hype is warranted.
Why? Excellent euphoria, great focus, and no crash. It has great legs and lasts for several hours.
Flame nails the perfect balance of intensity and comfort – it packs a punch without feeling like “too much.
With Flame, you will definitely wanted to keep going.
I was feeling great, glowing with energy, and wanted to keep getting after it in the gym.
Very limited stock
Hard-hitting, "happy" DMHA experience.
All stims, no pumps. But well worth it for stim junkies.
Discount codes:
PREWORLD = 15% off at My Supplement Plug
Pre Workouts That Were On The List But Removed
The pre workouts below were at one point considered the strongest but either due to reformulation, discontinuing, or just not remaining up-to-date, they have been removed.
Still great pre workouts, just no longer have a spot in the top.
- Crack Gold Pre Workout (No Longer In Stock)
- Crack Pre Workout (No Longer In Stock)
Ingredients Commonly Found in Strongest Pre Workouts
Below are the most common ingredients you will find in strong pre workouts.
Caffeine Anhydrous
Caffeine anhydrous is the classic form of the caffeine known for energy, motivation, and focus.
This is normally included in almost 99% of pre workouts. In the strongest pre workouts, you will find it at 400 mg-600 mg.
The exception to this rule is Smack Pre Workout, which has a lower amount of caffeine.
Di-Caffeine Malate
Di-caffeine malate is the extended release version of caffeine. This ingredient is normally included in pre workout to help the pre workout last longer and to prevent the dreaded “crash” effects that can occur from high doses of caffeine.
DMAA
DMAA is a stimulant that provides energy, focus, and euphoric feelings by increasing the concentration of dopamine and epinephrine. DMAA has been on the FDA watch list since 2013. Only underground companies will touch said ingredient.
Honestly, the amount of DMAA on an ingredients label is usually pretty unreliable, which is why it is so important to read reviews to understand what the true effects are.
Crack Pre Workout is one of the very few reliable pre workouts we have come across.
DMHA
DMHA is also a stimulant that behaves in a fashion similar to DMAA: energy, euphoria, focus, etc. It grew in popularity over the last several years as many pre workout manufacturers shied away from using DMAA, creating DMHA pre workout supplements instead.
DMHA is frequently included in dosages ranging from 100 mg to 200 mg.
It can also be labeled as 2-aminoisoheptane, octodrine, 1,5-dimethylhexylamine, and 2-amino-6-methylheptane.
Eria Jarensis
Eria Jarensis is a stimulant that is becoming a popular alternative to DMAA or DMHA. Sometimes you’ll see those ingredients combined, like with Pre Phase. It increases levels of dopamine and noradrenaline in the user and can enhance mood, increase motivation, and dial in concentration.
A solid dose of Eria Jarensis usually ranges between 150 mg and 250 mg.
L-Tyrosine
L-Tyrosine is an amino acid that increases the synthesis of dopamine and helps improve concentration and memory during stressful situations. It can help balance the effects of high caffeine doses by “smoothing out” some of the jittery effects. Since the strongest pre workouts often contain a lot of stimulants, it is important to balance them out with L-Tyrosine.
I like to see at least 500 mg of L-Tyrosine in a pre workout, with the top-tier
ones usually including between 1,000 mg and 1,500 mg.
While other ingredients like L-Citrulline and Beta Alanine are important, most high quality workout supplements will get these right.
A “Strong Pre Workout” Is Not Always Optimal
I, like many people, assumed for a while that what I needed for my workouts was the most powerful pre workout. This turned out to be a false assumption.
If you’re relatively new to pre workout, check out our list of the recommended pre workout supplements for beginners. That List include pre workouts with an average of 300 mg of caffeine on that list.
It’s always a good idea to save your strongest supplements for special occasions, not every training session. I take these kinds of pre workouts about three times a week.
My favorite pre workouts for regular, daily usage are listed on our Best Daily Driver Pre Workouts. That way you’re not needlessly increasing your caffeine tolerance, exposing yourself to potent stimulants, and potentially building unhealthy habits.
Closing Thoughts
The final ranking of the strongest pre workout supplements is:
- El Jefe Pre Workout
- Jefe LTD Pre Workout
- Crack Pre Workout
- Smack Pre-Workout
- Zeus Pre Workout
- Crack Reloaded
- Gulag Pre Workout
- Assassin Pre Workout
- Hooligan Pre Workout
- Phenta Plex Pre Workout
- Flame Pre Workout
There you have it – the strongest pre workouts currently available. You can’t go wrong with any of the above, it just depends on what you’re looking for.
I tend to use El Jefe the most, followed by Smack, Assassin and Zeus.
I stay away from Phenta Plex these days, but it truly is an extraordinary experience for those seeking a high stim pre workout. The choice is yours.
Pre Workouts That Didn’t Make the Cut
The pre workouts listed above were proven to be the strongest after extensive testing. Here are some pre workouts that were tried but did not make the final list:
- Transparent Labs – Bulk & Lean
- Decimi8
- Beyond Raw – Lit
- Bucked Up – Woke AF
- Pro Supps – Mr. Hyde NitroX
- Kaged Muscle – Pre-Kaged
- Old School Labs – Vintage Blast
- GAT Sport – Nitraflex
- Man Sports – Gameday
- Legion Athletics – Pulse
- Ghost – Legend
- JYM Pre Workout
- God of Rage Pre Workout
Pre Workouts That Are Over-Hyped
There are some pre workouts that are very overhyped. In case I did not state it earlier, we have been taking pre workouts for over 15 years. So we have seen a thing or two.
We have been here since the rise and fall of awesome pre workouts like Jack3D, Dark Energy, etc.
But with a pre workout falling out of the market, others will come in the fill in the void. Now the pre workouts below arent terrible, but they are not worth the hype others give them or worth the money really.
Below is what we have come across that was a flop.
- God of Rage Pre Workout
- Arez Titanium
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the highest caffeine pre workout?
The highest caffeine pre workout is Hooligan pre workout. Hooligan contains 600 mg of caffeine in total.
What are the strongest pre workouts of 2022?
This is subjective, but Crack, Jefe Limited Edition, Hooligan are the strongest pre workouts so far. Crack contain DMAA, Jefe LTD contains a savage blend of stims, Hooligan has a clean ingredient label – all three are powerful.
What is the strongest pre workout for bodybuilders?
As bodybuilders tend to have long workouts, they often benefit from pre workouts that last several hours and offer incredible pumps.
For that, El Jefe and Hooligan comes highly recommended.
What is the strongest pre workout for powerlifters?
Powerlifting doesn’t really require any specific type of pre workout for successful training sessions. With that said, the personality of powerlifters tend to enjoy pre workouts that get them “in the zone” and focused on achieving technical lifting proficiency with near maximal loads.
Assassin and El Jefe LTD lend themselves well to this type of use case, but really this is up to your personal preferences. Also, be mindful of whether you’re competing in a drug tested powerlifting federation, as both of these pre workouts contain banned ingredients.
Banned pre workouts?
This is not as straightforward as you might expect. Individual pre workouts are not really “banned,” but they can be flagged for containing pre workouts that are illegal to market or sell as a dietary supplement. This is a small difference, but I think it’s worth pointing out.
As such, a product can be reformulated to remove the infringing ingredient.
With that said, when the FDA began issuing warnings in 2013 to manufacturers that sold products containing DMAA, two products that were specifically called out were the pre workout Jack3D and the fat burner Oxy Elite Pro, both by USPlabs.
Even still, both of those products are still available in reformulated versions, so they’re not banned, they’re just different.
This list is by no means exhaustive, but it is a quick history of some of the more notable pre workouts to be reformulated as a result of regulatory scrutiny.