Although women are the strongest, most badass creatures to ever walk the earth, sometimes we need a little extra oomph to power through a workout. That’s where high-quality pre-workout supplements can come in. These dietary supplements can help you crush a high-intensity sweat session, utilizing common ingredients like caffeine, l-citrulline, and beta-alanine. But with hundreds of pre-workouts on the market, how do you choose?
The best pre-workout for women will support increased energy levels, exercise performance, and even muscle growth with (hopefully) few or no side effects.
Our team here at GGR knows pretty much everything you should know about home gym equipment, supplements included. We also teamed up with Laila Ouldibbat, a New York City-based registered dietitian and Ph.D. candidate in biological sciences, to get her input on the best pre-workout supplements for women.
Editor’s 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.
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. GGR also recommends choosing a product that has been third-party tested for quality.
GGR Gold Pick – Best Best Pre-Workout for Women
1st Phorm Project-1 is our pick for the best pre-workout for women. It contains proven ingredients in research-backed doses without providing too much caffeine, and earns 5 out of 5 stars for its formulation. We also appreciate that it contains 5 grams of creatine monohydrate in each scoop.
Best Pre-Workout for Women
- Best Pre-Workout for Women Overall: 1st Phorm Project-1 is third-party tested, has a fully transparent label, and also contains a full 5-gram dose of creatine per serving.
- Best Budget Pre-Workout for Women: Nutricost Pre-X Pre-Workout costs less than $1 per serving and has 300 milligrams of caffeine per serving.
- Best Pre-Workout for Women for Weight Loss: Transparent Labs LEAN contains a blend of energy-enhancing and metabolism-supporting ingredients.
- Best Tasting Pre-Workout for Women: Jacked Factory Nitrosurge has delicious flavors and our tester says it’s what helps her get out of bed for her early-morning workouts.
- Best Caffeinated Pre-Workout for Women: Legion Pulse will give you steady energy without a crash, even if you only take half a serving.
Current Top Deals
- Legion Pulse Pre-Workout – BOGO up to 50% off sitewide
- 1st Phorm Project-1 Pre-Workout – Free shipping on orders over $150
- Transparent Labs LEAN Pre-Workout – Free shipping on orders over $99
How We Selected the Best Pre-Workout for Women
For this category, we consider the ingredients in a given pre-workout, and whether or not they’re included in researched-back doses. We also check for any proprietary blends, which can hide the ingredient quantity, as well as the overall stimulant dosage.
To earn 3 out of 5 stars, we may see proven ingredients, but not at research-backed doses, or the stimulant dosing may be a bit too high. Those that contain safe ingredients in evidence-backed doses earn higher scores.

This is a subjective, but important category, since nobody wants to spend their hard-earned money on a product they don’t enjoy using. We primarily lean on our personal testing experience to score this category, though we also consider the total number of available flavors. To earn 3 out of 5 stars, the pre-workout isn’t offensive, but it’s not great, either. Higher scores are awarded to pre-workouts we genuinely love, and look forward to drinking over and over again.

Third-party testing is used to verify that a product contains exactly what is listed on the label, with no additional ingredients or contaminants. While the FDA has supplement guidelines in place, brands aren’t required to prove they meet them before going to market, so third-party testing helps ensure product safety.
To get a 3 out of 5, the company seems fairly transparent but the product is not certified by a major organization like NSF, Informed Choice, or the Banned Substance Control Group (BSCG). Certification by one of those agencies earns a pre-workout a 5-out-of-5 score.

Before assigning a score to any pre-workout, we mix it according to the label instructions, and test it for solubility, taste, side effects, and more. We also try it before a workout and monitor our performance, noting any improvements in energy, focus, or pump. After testing, we calculate a final score using our pre-workout testing methodology.

Our team of expert testers includes certified personal trainers, nutrition coaches, athletes, and more. As a team, we’ve tested nearly 100 pre-workout supplements and counting, and in addition to our own experience, we regularly consult with registered dietitians to get their input on various formulations.

Latest Updates
In September 2026, we reviewed our list of the best pre-workouts for women and made a few changes based on our latest testing. 1st Phorm Project-1 now earns our top recommendation, and we swapped out picks that didn’t score as well in categories like price per serving, formulation, and solubility.
Best Pre-Workout for Women Overall: 1st Phorm Project-1
1st Phorm Project-1 packs several well-dosed pre-workout staples into one formula, including 5 grams of creatine, 6 grams of citrulline, and 3.2 grams of beta-alanine. We like the more moderate 200 milligrams of caffeine compared with Project-1 Pro, but stimulant-sensitive athletes and anyone training close to bedtime may want a caffeine-free option instead.
Best Budget Pre-Workout for Women: Nutricost Pre-X Pre-Workout
Nutricost Pre-X is an affordable pre-workout at about $1 per serving. There are five flavors to choose from, each with a light and refreshing taste. Each serving contains 300 milligrams of caffeine, which is equivalent to about 3 cups of coffee.
What our tester says:
“With this one, even two hours after taking it, I didn’t have a comedown, crash, or feel tired. I could still work really hard through my sessions.”
Best Pre-Workout for Women for Weight Loss: Transparent Labs LEAN
Transparent Labs’ LEAN pre-workout supplement promises to deliver better endurance, power, alertness, and focus. The fat loss component is less of a guarantee with few reports of an actual change in body composition.
What our tester says:
“It was slightly bitter and not too sweet—an okay combination. Although, it didn’t dissolve completely, that didn’t affect the experience, in my opinion.”
Best Tasting Pre-Workout for Women: Jacked Factory Nitrosurge
Jacked Factory Nitrosurge Pre-Workout is a generally positively reviewed pre-workout with 180 milligrams of caffeine and a large variety of flavor options.
What our tester says:
“I like that you still get 180 milligrams of caffeine with 1 scoop, so you get the energy but without all the other effects.”
Best Caffeinated Pre-Workout for Women: Legion Pulse
Formulated with all-natural ingredients, each of which are present at a high level, Legion Pulse’s stim-free pre-workout formula is a fan favorite. If you’re trying to avoid artificial flavors and chemicals, this may be a good choice.
What our tester says:
“While it mixes well, the Blue Raspberry does have a bitter taste and an unpleasant aftertaste.”
Our Testers
Other Pre-Workouts for Women We Tested
There are countless pre-workouts on the market, and we’ve personally tested nearly 100 different options. This made narrowing this list down to our top five quite difficult, so here are a few runner-ups we also love and recommend, even if they didn’t quite make the cut.
Best Pre-Workout for Women for Focus: Onnit Alpha Brain

- Nootropic blend
- Naturally sweetened
- Alpha-GPC
Best Pre-Workout for Women for Endurance: 1st Phorm Endura-Formance

- Has creatine
- Caffeine-free
- Electrolytes
Best Non-Stim Pre-Workout for Women: Transparent Labs Stim-Free

- Caffeine-free formula
- Transparent dosing
- Clinically dosed
Best Pre-Workout for Women for Beginners: Cellucor C4

- Classic pre-workout
- 150mg caffeine
- Widely available
Best Medium Stim Pre-Workout for Women: Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Pre-Workout

- Energy & focus support
- Budget-friendly
- Trusted brand
Best Natural Pre-Workout for Women: Naked Nutrition Naked Energy Pre-Workout

- All-natural vegan formulation
- 3 flavors available
- Simple recipe with only 10 ingredients
Benefits of Pre-Workouts
Buying Guide: What to Look for in Pre-Workouts
There are countless pre-workout formulas on the market, so if you’re considering options that aren’t on our list, here are the most important things to pay attention to before ordering anything.

Our Recommendations
If you’re feeling overwhelmed trying to find the right option, we don’t blame you, and we’re here to help.
Here’s a quick comparison guide to help you find the best pre-workout for your needs and goals.
| Buy If | Avoid If | |
| 1st Phorm Project-1 | You want 5 grams of creatine | You’re on a tight budget |
| Nutricost Pre-X Pre-Workout | You want an affordable option | You prefer more flavor variety |
| Transparent Labs LEAN | You want a thermogenic blend | You prefer a high caffeine content |
| Jacked Factory Nitrosurge | You want the best flavor | You value third-party testing |
| Legion Pulse | You want a high-stim formula | You’d rather have the best-tasting option |
| Onnit Alpha Brain | You’re looking for mental focus | You’re on a budget |
| 1st Phorm Endura-Formance | You’re an endurance athlete | You prefer a stim-based formulation |
| Transparent Labs Stim-Free | You train in the evening | You’re looking for caffeine |
| Cellucor C4 | You’re new to pre-workouts | You prefer a high-stim pre-workout |
| Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Pre-Workout | You’re sensitive to caffeine | You want a full five grams of creatine |
| Naked Nutrition Pre-Workout | You want an all-natural formula | You prefer more active ingredients |
FAQs About the Best Pre-Workouts for Women
Is pre-workout good for females?
While there are specific populations, like pregnant people and children, who should not take pre-workout, if you take it as directed, pre-workout is considered safe. It being “good for you” is subjective—can it help you reach your fitness goals? Maybe, yes. Is it the healthiest thing you can consume? Probably not.
What is the best pre-workout for beginners?
If you’re new to pre-workout supplements, we recommend choosing a formula that contains a moderate amount of caffeine and won’t be too stimulating, like Cellucor C4.
What are the best supplements for women before a workout?
Before working out, many people can benefit from using a product that contains ingredients designed to boost performance, like caffeine, beta-alanine, and more. Some prefer to avoid stimulants, and may want to focus on hydration and endurance products instead, and consider trying a stim-free pre-workout formula.
While not necessary, a scoop of protein powder, particularly a fast-digesting form like whey protein, can also provide the essential amino acids needed to support muscle recovery, and may be worth trying before a workout.
Is pre-workout good for losing weight?
The most sustainable way to lose weight is with a proper diet and exercise plan. Pre-workout can supplement this plan to give you an energy boost during your workouts, but it shouldn’t be used as a primary strategy alone.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
References
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- Hall, M., Manetta, E., & Tupper, K. (2021). Creatine Supplementation: An Update. Current sports medicine reports, 20(7), 338–344. https://doi.org/10.1249/JSR.0000000000000863
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