These Are The Best Nootropics For Brain Fog (2024)

In our age of constant connection, always moving, consuming content, working, hustling, and doing, brain fog has become a common plight. But while everyone uses the word, what does it mean?

Brain fog is a blanket term for many conditions in which we are not thinking clearly. Symptoms can include feeling tired or sluggish, confusion in the mind, trouble focusing or processing information, and other similar problems.

While prioritizing sleep, nutrition, exercise, and meditation are the main pillars of battling brain fog, nootropics can greatly enhance the nutrition aspect of the equation. Nootropics use natural products to optimize brain chemistry and get your mind firing on all cylinders.

But you can use different approaches and formulations, so I’ve curated this list to help you choose the right product for your needs.

• Best Nootropic For Brain Fog: NooCube
• Best Stimulant Nootropic For Brain Fog: Vyvamind
• Best Nootropic For Stress Relief And Brain Fog: Mind Lab Pro
• Best Supplement For Memory And Brain Fog: Hunter Focus
• Best Natural Nootropic For Brain Fog: Braini

Nootropic	Price	Price per Serving
NooCube	$64.99 – $194.99	$1.30 – $2.17
Vyvamind	$74.99 – $207	$2.30 – $2.50
Mind Lab Pro	$69.00 – $207.00	$1.73 – $2.30
Hunter Focus	$90 – $270	$2.25 – $3.00
Braini	$59.99 – $259.99	$1.73 – $2.00

Best Nootropic For Brain Fog

NooCube

Pros

• Comprehensive formulation improves focus, memory, and cognitive flexibility.
• Scientific evidence supports the majority of components.
• The effects increase the longer you take it, eliminating brain fog for good.

Cons

• Without stimulants, you need to take it for a couple of weeks before you get noticeable results.

NooCube	Price	Price per Serving
1 Bottle	$64.99	$2.17 per serving
3 Bottles	$129.99	$1.44 per serving
5 Bottles	$194.99	$1.30 per serving

Brain fog can be caused by many factors, such as overworking and not getting enough sleep. If the problem is persistent enough to warrant looking for products to help, then you need a long-term solution, which Noocube provides.

Noocube is a comprehensive nootropic that boosts all areas of brain activity, alleviating and eventually eliminating brain fog for good.

The smart NooCube mix includes well-known ingredients, including Bacopa Monnieri ^[4], L-Tyrosine ^[3], and L-Theanine ^[1][2], which assist in boosting focus and attention while also reducing stress.

Bacopa Monierri, Choline Bitartrate ^[5], Panax Ginseng ^[6], and Huperzine A are all key components that help with memory.

Noocube also contains potent substances such as Lutemax2020, Resveratrol, and Choline.

Lutemax 2020 has been found to support areas of the brain responsible for memory, listening comprehension, and visual acuity. The ingredient is especially beneficial for people who work in front of a screen all day.

Even though certain components are slightly underdosed, the formulation provides a comprehensive approach capable of tackling most possible symptoms of brain fog.

My personal experience with Noocube has been very positive in the few times I’ve used it. I tend to slump in the afternoon and experience typical brain fog symptoms like losing my ability to focus and process information. Still, after a couple of weeks with Noocube, the problems noticeably subside. 

The potent, safe formulation and, not least, affordable price create the right balance of features for me to choose Noocube as the best nootropic for brain fog.

My NooCube review goes into greater detail.

Best Stimulant Nootropic For Brain Fog

Vyvamind

Pros

• The caffeine/L-theanine stack has an immediate and reliable effect.
• Citicoline and L-tyrosine stack in the body over time and boost memory and focus.
• Cheaper than a takeaway coffee but much better in effect.

Cons

• Not as comprehensive in formula and effect as the other products.

Vyvamind	Price	Price per Serving
1 Bottle	$74.99	$2.50 per serving
2 Bottles	$139.98	$2.33 per serving
3 Bottles	$207	$2.30 per serving

For many people, a lack of quality sleep is one of the prime reasons for brain fog. While stimulants like caffeine won’t resolve the problem, they will provide an almost immediate improvement, enough to get you through a challenging task.

This is where stimulant nootropics come in. Vyvamind is one of the best products in its category. Its straightforward formula contains no speculative components, herbs, or mushrooms with uncertain effects—only four established compounds centered on combining caffeine and L-theanine.

The two components are effective on their own and have a solid synergistic impact. L-theanine lowers caffeine’s adverse effects while increasing benefits such as improved working memory and alertness ^[7,8].

The other two components are citicoline ^[9] and L-tyrosine ^[10]. The first may boost episodic memory, focus, and motivation, while the second enhances working memory and executive function. Unfortunately, the two are dosed roughly at half the recommended amounts.

Despite this issue, I’ve used Vyvamind successfully and experienced a nearly immediate improvement in energy and clarity, as is expected with caffeine and L-theanine.

The other two ingredients provide proven long-term effects, making Vyvamind a potent and smarter substitute for your morning coffee. Its price is roughly the same as a cup of coffee, but the potential benefits are much more extensive.

My Vyvamind review goes into greater detail.

Best Nootropic For Stress Relief And Brain Fog

Mind Lab Pro

Pros

• Reduces brain fog and improves mental clarity
• Enhances focus, memory retention, and cognitive sharpness
• Natural, stimulant-free formula, avoiding crashes or sleep disruption

Cons:

• Some ingredients are underdosed compared to clinical recommendations

Mind Lab Pro	Price	Price per Serving
1 Bottle	$69.00	$2.30 per serving
2 Bottles	$138	$2.30 per serving
4 Bottles	$207	$1.73 per serving

Mind Lab Pro is a well-regarded nootropic designed to tackle brain fog, enhance mental clarity, and improve focus without relying on stimulants.

Its formula of 11 research-backed ingredients works together to reduce cognitive fatigue and clear up the mental haze that can come with stress, long workdays, or lack of sleep.

I felt more mentally sharp and focused, with improved memory retention and smoother thinking processes, making it a solid choice for reducing brain fog.

Since it’s caffeine-free, Mind Lab Pro won’t cause crashes or disrupt sleep, allowing for sustained mental energy throughout the day.

This makes it particularly effective for those who need to stay sharp and clear-headed, whether you’re dealing with mentally demanding tasks or just looking to enhance daily brain function.

With a natural and holistic approach, Mind Lab Pro can help combat brain fog while supporting long-term cognitive health.

You can read my Mind Lab Pro review for an in-depth formula breakdown and my experience.

Best Supplement For Memory And Brain Fog

Hunter Focus

Pros

• A healthy dose of caffeine and L-theanine always delivers immediate results.
• One of the most comprehensive ingredient lists on the market.
• Higher doses than much of the competition.
• Highly competitive price when buying in bulk.

Cons

• Caffeine means you need to take it earlier in the day.

Hunter Focus	Price	Price per Serving
1 Bottle	$90	$3.00 per serving
3 Bottles	$180	$3.00 per serving
5 Bottles	$270	$2.25 per serving

Hunter Focus is positioned in the premium nootropics market and is intended for the more demanding clients.

Hunter Focus has a good dosage of caffeine and L-theanine, quickly clearing brain fog and injecting a healthy dose of energy and focus into the blood.

Hunter Focus is a higher-end product with more components and higher doses than much of its competition. Some of the 14 ingredients include proven nootropic powerhouses like Bacopa Monnieri, Citicoline, Panax Ginseng, Ginko Biloba, L-tyrosine, and others.

The mix is designed to address issues faced by young and active people and help those of more advanced age battle cognitive decline.

Hunter Focus performs as expected, given the dense stack of brain enhancers on top of the caffeine.

Hunter Focus is naturally more expensive than other options on the list due to its extensive component list. Still, the product is surprisingly cheap when bought in bulk and is nearly three times cheaper than comparable products in terms of the number of components and dosage, like Qualia Mind.

So, if you are looking for a nootropic combining the strength of stimulants with long-term substances at an affordable price to battle brain fog and improve memory, I strongly recommend you try Hunter Focus.

My Hunter Focus review goes into greater detail.

Best Natural Nootropic For Brain Fog

Braini

Pros

• Exclusive natural ingredients unique for Braini.
• The company provides a personal test you can take to measure your results.
• One of the very few products with effectiveness proven by independent study.

Cons

• Other nootropics use ingredients with more scientific backing.

Braini	Price	Price per Serving
1 Bottle	$59.99	$2.00 per serving
3 Bottles	$169.99	$1.89 per serving
5 Bottles	$259.99	$1.73 per serving

A few characteristics distinguish Braini from the other products on this list. It contains unique components, employs a third-party brain testing technique, and has an independent study on the entire formulation.

Braini has two distinct components: NeruXcel and Peptylin. The first is the result of extensive research and development, and it contains SDA and GLA, two scientifically verified omega-3s that improve brain mobility.

Both show improvements in memory and executive function, which include organizing thoughts and switching tasks, among other brain functions.

Peptilyn, in particular, has shown the ability to enhance brain synapses and give therapeutic benefits.

I admit I was skeptical about the benefits, but Braini has a clever technique for measuring your own performance. The organization supplies a test you should take before and after 30 days of consumption.

Furthermore, an independent study found an average 7.8% improvement in cognitive performance in test subjects after 28 days of taking Braini ^[11]

Nootropics, in general, rely on natural ingredients. Still, Braini is also FDA-approved as safe for all ages and is one of the few products with an independent study proving its effectiveness.

The overall positive effect on brain health and cognitive function is a surefire way to battle brain fog in the long run.

My Braini review goes into greater detail.

Supplements To Avoid For Brain Fog

There is a trio of very popular nootropics that have earned a big bite of the market share simply by being more available than the competition.

They have been sold for many years and can be found in big grocery store chains and pharmacies, which makes them an easy choice for many people.

But I will shortly explain to you why trying to improve your brain fog symptoms with any of them is likely a futile task.

Neuriva

The first item on this list is Neuriva. If you believe the label, you will be guaranteed an improvement in reasoning, memory, focus, and concentration, among other advantages.

However, Neuriva contains only two ingredients that supposedly should deliver all the benefits: coffee fruit extract and phosphatidylserine.

The first lacks quality studies because the manufacturer of coffee fruit extract funds all of the available ones. Phosphatidylserine has some scientific support, but its effects are limited in scope and strength and cannot produce everything Neuriva promises on its own.

So, instead of Neuriva, I recommend trying a proven nootropic, such as any of the ones in this roundup review.

My Neuriva review goes deeper into why this nootropic is not worth it.

Prevagen

Prevagen comes next among the “grocery store nootropics,” as I like to call them. This one contains a single active component, Apoaequorin, which should provide all advertised advantages.

I wouldn’t mind the limited formula if the components were genuinely beneficial, but Apoaequorin has only been studied internally inside the company that manufactures it; therefore, I find it difficult to trust the study is neutral.

Even if the product is effective, its main purpose is to slow cognitive decline and restore memory in elderly people. Unless you fall into this group, don’t bother taking Prevagen.

My Prevagen review goes deeper into why this nootropic is not worth it.

Focus Factor

Focus Factor completes the set of nootropics to avoid. The company takes a different approach than Neuriva and Prevagen, packing the supplement with a dozen proven nootropics.

This is an excellent approach made completely meaningless by laughably low-dose ingredients. The whole formulation of over a dozen ingredients has a total of 640 mg (798 for the Extra Strength version). In comparison, some ingredients need as much individually to be effective.

With such minimal doses, I don’t believe Focus Factor can potentially deliver any benefits. My Focus Factor review goes deeper into why this nootropic is not worth it.

How To Pick The Best Supplements For Brain Fog

Ingredients & Formulation

Brain fog can be caused by many things, including lifestyle factors like too much work, too much screen time, stress, or inadequate sleep.

Inflammation, hormone imbalances, and nutrient deficiency can also cause many brain fog symptoms, and nootropics can help by providing the necessary nutrients for the brain to function properly.

A nootropic depends entirely on its formulation and dosages. Proven substances like Bacopa Monnieri, L-theanine, L-tyrosine, Panax Ginseng, and others lay the foundations of most products.

Some more speculative ingredients may also deliver substantial effects, but with fewer studies to prove them, I exercise a healthy dose of skepticism about them.

If you need a fast energy boost, seek stimulants, represented in nootropics by caffeine, always combined with L-theanine. This amino acid is also a key component of numerous nootropics regardless of whether they have caffeine or not.

The entire formulation is also crucial because many compounds react synergistically and produce a stronger effect than if you take some of them individually.

Dosage

The doses are nearly equally important as the formulation itself. All proven substances have been examined at particular dosages, and their effective ranges are known.

This is why it’s vital to choose nootropics with transparent ingredient lists rather than proprietary blends, which frequently hide severely underdosed substances.

Formula dosages are frequently lower than prescribed ranges, which does not necessarily imply that they do not function, but the benefits may be less complete than those demonstrated in research. 

The following are the recommended dosages for some of the most popular nootropic ingredients:

• Bacopa monnieri (>300 mg)
• L-tyrosine: >2 g; 
• L-theanine: 200 mg.
• Caffeine/L-theanine ratio: 1:2.
• Rhodiola rosea (100-170 mg) has 3.6-6.14 mg of rosavin.
• Huperzine A:> 1mg/kg bodyweight

Stimulant vs. Non-Stimulant

Stimulant-based nootropics, such as Vyvamind and Hunter Fopcus, combine caffeine and other substances to give you a nearly instant energy and focus boost, which will provide at least temporary mind fog relief.

The benefit of stimulant nootropics over plain coffee is the broader scope of benefits provided by the additional brain-enhancing ingredients in nootropic supplements.

Non-stimulant nootropics do not have such an immediate effect and require a more extended intake to deliver the full range of cognitive effects. But the effects also don’t wear off as quickly.

If you have consistent problems with brain fog, caffeine won’t help you in the long run, and full-scope nootropics like Noocube or Braini will be a better solution.

Third-Party Testing

Third-party testing by independent labs assures that a supplement contains the advertised ingredients and is free of dangerous contaminants.

This testing guarantees the substance is pure, potent, and safe.

Always choose products that have undergone third-party testing and share the results, giving you confidence in their quality.

Clinical Research

The more clinically proven components a nootropic contains, the better. Looking at peer-reviewed studies confirming an ingredient’s efficacy is one approach to verify you’re getting more than just a placebo.

However, as previously said, the formulation is also quite important. The best test a supplement can provide is based on the entire product rather than the individual elements.

Most nootropics lack independent studies, and only Braini from this list has one to boast with.

Price

As you can see from the table at the beginning of this post, the price of nootropics can vary. It usually reflects the number and dosages of the components found inside. Typically, more is better, but there is a chance you are paying more for speculative substances that have no effect.

All four of the products on this list are not only effective but are among the most reasonably priced on the market, so you can rest assured you are not being robbed. Buying in bulk or with a subscription is always cheaper with nootropics and is the more budget-conscious way to purchase.

Frequently Asked Brain Fog Nootropics Questions

What Is The Best Supplement For Brain Fog and Memory?

Nootropics can improve memory and clear brain fog because they contain multiple ingredients and target many brain and neural pathways. As for individual supplements, you can take vitamins D, B12, and C, Omega-3 fatty acids, or other substances with proven effects, like Ginkgo Biloba and Ginseng.

Are Nootropics Good For Brain Fog?

One of the main purposes of nootropics is to enhance cognitive function and promote mental clarity. They work on multiple levels, improving mental energy, flexibility, and mood, thus inevitably decreasing brain fog.

However, nootropics are not magic pills, and lifestyle changes like getting enough sleep and exercising routinely will most likely be needed if you frequently suffer from brain fog and can’t collect your thoughts. 

What Is A Quick Fix For Brain Fog?

The fastest way to cure brain fog is to get a good night’s sleep, exercise, and avoid computers and mobile phones for some time. If you need an immediate fix, a stimulant nootropic is your best bet. Hunter Focus and Vyvamind are excellent options.

Summary

Noocube is my number one choice for a nootropic against brain fog because it has a solid formulation and a price tag most people will be willing to pay. It’s a non-stimulant product delivering long-term cognitive benefits.

If you want a quick pick-me-up with some potential long-term benefits, Vyvamind can deliver. Hunter Focus, on the other hand, combines stimulants and many long-term nootropics substances for the most comprehensive approach.

Finally, Braini may be the best choice if you want a different but still scientifically proven approach than all other nootropics.

References

1. Hidese, S., Ogawa, S., Ota, M., Ishida, I., Yasukawa, Z., Ozeki, M., & Kunugi, H. (2019). Effects of L-theanine administration on stress-related symptoms and cognitive functions in healthy adults: a randomized controlled trial. Nutrients, 11(10), 2362.
2. Williams, J. L., Everett, J. M., D’Cunha, N. M., Sergi, D., Georgousopoulou, E. N., Keegan, R. J., … & Naumovski, N. (2020). The effects of green tea amino acid L-theanine consumption on the ability to manage stress and anxiety levels: A systematic review. Plant foods for human nutrition, 75, 12-23.
3. Reay, J. L., Kennedy, D. O., & Scholey, A. B. (2006). Effects of Panax ginseng, consumed with and without glucose, on blood glucose levels and cognitive performance during sustained ‘mentally demanding’tasks. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 20(6), 771-781.
4. Kongkeaw, C., Dilokthornsakul, P., Thanarangsarit, P., Limpeanchob, N., & Scholfield, C. N. (2014). Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials on cognitive effects of Bacopa monnieri extract. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 151(1), 528-535.
5. Kansakar, U., Trimarco, V., Mone, P., Varzideh, F., Lombardi, A., & Santulli, G. (2023). Choline supplements: An update. Frontiers in Endocrinology, 14, 1148166.
6. Reay, Jonathon & Scholey, Andrew & O., Kennedy. (2007). Effects of 8 weeks administration of Korean Panax ginseng extract on the mood and cognitive performance of healthy individuals. Journal of Ginseng Research. 31. 10.5142/JGR.2007.31.1.034.
7. Haskell, C. F., Kennedy, D. O., Milne, A. L., Wesnes, K. A., & Scholey, A. B. (2008). The effects of L-theanine, caffeine and their combination on cognition and mood. Biological psychology, 77(2), 113-122.
8. Owen, G. N., Parnell, H., De Bruin, E. A., & Rycroft, J. A. (2008). The combined effects of L-theanine and caffeine on cognitive performance and mood. Nutritional neuroscience, 11(4), 193-198.
9. Nakazaki, E., Mah, E., Sanoshy, K., Citrolo, D., & Watanabe, F. (2021). Citicoline and memory function in healthy older adults: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. The Journal of Nutrition, 151(8), 2153-2160.
10. Steenbergen, L., Sellaro, R., Hommel, B., & Colzato, L. S. (2015). Tyrosine promotes cognitive flexibility: evidence from proactive vs. reactive control during task switching performance. Neuropsychologia, 69, 50-55.
11. Lanou, A. J., Mast, A. C., Hill, B. D., Kim, S. S., & Hanaway, P. (2023). A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial of a Novel Dietary Supplement on Standardized CNS Vital Signs Cognitive Performance Parameters in Adults. Journal of Integrative and Complementary Medicine, 29(5), 303-312.

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