5 Best Nootropics For Energy & 3 To Avoid (2024)

As you run low on energy from a hard morning dealing with kids, horrible bosses, and stressful life admin, you reach for the coffee pot or energy drink. Yet a few hours later, you run into the same problem.

The dreaded mid-afternoon energy slump that could leave you asleep at your desk. But you no longer have to suffer from lack of energy in the day.

I’ve tested the best nootropics for energy, and here are my top picks.

• Best Nootropic For Energy: Vyvamind
• Best Non-Stimulant Nootropic For Energy: NooCube
• Best Nootropic for Sustained Energy: Mind Lab Pro
• Best Natural Nootropic For Energy: Braini
• Best Nootropic For Energy And Focus: Hunter Focus
• Best Energy Boosting Nootropic For Athletes: Pre Lab Pro

Nootropic	Price	Price per Serving
Vyvamind	$74.99 – $207	$1.15 – $1.25
NooCube	$64.99 – $194.99	$1.30 – $2.17
Mind Lab Pro	$69.00 – $207.00	$1.73 – $2.30
Braini	$59.99 – $259.99	$1.73 – $2.00
Hunter Focus	$90 – $270	$2.25 – $3.00
Pre Lab Pro	$59.99 – $177	$2.21 – $2.95

Best Nootropic For Energy

Vyvamind

Pros

• Enhanced focus helps you stay on the task at hand and not wander between one hundred things on your mind.
• The caffeine/L-theanine stack is an unfailing energy booster, so Vyvamind will fill you with energy.
• Additional memory recall and concentration boosts, possibly resulting from L-tyrosine and Citicoline.

Cons

• Caffeine will give you energy, but it also means you shouldn’t take Vyvamind in the afternoon or evening if you want to sleep well.

Vyvamind	Price	Price per Serving
1 Bottle	$74.99	$1.25 per serving
2 Bottles	$139.98	$1.17 per serving
3 Bottles	$207	$1.15 per serving

Vyvamind takes advantage of the well-proven nootropic and energy stack of caffeine + L-theanine.

This product contains 75 mg of caffeine, which is roughly as much as a cup of coffee, and the L-Theanine works in tandem to take off the edge and jitteriness from the caffeine ^[1][2].

Other ingredients working synergistically to improve your mental capacity are L-tyrosine, linked with improved cognitive flexibility, and Citicoline, which works wonders on memory retention and recall ^[3][4][5][6].

Both ingredients are slightly underdosed compared to the studies proving their effectiveness, but I have experienced various benefits when taking Vyvamind, mainly due to the caffeine/l-theanine nootropic stack. I have found my mind wandering less and concentrating on writing easier.

It “locks me in” when I’m performing mentally demanding tasks like writing this review.

The best thing about taking caffeine in a supplement form, especially when combined with L-Theanine, is that you get an instant surge of energy without it being overwhelming, like with overcaffeinated products or energy drinks.

It means no jitters or caffeine anxiety. I’ll often start to feel my hands shaking from pure energy drinks.

With Vyvamind, the energy is smooth, and it doesn’t feel like you’re on meth. And there is not a sudden crash but rather a gradual withdrawal. 

Vyvamind is an excellent choice for people looking for an energy surge combined with a near instant clarity and focus enhancement to help them stay in the flow state.

My full Vyvamind review details the formulation, benefits, and my experiences using it.

Best Non-Stimulant Nootropic For Energy

NooCube

Pros

• Contains many scientifically proven effective ingredients such as Bacopa monnieri, L-Theanine & Panax Ginseng.
• Improves focus, memory and gives you mental energy.
• No caffeine, so you can take it at any time of the day.

Cons

• Some of the speculative ingredients may not provide benefits.
• Lack of caffeine means the effect is not as immediate or as intense as with nootropics using it.

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

Caffeine is undoubtedly one of the best energy-boosting substances but has drawbacks. Even if you have no issues with it, taking it in the afternoon or even worse in the evening will ruin your sleep and, with it, your mental and physical recovery.

This is where non-stimulant nootropics such as Noocube come into play.

Noocube is filled with multiple speculative substances, such as huperzine-A, Resveratrol, Pterostilbene, and others, to enhance cognition ^[7].

By speculative, I mean ingredients without sufficient research results to prove their effectiveness.

The fact they are not yet researched enough does not necessarily mean they do not work.

The formulation also includes proven substances for mental performance, like Bacopa Monnieri and Panax Ginseng ^{[8][9][10][11][12]}.

My experience with the supplement has been positive. I have enjoyed better memory recall and overall focus when writing articles and doing podcasts.

I prefer to do most of my work during the earlier hours of the day. Still, many like or have to work until late, so Noocube is an excellent nootropic for working professionals, students, and gamers needing a mind boost late in the evening when caffeine is out of the question.

I break down all of the ingredients in the new formulation in my NooCube review.

Best Nootropic for Sustained Energy

Mind Lab Pro

Pros

• Provides sustained mental energy without stimulants
• Enhances focus, mental clarity, and cognitive flexibility
• Natural ingredients support long-term brain health and reduce mental fatigue
• Suitable for any time of day without disrupting sleep
• Vegan-certified and eco-friendly production

Cons

• Some ingredients may be underdosed compared to clinical recommendations
• More research is needed to fully support all ingredient claims

Mind Lab Pro	Price	Price per Serving
1 Bottle	$69.00	$2.30 per serving
2 Bottles	$138.00	$2.30 per serving
4 Bottles	$207.00	$1.73 per serving

Mind Lab Pro is the best nootropic for sustained energy, offering a balanced, stimulant-free approach to mental clarity and long-lasting cognitive performance.

This nootropic blend of 11 research-backed ingredients works synergistically to promote sustained energy throughout the day without relying on caffeine or other stimulants.

Its formula includes Citicoline and L-Tyrosine, which are known to enhance cognitive flexibility and focus. These ingredients allow you to power through long, mentally demanding tasks without the jitteriness or crashes associated with caffeine-based supplements.

Bacopa Monnieri and Rhodiola Rosea further enhance the body’s ability to combat fatigue and mental burnout, making it a perfect choice for those seeking steady energy to stay sharp and focused during prolonged periods of activity.

Read my Mind Lab Pro review for more details on the formula and my experience.

Best Natural Nootropic For Energy

Braini

Pros

• Exclusive set of ingredients not found in any other nootropics.
• A short list of ingredients means you won’t have to worry about unexpected side effects.
• Provides long-term and long-lasting cognitive benefits.

Cons

• Does not give you an instant boost of energy or clarity like other nootropics.

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

Braini is a bit different than the other nootropics on the list. Each product has a different formula, but there are repeating ingredients in all of them.

In contrast, Braini has a unique blend of the Braini exclusives NeurXcel, Peptylin, and Wild Canadian Blueberries.

These ingredients are natural, and the formulation is well-backed by clinical research ^[13]. This formula aims not to give you a quick energy boost but rather a long-term positive cognitive effect.

NeurXcel is perhaps the star of the formula as it enhances well-being in multiple dimensions. It maintains a balanced mood, improves cognitive abilities, and boosts memory and mental agility.

This is why I’ve included Braini in the list despite not giving you instant energy. The enhancements in decision-making, cognitive flexibility, seamless task switching, and the ability to organize time are priceless.

For energy, I can always drink coffee or black tea and take pure L-theanine to take the edge off it. So, if you are after a different kind of nootropic with a unique all-natural formula providing long-term benefits, Braini is perhaps your best choice.

Even better, professional athletes and NFL players use Braini with before and after results as testimonials.

You can read my complete breakdown in my Braini review.

Best Nootropic For Energy And Focus

Hunter Focus

Pros

• Caffeine + L-theanine works every time to deliver energy without side effects
• A bunch of ingredients helping with all aspects of cognitive performance- memory, mood, focus, creativity, and attention.
• The most extensive list of ingredients on this list.
• No energy crashes like you get with coffee or energy drinks.

Cons

• A premium product naturally costs more than the rest.

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 segment of nootropics and is aimed at the more demanding customers regardless of their field of work.

With a healthy dose of caffeine and L-Thenaine inside, Hunter Focus will give you the energy and focus to perform your tasks every time, but there is more to it than simple caffeine.

As a more premium product, Hunter Focus is filled with additional ingredients. Some key ingredients include Bacopa Monnieri, which helps cognitive function and memory, the popular time-honored Ashwagandha root, Ginko Biloba to aid working memory, and a few other compounds with varying degrees of proven effectiveness ^[14][15].

With such a dense stack of mental enhancers on top of the caffeine, Hunter Focus expectedly works.

You may not experience all the promised effects, but I have felt much more dialed in, and the words flowed effortlessly when writing articles.

I am not usually worried about side effects from ingredients, so the extra potential is always welcome.

Naturally, the extended ingredients list makes Hunter Focus more expensive than the other options on the list. Still, the formula is worth the price for those searching for all potential benefits and not as mindful of budget.

You can read my full Hunter Focus review, which has the entire formulation breakdown.

Best Energy Boosting Nootropic For Athletes

Pre Lab Pro

Pros

• Informed sport tick means it’s banned substance tested, and you won’t return a positive drug test.
• Caffeine and l-theanine stack for the ultimate nootropic stack for energy without jitters or anxiety.
• Additional ingredients to enhance athletic performance.

Cons

• It’s an acquired taste, and you may need to mix it with another supplement or electrolytes to mask the flavor.
• It is more expensive than other pre-workout supplements.

Pre Lab Pro	Price	Price per Serving
1 Bottle	$59.99	$2.95 per serving
2 Bottles	$118.00	$2.95 per serving
4 Bottles	$177.00	$2.21 per serving

Nootropic pre-workouts like Pre Lab Pro are becoming increasingly popular, combining the benefits of traditional brain supplements with those of physical performance enhancers.

Pre Lab Pro, created by Performance Lab, seeks to merge a conventional nootropic stack with ingredients to boost strength, endurance, and blood flow, distinguishing itself in a crowded market.

Why is Pre Lab Pro the best nootropic for energy for athletes? Because it’s one of the only nootropics that has the informed sport tick, meaning it’s banned substance tested.

It ensures you won’t return a positive drug test if you’re subject to random drug tests, which most competitive sports are.

That doesn’t mean other nootropics have banned substances. But there’s always a risk if it doesn’t have the tick.

The supplement is tailored for individuals sensitive to caffeine, featuring a low dose of natural caffeine paired with L-theanine to enhance focus without causing jitteriness.

Additional ingredients such as L-citrulline/L-glutathione, red beet powder, and Himalayan pink salt are included to support strength, endurance, and recovery ^{[16][17][18][19]}.

However, some drawbacks include its unique taste, which may take time to get accustomed to, and its higher price point compared to other pre-workouts.

The product stands out for its energy-enhancing properties, primarily due to the caffeine and L-theanine stack.

This combination is reputed for improving alertness and concentration while mitigating the negative effects of caffeine, such as jitteriness.

Pre Lab Pro is notably more expensive than some competitors, but it offers unique benefits for those sensitive to caffeine or seeking a nootropic-enhanced pre-workout experience.

Nevertheless, athletes looking for a minimal yet effective pre-workout option, Pre Lab Pro presents a viable choice.

I do a full breakdown after taking an entire tub in my Pre Lab Pro review.

Nootropics For Energy To Avoid

Neuriva

With a simple but effective formula, Neurvia is marketed as a nootropic boosting memory and overall mental acuity. However, the truth doesn’t match the promise. The formula includes 2 main ingredients: Coffee Fruit Extract and Phosphatidylserine.

The first lacks any proper studies, as the manufacturer of coffee fruit extract funds all of the existing ones, and the second has some research backing. But with only 1 active ingredient, you can’t expect solid results.

Even worse is the addition of Titanium Dioxide, banned in Europe as an additive. So, I would advise you to skip Neuriva and use a proven nootropic like any of the ones listed.

I explain this and more in my Neuriva review.

Prevagen

Prevagen is another widely available in large stores nootropic, like Neuriva. But similarly to its rival, the formula is underwhelming, to say it mildly. There is a single active ingredient called Apoaequorin.

The only research on Apoaequorin is done internally within the company, which makes it easy to see how the studies can be biased. With a price comparable to products containing a full nootropic formula, I can’t see much reason for dropping your money on Prevagen.

I break down this research in my Prevagen review.

Focus Factor

Focus Factor is the third grocery store available nootropic for energy many people feel tempted to buy. Unlike the previous two, though, this one has a lot more ingredients. The problem is they are mixed in a 640 mg proprietary blend, which is a big red flag.

Many ingredients used in the formulation are proven to enhance memory, focus, and cognitive flexibility.

However, the small proprietary blend means every ingredient is severely underdosed and likely does not provide any benefits in proper dosages.

A simple piece of advice: do not buy nootropics without individual ingredient dosages disclosed.

I estimate these ingredient dosages in my Focus Factor review.

How To Pick The Best Nootropics For Energy

Ingredients & Formulation

Look for supplements that contain proven energy-boosting compounds such as caffeine, L-theanine, and B vitamins.

Caffeine is well-known for its immediate energy-boosting effects, while L-theanine can promote alertness and reduce the jitteriness often associated with caffeine.

Caffeine is going to be your main energy-boosting ingredient. That’s why I like Vyvamind as the best energy-boosting nootropic.

B vitamins are fundamental in energy production at a cellular level and are present in almost every nootropic.

The synergy between these ingredients can provide a balanced and sustained energy boost. Ensure the product you choose transparently lists all ingredients and amounts to assess their effectiveness.

Dosage

Too little of an active ingredient may be ineffective, while too much can lead to adverse effects.

According to the research, many companies underdose their ingredients to save on manufacturing costs. While some of these ingredients may not show benefits at a certain dose, we don’t understand the synergistic effects, which may have a brain-boosting effect.

Some speculative ingredients include Huperzine A, Resveratrol, and Cat’s Claw. Many herbs are from ancient Indian or Chinese medicine that have been used for centuries.

Perhaps the ancient Asian civilizations knew more about these herbs and plants than we do now.

Stimulant vs. Non-Stimulant

Nootropics for energy can be categorized into stimulants and non-stimulants. Stimulants, like caffeine, increase central nervous system activity, providing quick and noticeable boosts in energy and alertness.

Non-stimulant nootropics enhance energy without directly stimulating the central nervous system, offering a smoother and often more sustainable energy lift.

Stimulant-based nootropics are the most effective for energy, but the disadvantage is you don’t want to take them in the evening as you will disturb your sleep.

Your choice between stimulant and non-stimulant nootropics should depend on your sensitivity to stimulants, desired effects, and any underlying health conditions.

Short vs. Long-Term Benefits

Consider whether you are seeking immediate energy enhancement or long-term cognitive benefits.

Some nootropics offer quick energy boosts suitable for short-term needs, like studying for an exam or preparing for a workout.

Others may support sustained energy levels and cognitive health over time through mechanisms like improving mitochondrial function or enhancing brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels.

A balanced nootropic regimen can cater to both short and long-term goals. Still, it’s important to set realistic expectations and understand that long-term benefits typically require consistent use over time.

Third-Party Testing

Third-party testing by independent laboratories ensures the purity, potency, and safety of nootropic supplements.

This testing can verify that the product contains the ingredients and dosages listed on the label and is free from harmful contaminants such as heavy metals, pesticides, and pollutants.

Look for products that have undergone third-party testing and provide access to these test results or certifications, such as NSF International or USP (United States Pharmacopeia) certification.

If you’re a competitive athlete, you want to look for the informed sport tick to know it’s free from banned substances. Mind Lab Pro is one of the only nootropics that is banned substance tested.

Clinical Research

The effectiveness and safety of nootropics should be supported by clinical research. Look for products backed by studies that demonstrate their benefits in human subjects.

Many ingredients only show benefits in animal studies.

Peer-reviewed research can provide reassurance that the nootropics are based on sound science and have been shown to be effective under controlled conditions.

Be wary of supplements that make broad claims without scientific backing or rely solely on anecdotal evidence.

The only nootropics with backed clinical data on their formula are Braini and Alpha Brain. However, that doesn’t mean other nootropics don’t work, but research on a specific formulation is promising.

Price

The cost of nootropics can vary widely, and a higher price does not always equate to higher quality.

Consider the price in the context of the product’s ingredients, formulation, testing, and proven efficacy.

While it’s wise to avoid suspiciously cheap products that may compromise on quality, the most expensive options are not automatically the best. Look for a product that offers a good balance of quality and cost-effectiveness.

Compare by the price per serving to get an accurate comparison.

Frequently Asked Energy Nootropics Questions

Do Nootropics Help With Fatigue?

Yes, many nootropics are designed to combat fatigue and boost energy levels. Ingredients like caffeine are particularly effective in reducing fatigue by enhancing mental and physical energy.

However, it’s important to address the underlying causes of fatigue, as nootropics are not a substitute for healthy lifestyle choices such as adequate sleep, nutrition, and stress management.

What Is The Best Nootropic For Wakefulness?

Caffeine is often considered the best nootropic for immediate wakefulness due to its rapid action on the central nervous system, promoting alertness and reducing the perception of effort.

Nootropics containing L-theanine are beneficial for those sensitive to caffeine or seeking a smoother, more sustained wakefulness.

Summary

Vyvamind is an effective nootropic for energy that is incredibly cost-effective per serving. It’s why it’s my number one pick. It’s a basic formulation designed for a cognitive and energy boost.

If you’re after an energy boost without stimulants you can take in the evening, I’ve had great success with NooCube.

References

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