NooCube is a relatively unknown nootropic compared to the giant, influencer-led Qualia Mind. Does that make NooCube an inferior cognitive enhancer? And does Qualia Mind live up to the influencer hype?
I took a full bottle of both to give you the verdict.
Quick Verdict
Qualia Mind is objectively the better nootropic. It contains more ingredients in higher dosages and delivers immense short- and long-term benefits. However, the price is substantially higher than Noocube’s and most other nootropics on the market.
Noocube is an excellent non-stimulant nootropic that works efficiently thanks to its well-crafted and dosed formulation.
If budget is of no concern, Qualia Mind is better, but I personally prefer to get more value for my money and would choose Noocube for a long-term effect nootropic and use cheaper forms of caffeine when I need fast energy boosts.
| Feature | Winner |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Qualia Mind |
| Dosage | Qualia Mind |
| Short-Term Effects | Qualia Mind |
| Long Term Effects | Qualia Mind |
| Third-Party Testing | Draw |
| Clinical Research | Draw |
| Side Effects | Draw |
| User Reviews | Qualia Mind |
| Price | NooCube |
Quick Verdict
Qualia Mind has the superior formulation hence why you need 7 pills per serving to ingest all the ingredients. You can also save 15% using code “LBEB” at checkout.
If you don’t want caffeine in your nootropic or Qualia Mind’s price scares you, NooCube is an excellent non-stimulant nootropic for a quarter of the price per serving.
What Is Qualia Mind?
Qualia Mind is a premium nootropic supplement that contains 28 components in one of the most comprehensive and well-dosed formulations on the market.
Neurohacker Collective is the company behind Qualia Mind.
They focus on producing supplements that improve cognitive function, mental health, and overall physical well-being.
Their approach combines rigorous scientific research with holistic health principles to treat the root causes of health issues rather than just the symptoms.
My Qualia Mind review goes into full detail.
What Is Noocube?
NooCube is an all-encompassing nootropic tablet that enhances cognitive abilities, including memory, focus, and alertness.
The all-natural, twelve-component supplement works well for young and old, students and gamers, working professionals, and those who want to make the most of their personal time.
While most benefits come gradually with continuous daily use, others, such as increased mood and reduced anxiety, can be noted after a few days of taking the pills.
My NooCube review goes into full detail.
Qualia Mind vs. Mind Lab Pro Main Differences
Benefits
Both products seek to improve brain function and use a few shared ingredients to achieve the desired results, which include better focus and memory, reduced stress and anxiety, and increased creativity and productivity.
Qualia Mind enhances focus, memory, and mental clarity, working on all critical brain areas. Its purpose is to support your body’s natural ability to upregulate the production of essential neurotransmitters, such as BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor), and other pathways necessary for proper brain function.
Noocube focuses on clearing brain fog and helping the brain battle work-related fatigue that many of us suffer. The formulation enables you to eliminate what they call “overwhelm toxins” and become more organized, focused, and productive.
Ingredients
Qualia Mind and Mind Lab Pro have completely transparent ingredient lists revealing how much of each ingredient is in a serving. This allows us to compare the quantities to existing clinical research and builds trust in the company for not hiding quantities behind “proprietary blends.”
Both products share a few components common to many nootropics. I’ll start with them before examining the other elements of the two formulations.
A key difference between them is the presence of caffeine, aided by L-theanine and taurine, in Qualia Mind, which acts as a stimulant and delivers a fast and dependable nootropic boost.
L-theanine, an amino acid extracted from green tea, is a highly efficacious antioxidant frequently found in nootropics due to its beneficial impact on alleviating stress and anxiety.
Additionally, it improves verbal fluency and executive function [1][2]. The recommended dose is 200 mg. Noocube is slightly underdosed with 100 mg, and Qualia is on point with 200.
L-tyrosine is another shared cornerstone nootropic component linked to mind flexibility and cognitive control [3]. Both products contain 250 mg of L-tyrosine.
Ninety percent of nootropic supplements contain Bacopa monnieri, Qualia Mind, and Noocube included. The ayurvedic herb improves verbal learning, memory acquisition, and delayed recall by helping brain receptors process information [4].
Qualia again hits the recommended 300 mg of Bacopa, while Noocube is slightly under with 250 mg.
Huperzine A, a component of both the Qualia Mind and Noocube formulations, is thought to help with brain injury recovery and improve brain function in Alzheimer’s patients [6,7].
As I said earlier, the caffeine in Qualia Mind is a vital part of the formulation. Caffeine stimulates the nervous system and immediately increases energy levels, focus, and concentration. The product has 90 mg of caffeine, roughly as much as you would get from an espresso.
L-theanine and taurine, both of which are present in Qualia Mind, make caffeine even more powerful, creating the ultimate nootropic combination.
I’ve already touched on L-theanine in this section, but the combination deserves mentioning because the amino acid further improves the benefits of caffeine while reducing its negative effects [8][9].
Taurine also works brilliantly with caffeine and is associated with improved performance while reducing the requirement for caffeine to get the same effect [10].
Qualia Mind contains Citicoline, which is used to optimize brain pathways and boost neural regeneration, focus, brain energy, and memory [11][12].
Rhodiola Rosea is used to aid the body in dealing with stress, anxiety, and depression [5]. And Qualia Mind contains a solid dose of the adaptogenic herb.
Furthermore, Qualia Mind includes 100 mg of Phosphatidylserine, which has been shown to increase cognitive function.
Alpha GPC may improve cognitive function, memory, and focus [13].
Qualia Mind contains other substances such as Algae DHA, Ginkgo Biloba, L-dopa, and others, all of which contribute individually or synergistically to the formulation’s total potency and effectiveness.
An interesting ingredient in Noocube is the award-winning substance Lutemax 2020, which gets a lot of attention on the product’s website, so I guess it’s an integral part of the formulation.
It is a combination of three carotenoids used to improve eye health and increase attention and verbal memory.
According to a study published in the Journal of Aging Research, the information-processing regions of the brains of elderly men and women who maintained normal cognitive function in old age contained greater concentrations of the three carotenoids. This is likely a big reason why Lutemax 2020 was included in Noocube.
Nonetheless, research regarding Lutemax 2020 is inconclusive, and we can’t be sure how beneficial supplementation is.
Stimulant vs. Non-Stimulant
Qualia Mind contains caffeine, which is a stimulant. Noocube is a non-stimulant product without ingredients capable of stimulating the nervous system and delivering quick results of any kind.
The product’s availability in a non-caffeinated version is a big benefit for people who don’t want stimulants but still want to experience the precise Qualia Mind formulation. However, I haven’t tried it, and this review is for the standard version.
Short vs. Long-Term Effects
Nootropics perform best when used daily over a meaningful period. My experience with effective nootropics shows mild effects in week two, with more significant effects in weeks three and four of my 30-day trials.
Manufacturers recommend 3 to 4 months of usage to fully enjoy the benefits and determine the quality of the product. But after a month, you should have a good idea of whether the supplements work for you.
Qualia Mind works well short—and long-term. Caffeine, L-theanine, and taurine, in combination, are dependable and powerful energy and focus boosters that may be used for an instant pick-me-up when needed.
However, the product contains a wealth of long-term nootropic components, few of which are shared with Noocube but in larger quantities, resulting in long-term brain power enhancements.
Clinical Research
If there is a weak spot in the two products’ resumes, it is in complete clinical research. None of them has a full study done properly to gauge effectiveness.
Most of the individual ingredients are well-researched, but it’s much better to test the full formulation and gauge the synergistic effects. Unfortunately, neither product has undergone such a study.
Side Effects
Nootropics are associated with occasional adverse effects, such as gastrointestinal disturbances and headaches. The presence of many elements in the two formulations increases the chance of encountering adverse effects.
Most people don’t have problems with nootropics, and I count myself one of them. Neither Quali Mind nor Noocube have given me unpleasant experiences.
I have also read a considerable number of user reviews for Qualia Mind and have not discovered any significant side effect complaints.
It is important to note Qualia Mind contains seven capsules per serving, which may be too much for some people.
User Reviews
Qualia Mind has around 2,300 reviews and a total score of 4.5/5. I’ve scouted through many, and most of them highly praise the product, which is expected from such a high-quality supplement.
I love Noocube, but their user review policy is unsatisfactory. By this, I mean there is no access to all user reviews, only a handful of positive ones picked by the company.
But you get a 60-day money-back guarantee with Noocube, showing high confidence in the product.
Price
| Product | First Purchase / 1 Bottle | One Time Purchase / 3 Bottles | Subscription / 5 Bottles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Qualia Mind | $39.00 / 22 servings w/ subscription ($1.77/ serving) | $159.00 / 22 servings ($7.22/ serving) | $139 w/ subscription ($6.31/serving) |
| NooCube | $64.99 / 30 servings ($1.95/ serving) | $129.99 / 90 servings ($1.44/serving) | $194.99 / 150 servings ($1.30/serving) |
My Experience With Qualia Mind And Noocube
My experience with both products has been great, but Qualia Mind brings more noticeable and immediate benefits because it contains caffeine, L-theanine, and taurine. This powerful combo takes me through a workday like a breeze.
In addition to these fast and dependable effects, the product also delivers considerable long-term enhancements.
By the end of my test period, my ability to process and then recall new and complex information had significantly improved, which is a testament to Qualia’s long-term nootropic qualities.
This increased my appreciation for the product because I am certain I can buy the aforementioned caffeine energy stack for a lot cheaper.
Noocube has long been one of my favorite non-stimulant nootropics. It helps me regain my focus from pointless distractions, pick up my mod, and battle the dreaded brain fog. I like to take it outside of my test periods for reviews.
Should You Choose Qualia Mind Or Noocube?
Often, it’s easy for me to recommend one of the two nootropics I compare, but not in this case.
Qualia Mind is an outstanding product. Nootropics often focus on either short-term or long-term benefits, while Qualia delivers both in abundance.
The caffeine/L-theanine/taurine combo is fantastic for a quick nootropic boost, while the other more than a dozen ingredients in solid doses take care of the long-term cognitive enhancements.
But Qualia Mind is also nearly 4 times more expensive than Noocube, which is one of the better non-stimulant nootropics. I have found it very effective in the long run and recommend it over most similar supplements.
So, if money is not a concern and you want the best product, go for Qualia Mind. If you want to save some cash, combine Noocube with coffee and L-theanine supplementation for a third of the price.
Best For Short & Long Term
Qualia Mind
Code “LBEB” saves 15%
A comprehensive stimulant-based nootropic formula for effective cognitive enhancement.
CHECK CURRENT DEALSBest Non-Stimulant Option
References
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Morgan, A., & Stevens, J. (2010). Does Bacopa monnieri improve memory performance in older persons? Results of a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial. The journal of alternative and complementary medicine, 16(7), 753-759.
- Cropley, M., Banks, A. P., & Boyle, J. (2015). The effects of Rhodiola rosea L. extract on anxiety, stress, cognition and other mood symptoms. Phytotherapy research, 29(12), 1934-1939.
- Li, J., Wu, H. M., Zhou, R. L., Liu, G. J., & Dong, B. R. (2008). Huperzine A for Alzheimer’s disease. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (2).
- Mei, Z., Zheng, P., Tan, X., Wang, Y., & Situ, B. (2017). Huperzine A alleviates neuroinflammation, oxidative stress and improves cognitive function after repetitive traumatic brain injury. Metabolic Brain Disease, 32, 1861-1869.
- 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.
- 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.
- Souza, D.B., Del Coso, J., Casonatto, J. et al. Acute effects of caffeine-containing energy drinks on physical performance: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur J Nutr 56, 13–27 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00394-016-1331-9
- Nakazaki E, Mah E, Sanoshy K, Citrolo D, Watanabe F. Citicoline and Memory Function in Healthy Older Adults: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial. J Nutr. 2021 Aug 7;151(8):2153-2160. doi: 10.1093/jn/nxab119. PMID: 33978188; PMCID: PMC8349115.
- Jasielski, P.; Pi?del, F.; Piwek, M.; Rocka, A.; Petit, V.; Rejdak, K. Application of Citicoline in Neurological Disorders: A Systematic Review. Nutrients 2020, 12, 3113. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12103113
- Parker AG, Byars A, Purpura M, Jäger R. The effects of alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine, caffeine or placebo on markers of mood, cognitive function, power, speed, and agility. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2015 Sep 21;12(Suppl 1):P41. doi: 10.1186/1550-2783-12-S1-P41. PMCID: PMC4595381.
Affiliate Disclosure: The links provided may earn us a small commission at no additional cost to you if you choose to purchase the recommended product. This support allows our research and editorial team to continue providing high-quality recommendations.
