Quick Verdict
Thesis is a more potent nootropic than Alpha Brain mainly because it has much higher doses. The option to choose between 6 different blends is what separates it from other products, even though it’s not true customization.
But finding the best blend for you may be costly and lower the value of Thesis, which is the product’s biggest flaw—it’s priced premium, but it’s not on the level of premium nootropics.
If you want a nootropic that outperforms all others in terms of value, you should try Noocube. It’s potent, well-formulated, and well-dosed while being reasonably priced.
| Feature | Winner |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Thesis |
| Dosage | Thesis |
| Short-Term Effects | Genius Mushrooms |
| Long Term Effects | Thesis |
| Third-Party Testing | Draw |
| Clinical Research | Alpha Brain |
| Side Effects | Draw |
| User Reviews | Alpha Brain |
| Price | Alpha Brain |
Winner
I can’t recommend either Alpha Brain or Thesis. NooCube is a better nootropic supplement with a solid formulation for non-stimulant brain gains.
What Is Thesis?
Thesis is a cognitive-enhancement supplement formulated to support mental performance, focus, and overall brain health.
Often classified as a “nootropic” supplement, Thesis is designed to boost brain function by blending natural ingredients known for their potential benefits in cognitive enhancement.
These ingredients might include compounds like caffeine, L-theanine, Rhodiola rosea, and others that can promote mental clarity, reduce stress, or enhance focus.
Thesis offers customized blends tailored to individual needs. Users can choose a formula based on their cognitive goals, such as improved focus, enhanced creativity, or better mental stamina.
Each blend is developed with a specific goal in mind and backed by science to support productivity, energy, and memory.
As with any supplement, Thesis aims to complement a healthy lifestyle and can be particularly useful for individuals facing mental demands from work, study, or daily life pressures.
What Is Alpha Brain?
Alpha Brain is a popular nootropic supplement designed to enhance cognitive function and improve mental clarity. Developed by Onnit, this supplement combines a blend of natural ingredients known for their potential cognitive benefits, including Alpha-GPC, Huperzine A, and Bacopa monnieri.
These components work synergistically to support various aspects of mental performance, such as memory, focus, and processing speed.
Alpha Brain is marketed as a cognitive enhancer that helps users achieve peak mental performance, making it particularly appealing to students, professionals, and athletes seeking an edge in their respective fields.
The formulation is crafted to promote the production of neurotransmitters, which are crucial for efficient communication between brain cells and potentially improve overall cognitive function.
Thesis vs. Alpha Brain Main Differences
Benefits
Thesis and Alpha Brain, two popular nootropic supplements, are designed to enhance mental performance, though they work in slightly different ways and target somewhat distinct aspects of cognitive health.
Thesis is known for its personalized approach, providing specific blends that target mental focus, creativity, energy, or clarity, depending on individual cognitive goals.
Each Thesis blend combines various natural ingredients known for their nootropic effects, such as L-theanine for calmness, caffeine for alertness, and Rhodiola rosea for stress reduction.
Alpha Brain, developed by Onnit, aims to improve overall cognitive function through a carefully formulated blend of ingredients such as Bacopa monnieri, Alpha-GPC, and Huperzine A.
Alpha Brain users often report improvements in verbal recall, memory retention, and processing speed, which can be especially beneficial in work or academic settings.
Both Thesis and Alpha Brain are rooted in scientifically backed ingredients that enhance brain health and support cognitive functions. While Thesis offers personalized solutions for specific needs, Alpha Brain focuses on holistic, all-around cognitive improvement.
Together, these nootropics illustrate a modern approach to mental enhancement by leveraging traditional natural compounds and combining them in ways that target different facets of mental performance.
Ingredients
One main issue with Alpha Brain is the proprietary blends named Flow, Focus, and Fuel. Each includes a few compounds, and the label only gives us the overall weight of each blend, hiding the individual dosages.
On the other hand, Thesis has transparent labeling for all 6 different blends.
Alpha Brain contains L-theanine, a common ingredient in nootropics. This antioxidant has been shown to reduce stress, improve verbal fluency, and boost executive function [1][2]
Each Thesis blend can be bought with or without L-theanine and caffeine at an ideal 2:1 ratio. Their combined strength can enhance working memory, reaction time, visual processing speed, and alertness while reducing mental and physical tiredness [12,13].
If you choose the stimulant versions of the blends, the caffeine content is 100 mg, which is a good middle ground and roughly equivalent to a cup of coffee.
Alpha Brain also contains L-tyrosine, which improves mind flexibility, helps with multitasking and is highly effective during high-stress situations [3].
Another common nootropic ingredient found in Alpha Brain is the Ayurvedic herb Bacopa monnieri. The herb has been used alone and in formulations to increase language learning, memory acquisition, and delayed recall by activating brain receptors [4]
Next on the Alpha brain list is Huperzine A. This substance is linked with assisting recovery from brain injuries and enhancing brain function in patients with Alzheimer’s disease [8,9].
Unlike most other ingredients, Cat’s Claw is listed individually in Alpha Brain and not as a part of the blends. The herb is used to improve cognitive performance, although the scientific studies backing these claims are somewhat limited.
A notable Alpha Brain ingredient is Phosphatidylserine. Daily supplementation with the substance has been shown to positively impact memory in older adults [11].
The remaining Alpha brain components are Pterostilbene, L-Leucine, and Alpha-GPC.
Each Thesis combination has 4 to 6 components (excluding the optional caffeine and L-theanine) selected to target a particular area of cognition and health. I will not go over each element separately but instead focus on each blend’s major components.
The Clarity blend’s key ingredient is Alpha GPC, which has been shown to boost cognitive function and physical performance [5,6]. The dosage is 500 mg, which is far greater than that of any other nootropic containing Alpha GPC. Lion Mane’s mushroom is another noteworthy component here.
The Energy blend harnesses the power of theacrine. The purine alkaloid is similar to coffee, and research has shown that it can improve energy, focus, cognitive function, response time, and endurance in athletes [7].
Citicoline and L-tyrosine are two more potent components in the Energy formula.
The Creativity blend’s main ingredients are Ashwagandha root and Panax ginseng, both of which have been proven to reduce stress and anxiety. This mix promises to spark inspiration and support verbal fluency.
The primary ingredients in the Motivation blend are L-Phenylalanine and Methylliberine, which should boost your mood and reduce stress, hence increasing your motivation [10].
The Thesis Confidence blend aims to boost confidence with a blend of proven ingredients and more speculative ones. These include Magnolia Bark, Sage, Saffron, Sceletium Tortuosum, Magenisum, and Ashwagandha Leaf and Root.
The sixth and final Thesis mix is the Logic blend, which uses Ginkgo Biloba, Phosphatidylserine, Bacopa Monnieri, and a few more ingredients to support memory and deep thinking.
Stimulant vs. Non-Stimulant.
As I mentioned, each Thesis blend can be chosen with or without caffeine and L-theanine. The benefits of caffeine are well known, as the substance is perhaps the most popular stimulant on the planet.
It delivers a fast and dependable physical and mental energy boost, but it also carries the risk of causing jitters, anxiety, and disturbing sleep.
Alpha Brain’s main formula does not contain caffeine. There is another version called Black Label, which includes caffeine, but the entire formulation is quite different, so it’s a distinct product rather than simply a caffeinated version of the product in review in this article.
Short vs. Long-Term Effects
The optimal way to get the most out of non-stimulant nootropics is to take them consistently. As substances build up in the body, their impacts on energy, focus, and memory become even more pronounced.
Most companies suggest customers stick to a three-month routine to assess a product’s effectiveness. The benefits start to appear much sooner than that, but not to their full extent.
The stimulant versions of Alpha Brain and Thesis work almost immediately, thanks to the caffeine, but the rest of their potential benefits can be observed only after some time.
Clinical Research
When it came to nootropic formulas, Alpha Brain was the pioneer in publishing peer-reviewed studies on the complete formulation.
When compared to a control group that received a placebo, those who took Alpha Brain for six weeks showed considerable improvements in executive functioning and delayed verbal recall [14].
Although Onnit’s funding of the research is not inherently problematic, the two primary authors of the article did get compensation for consulting with Onnit, so the chance for bias is high.
Like most nootropics, Thesis does not have complete formulation studies and instead relies on the available literature on the individual components.
The 6 blends have a lot of ingredients in total, and some have more substantial backing, while others rely only on animal studies or very limited human ones.
Nevertheless, the formulations are mostly backed by science, even if not as a complete package.
Side Effects
Alpha Brain and Thesis are generally well-tolerated, but certain ingredients may cause mild side effects in some users.
Alpha Brain contains ingredients like Huperzine A, which increases acetylcholine and can sometimes cause headaches, nausea, or muscle cramps when taken in high doses.
Alpha-GPC may occasionally lead to dizziness or heartburn. Users also report vivid dreams or sleep disruptions, possibly due to the supplement’s brain-stimulating effects.
Thesis blends vary, so side effects can depend on the specific formula. Caffeine, included in some Thesis options, can cause jitteriness, anxiety, or trouble sleeping, especially in caffeine-sensitive individuals.
Rhodiola rosea and ashwagandha, also present in certain blends, may lead to dry mouth, mild dizziness, or digestive discomfort. Some users find L-theanine causes slight drowsiness, though this is rare.
My experience with both products has been issue free.
User Reviews
Alpha Brain is probably the most popular nootropic out there, and it has over 60,000 Amazon customer ratings with a total score of 4.0, which is a solid score given the number of reviews.
The score on the Onnit website is slightly lower, with 3.6 out of 9000 reviews. With so many reviews, user experiences cover every possible outcome, from people claiming miraculous results to those who hate the product because it creates adverse effects or has no ??.
Thesis, on the other hand, has more than 9,000 reviews on its official website, indicating that it is a popular and well-liked product.
A common theme I observe in many reviews is that consumers tend to pick and stick with only one or two of the blends they find working the best.
Price
| Nootropic Supplement | 1 Bottle | Subscription | Large |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alpha Brain | $79.95 / 45 servings ($1.77/ serving) | $52.43 with sub ($1.74/serving) | $103.94 with sub ($1.15/serving) |
| Thesis | $119 / 30 servings ($3.96/ serving) | $79 / 30 servings ($2.63/ serving) |
My Experience With Thesis And Alpha Brain
Alpha Brain may be a hugely successful product, but I did not experience the promised benefits. The possibility of entering flow stat? when working or training more frequently intrigued me, and the product contains many well-proven elements, but the low doses seem insufficient to work effectively, at least on me.
Thesis had a better effect, although not all of the blends. I bought the Starter Pack, as suggested by the Thesis website, and had a week with four different blends.
This is usually not enough time for a nootropic to unfold all its effects, but it’s enough to get at least a notion of whether it will work.
I had some positive experiences with the Logic and Clarity blends, while the Confidence and Motivation had not noticeable effect. Should I decide to return to Thesis, I will definitely go with either Logic or Clarity.
Should You Choose Thesis Or Alpha Brain?
Out of the two Thesis works better, especially when you find the best blend for you. Two of them had a positive effect in my test, which is even more impressive when you consider I took each of them for only a week.
However, the price of Thesis is very high for what it offers. The marketing may lead you to believe you are getting a completely customized formula, but this is not the case.
While choosing between 6 distinct products, each delivering specific benefits and targeting different deficiencies you might have is nice, this is not true customization.
At nearly $4 per serving without a subscription, Thesis falls into a category with much more potent nootropics with more than 10 components, and I don’t think it matches them in quality or effectiveness.
Alpha Brain is too underdosed, in my opinion. It may work if you give it enough time, but I prefer my supplements to work faster, so I definitely can’t recommend it.
I can recommend Noocube. It hits the sweet spot between effectiveness and price and has consistently delivered excellent results for me. It’s much better than Alpha Brain and a lot cheaper than Thesis while providing similar, if not better, effects.
Winner
NooCube Brain Productivity
Non-Stimulant Nootropic For Instant Brain Boost
A better nootropic formulation than Alpha Brain and Genius Mushrooms
CHECK CURRENT DEALS
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.
- Traini, E., Bramanti, V., & Amenta, F. (2013). Choline alphoscerate (alpha-glyceryl-phosphoryl-choline) an old choline-containing phospholipid with a still interesting profile as cognition enhancing agent. Current Alzheimer Research, 10(10), 1070-1079.
- Kansakar, U., Trimarco, V., Mone, P., Varzideh, F., Lombardi, A., & Santulli, G. (2023). Choline supplements: An update. Frontiers in Endocrinology, 14, 1148166.
- Kuhman, D. J., Joyner, K. J., & Bloomer, R. J. (2015). Cognitive performance and mood following ingestion of a theacrine-containing dietary supplement, caffeine, or placebo by young men and women. Nutrients, 7(11), 9618-9632.
- 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.
- Beckmann, H., Strauss, M. A., & Ludolph, E. (1977). Dl-phenylalanine in depressed patients: an open study. Journal of Neural Transmission, 41(2-3), 123-134.
- Kang, E. Y., Cui, F., Kim, H. K., Nawaz, H., Kang, S., Kim, H., … & Go, G. W. (2022). Effect of Phosphatidylserine on cognitive function in the elderly: A systematic review and meta-analysis., 54(1), 52-58.
- 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.
- The Efficacy of A Nootropic Supplement on Information Processing in Adults: A Double Blind, Placebo Controlled Study Volume 49- Issue 1. Andrea Utley, Yadira Gonzalez and Carlie Abbott Imboden
- Solomon, T. M., Leech, J., deBros, G. B., Murphy, C. A., Budson, A. E., Vassey, E. A., & Solomon, P. R. (2016). A randomized, double?blind, placebo controlled, parallel group, efficacy study of alpha BRAIN® administered orally. Human Psychopharmacology: Clinical and Experimental, 31(2), 135-143
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