Best Bodybuilding Supplements for Performance (Updated 2024)

These bodybuilding supplements will help build muscle, enhance performance, burn fat, and more.

You put yourself through constant physical and emotional stress every day. Family matters, personal issues, relationships, and balancing a job are coupled with your workouts that just take it all out of you. You eat well but may not get enough of all those vital nutrients and sometimes your energy levels are just too low to juggle it all. That is why it is important to know the best bodybuilding supplements to keep you on track and working for your intended goals.

You will need a combination of many of these supplements to support your overall bodybuilding goals from increasing energy, aiding in weight loss, pumping you with protein for muscle growth, supporting your joints as you lift or keeping your overall health and wellness high so you operate at maximum capacity. Knowing what to take and when to take it shouldn’t be a challenge, especially when it comes to your health.

We have compiled a detailed list of the Best Bodybuilding Supplements to get the best gains possible. Whether you need one supplement to support a certain area of your routine, or you need many to work together for your benefit, these supplements will support pre-workout, intra-work, and post-workout needs to keep you on track and seeing great gains.

Best Bodybuilding Supplements of 2024

• Best Pre-Workout: Nutricost Pre-X Extreme
• Best Whey Isolate Protein Powder: Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate
• Best Creatine: Nutricost Creatine Monohydrate
• Best Non-Dairy Protein Powder: MuscleMeds Carnivor
• Best Pre-Workout Without Caffeine: Transparent Labs Stim Free
• Best Fat Burner: Burn Lab Pro
  
• Best Multivitamin: MuscleMeds Vitamin T
• Best Post-Workout: Transparent Labs CoreSeries Post
• Best Sleep Aid: Nutricost Magnesium
• Best Omega-3: Transparent Labs CoreSeries Krill Oil
• Best Testosterone Booster: Transparent Labs Vitality
• Best BCAA: Transparent Labs CoreSeries BCAA Glutamine

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Best Pre-Workout

A pre-workout powder supplement is perfect for any pre-workout needs. Able to provide for energy, muscle pumps, and a high level of focus, you can tackle any workout that comes your way. There is no doubt it would make our list of best bodybuilding supplements.

Nutricost Pre-X Extreme

Nutricost’s Pre-X Extreme Pre-Workout is our favorite workout as it is designed to enhance energy, focus, and endurance during exercise without breaking the bank. It is available in several flavors, such as fruit punch, blue raspberry, grape, and peach mango. Nutricost’s Pre-X Extreme Pre-Workout aims to provide a delicious and effective solution for those looking to elevate their workout sessions with better focus, more energy, and some quality muscle pumps.

Pros

• Can help get through workouts
• No artificial colors or sweeteners
• Great taste

Cons

• A bit expensive
• Caffeine content may be high for those sensitive

Price: $34.16

Use code GENIRON10 to save 10%!

Read our full review of Nutricost Pre-X Extreme!

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Best Whey Isolate Protein Powder

A protein powder is essential for growth and recovery and needs to be on the shelf, we couldn’t leave protein powder out of the best bodybuilding supplements. Packed with amino acids and other vital nutrients, this can work wonders for all your gains.

Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate

Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate has an impressive array of eco-friendly accomplishments in that it is organic, non-GMO, and gluten-free. With no artificial sweeteners, coloring, or preservatives, this protein isolate will pump you full of what you need after a workout to really see great growth. Sourced from 100% grass-fed American cows, all of the ingredients in Transparent Labs products are of the highest quality and each batch is third party tested for accuracy. From a company that prides themselves on transparent and honest labels, this whey isolate is a fantastic choice for a whey protein supplement.

Pros

• Does not contain artificial sweeteners, coloring, or preservatives
• Honest labels provide all the information you need to trust it
• The perfect amount of protein
• Great flavors

Cons

• Slightly high in carbs and cholesterol
• Despite lactose, there are no digestive enzymes
• Only available directly from their site
• Premium price option

Price: $59.00

Use code GENIRON10 for 10% off.

Read our full review of Transparent Labs 100% Whey Protein Isolate.

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Best Creatine

A creatine supplement is awesome for increasing strength and endurance while also boosting performance. It is largely popular with the lifting community, so there was no doubt it would make the list for best bodybuilding supplements. It can affect your body composition as well by working to prevent lean muscle loss.

Nutricost Creatine Monohydrate

Nutricost Creatine boasts a simple and effective ingredient list, with 100% creatine monohydrate as the sole active component. This simplicity ensures that users are getting a high-quality and unadulterated form of creatine, free from unnecessary additives and artificial ingredients that could have nasty effects on you. But, if you don’t just just the nutrition label, Nutricost also has this product third-party tested to ensure purity.

The creatine in Nutricost’s formulation is micronized, which means the particles are smaller than standard creatine particles. This can enhance absorption and utilization by the body, potentially leading to faster and more noticeable results, who doesn’t want that?

Pros

• Can help put on size
• No artificial colors or sweeteners
• Great taste

Cons

• None

Price: $21.15

Use code GENIRON10 to save 10%!

Read our full review of Nutricost Creatine Monohydrate!

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Best Non-Dairy Protein Powder

Many protein powders contain dairy and that may not sit well with some, so we had to have an option on this list of bodybuilding supplements for those who cannot tolerate it. Non-dairy protein powders are perfect for giving you the same protein boost without any dairy to bother you.

MuscleMeds Carnivor

MuscleMeds Carnivor is a way to enjoy a great protein powder that will yield good results, without the dairy, just beef. Anyone looking for a clean, fully disclosed, naturally flavored beef based protein to build muscle like Whey without the dairy! Carnivor provides EAAs, BCAAs, and a great taste, all while being dairy and lactose free. Naturally flavored and providing great taste, give it a try!

Pros

• Low carb, low fat, and 23g of protein
• Great, natural flavor
• From a reputable company in MuscleMeds

Cons

• Could have more BCAAs

Price: $29.99

Read our full review of MuscleMeds Carnivor.

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Best Pre-Workout Without Caffeine

Not everyone is able to tolerate caffeine, or in some cases they may just not enjoy it. Sometimes people can go to the gym late and do not want to consume caffeine that late. However, if they want the extra boost from a pre-workout, but not the effects of caffeine, what do they do?

Transparent Labs PreSeries Stim-Free

PreSeries STIM-FREE was developed to be the most exceptional “stimulant-free” pre-workout supplement available. With key ingredients like citrulline malate, beta-alanine, betaine, and taurine all included at clinically effective dosages, PreSeries STIM-FREE is highly recommended for anyone intolerant to stimulants/caffeine and are looking to “cycle off”. With 100% formula transparency PreSeries STIM-FREE is recommended for serious athletes and bodybuilders (men and women) who demand a high-intensity pre-workout experience.

Pros

• No caffeine for those looking for a stim-free pre-workout
• Good ingredients
• Reputable brand

Cons

• Premium priced option

Price: $49.99

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Best Fat Burner

A fat burner is perfect for working to shed that unwanted and stubborn fat. By kickstarting your metabolism and using stored fat as energy, this will work to give you that shredded physique. There’s no doubt this would make the list for best bodybuilding supplements, especially if you are in prep!

Burn Lab Pro

Burn Lab Pro is an all-around great fat burner with an innovative design and research-backed benefits to really enhance your results. Instead of an unhealthy, stim-driven formula, Burn Lab Pro is 100% natural, safe, and caffeine free to give you an effective supplement without any fear of jitters or crashing. Burn Lab Pro allows you to shed more body fat from every workout, gain more lean muscle, see better results from diet and exercise, and give you a safe and natural fat burner supplement to tackle any issues.

With 5 powerful and research-backed ingredients, this is the ultimate fat burner for whatever your needs may be. Forslean works to trigger a hormonal cascade to boost fat breakdown and promote fat burning, while Capsimax regulates hormones to increase body heat to block fat stores and control appetite with food. Along with these other ingredients, this advanced formula is designed to target all of your weight loss needs from a fat burner supplement.

Pros

• Great ingredients designed to tackle weight and fat loss goals
• No stimulating ingredients with an advanced formula
• Safe and natural supplement for your overall health and wellness
• From a reputable and high quality company

Cons

• Premium priced option
• 3 capsules is getting up there in serving size amount

Price: $59.00

Read our full review of Burn Lab Pro.

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Best Multivitamin

A multivitamin is essential for any athlete or gym-goer, no matter your level. Able to pump you with essential vitamins and minerals, this ensures you don’t suffer any deficiencies.

MuscleMeds Vitamin T

MusclMeds Vitamin T is an ultramodern multivitamin for overall health and peak human performance calibrated specifically for the nutritional needs of men.

While you can certainly purchase your multivitamins and testosterone boosters separately, this can be difficult, expensive, and you may not be getting everything that you need. This is where Vitamin T from MuscleMeds comes in. Vitamin T is not only a top of the line testosterone booster, but also a men’s multivitamin, to support you being at peak physical performance. Do not ever let yourself get improper micronutrients, as these are the things that really help to build up your immune system and help you be at your best. Let’s take a look.

Pros

• Contains a diverse group of vitamins and minerals to cover all aspects of your health
• All the ingredients are natural
• The Combines testosterone boosters and multivitamins
• All the vegan-friendly ingredients bioavailable

Cons

• It is slightly low in calcium and magnesium
• Only available through their website

Price: $20.99

Read our full review of MusclMeds Vitamin T.

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Best Post-Workout

A post-workout supplement, when paired with a protein powder, can work to optimize recovery and muscle repair to the max. A great muscle building supplement, this will also reduce soreness so you can bounce back faster.

Transparent Labs CoreSeries Post

Transparent Labs CoreSeries Post Workout is a great supplement to get those targeted nutrients into your body to recharge and grow those muscles. As a great recovery and muscle-building supplement, Post works to optimize recovery and muscle repair by pumping you full of 6 great ingredients to boost nitric oxide production, reduce soreness, promote protein synthesis, and aid in gut health.

With no artificial additives, these ingredients are pure and of high quality to promote transparency and honesty when it comes to your health. L-glutamine works as a naturally occurring nonessential amino acid to enhance protein synthesis and stop protein breakdown in the muscles. L-carnitine L-tartrate aids in energy production and helps turn body fat into fuel to aid in weight loss, reduce fatigue, and increase overall exercise performance. Beta alanine works to delay fatigue and promote the healthy formation of proteins and along with all these ingredients comes the guarantee that, coupled with a high protein whey supplement or meal, this product will get you recovered and seeing big gains.

Pros

• It will help with recovery and muscle growth
• Well designed for those looking to decrease muscle soreness and inflammation
• Great pairing for those with high protein
• No artificial fillers promotes transparency and safety

Cons

• Slightly more expensive than others on the market
• Only available directly on their site

Price: $44.00

Use code GENIRON10 for 10% off.

Read our full review of Transparent Labs Post!

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Best Sleep Aid

Sleep is vital for growth and repair and a sleep aid can ensure you get the best sleep possible. Able to support a solid sleep cycle, you can bounce back fast to optimize all gains.

Nutricost Magnesium

Nutricost Magnesium maximizes your body’s ability to stimulate muscle growth by promoting high-quality sleep and recover. Containing 420 mg of magnesium per serving, which is just two capsules. This gives a good amount of one of the best supplements for recovery, which is something many other products do not do.

Overall, it contains a good magnesium blend, which consists of 2 types of magnesium: glycinate and oxide.  The overload of magnesium is also beneficial for people who are deficient in the nutrient, which is far more than you would think.

Pros

• Fully disclosed labels
• Will promote a better sleep overall

Cons

• Could have more ingredients

Price: $17.95

Read our full review of Nutricost Magnesium here!

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Best Omega-3

An omega-3 supplement is great for enhancing your overall health and wellness. With benefits to brain, heart, and joint health, this can work as a superior source of nutrition with great absorption.

Transparent Labs CoreSeries Krill Oil

Transparent Labs CoreSeries Krill Oil is a superior source of nutrition to get all of your omega-3 needs without any harmful additives or fillers. Krill oil attaches to phospholipids as opposed to fish oil which attaches to triglycerides. This allows for more gentle absorption in the stomach allowing for better assimilation into the cells. From a company who prides themselves on transparency and honesty, the labels are accurate and each batch is third party tested. With 120 mg of EPA, 55 mg of DHA, and 80 mcg of astaxanthin, these easy to digest capsules are great for brain, heart, and joint health.

This product contains vital ingredients to really pump you full of omega-3’s for your overall wellness. Phospholipids promote the passage of molecules into the intestinal wall and increase the rate of absorption. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) is an omega-3 fatty acid found in cold water fish that has strong anti-inflammatory properties, while Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is the other omega-3 fatty acid that promotes learning capability and academic performance. Astaxanthin can increase blood flow and improve oxidative stress while working as a powerful antioxidant.

Pros

• Great ingredients and an honest label
• Great value and well-researched
• Third party tested provides for accurate assessment of the benefits

Cons

• It could have slightly higher doses of both EPA and DHA
• Astaxanthin is low
• Only available through their website

Price: $29.00

Use code GENIRON10 for 10% off.

Read our full review of  Transparent Labs Krill Oil!

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Best Testosterone Booster

Low testosterone levels can hurt men beyond belief and while TRT may not be the best solution, a testosterone booster is what you need to get the most optimal T levels. Able to support strength, libido, and energy, a T booster can work wonders so you don’t suffer.

Transparent Labs Vitality

Transparent Labs Vitality is that 3-in-1 supplement you’ve been waiting for as it works to boost testosterone and control estrogen and cortisol production. As athletes, we know how important testosterone is and having low levels can seriously affect not only training and performance, but also our health and wellness. With Transparent Labs driving these great supplements to the market, you can be comfortable knowing what you’re getting is a top tier testosterone and vitality booster. What you are really getting is a high quality testosterone booster with clean and effective ingredients from a transparent and honest company.

Check out Transparent Labs Vitality today and take care of all your testosterone boosting needs.

Pros

• Top-quality innovative formula with great health advantages
• Vegan-friendly
• No proprietary blends, the label is honest
• There is also free worldwide shipping on all orders

Cons

• Price is high due to premium ingredients and advanced manufacturing
• They only sell directly from their website
• The dosage of magnesium could be higher to boost the effects of testosterone

Price: $49.00

Read our full review of Vitality!

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Best BCAA

A BCAA supplement is a great intra-workout product to support growth and prevent breakdown during your workout. With the right formula, you will thrive during your workout so all gains are met, making it one of the best bodybuilding supplements.

Transparent Labs CoreSeries BCAA Glutamine

Transparent Labs CoreSeries BCAA Glutamine offers all the benefits of a BCAA supplement with the added benefit of L-glutamine in the formula. Designed for the best BCAA for repair and recovery, Transparent Labs has crafted a 100% clean formula with a transparent label so you know exactly what you are getting. Each serving of 14 grams is designed to stimulate protein synthesis, reduce muscle fatigue, and enhance your overall performance, all while aiding in recovery and repair.

Pros

• Fully transparent label and honest ingredients
• From a reputable company in Transparent Labs
• Clinically dosed ingredients with no harmful additives
• High amount of glutamine and additional coconut water powder are great

Cons

• Premium priced option
• Only available through their website
• Must mix it well to avoid grittiness

Price: $39.00

Check out our review for Transparent Labs CoreSeries BCAA Glutamine!

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Why You Should Take Supplements

There are many reasons to take certain supplements, especially in bodybuilding, but each works to put certain nutrients in your body to elevate your health and increase your overall performance, whether that be in or out of the gym. Many of the essentials our bodies cannot produce naturally and it is important we obtain those through food. But often times our diets do not give us everything we need and that’s where supplements can be our best friend. It is important to note that supplements should never replace food. They work in tandem with food to provide you with the best possible diet and lifestyle.

Supplements are good for all sorts of benefits, whether it be for pre-workout energy and muscle pumps, a mid-workout boost for prolonged activity, or post-workout recovery to build muscle and keep you seeing you great gains. A whey protein supplement can really fuel muscle growth and BCAAs, along with omega-3 supplements like krill oil, are great for recovery. When it comes to joint support, supplements can alleviate pain or reduce the risk of injury all together. While pre-workout attention and a mid-workout grind can ignite growth and performance, it is recovery where real gains are made.

Benefits Of These Bodybuilding Supplements

Pre-Workout: Will work to boost energy, increase focus and your level of alertness, and offer insane muscle pumps for serious gains (1). For those who cannot tolerate or do not wish to use caffeine, there are caffeine free options.

Whey Isolate Protein Powder: Can enhance your muscle growth and recovery as a great post-workout supplement packed with essential amino acids and other nutrients. Whey isolate can help with weight loss as well as since this is a pure protein product (2). For those who cannot tolerate or do not wish to consume dairy products, there are dairy-free options.

Post-Workout: A great muscle building supplement, this can boost nitric oxide production, reduce soreness, and promote protein synthesis, especially when paired with a protein powder.

Multivitamin: Will increase your overall health and wellness by pumping you with vital nutrients, including vitamins and minerals, so you never suffer a deficiency (3).

Fat Burner: Great for burning that stubborn body fat by kickstarting your metabolism and promoting fat breakdown so you start to see that desired physique (4).

Sleep Aid: With sleep imperative to overnight recovery and repair, this encourages a better sleep without feeling drowsy.

Omega-3: Omega-3’s are great for brain, heart, and joint health while also helping with immunity and other bodily functions (5).

Testosterone Booster: Testosterone is vital for many bodily functions and overall vitality and a T booster can raise those low levels so you never suffer (6).

Creatine: Will help promote strength, increase endurance, and prevent lean muscle loss while working on changing your body composition so that desired physique shows through (7).

BCAA: The perfect intra-workout supplement, these help stop muscle breakdown, allow you to push through fatigue, and optimize muscle growth as best you can (8).

How We Choose the Best Bodybuilding Supplements

When it comes to choosing the best bodybuilding supplements, it is important to remember that many supplements do exist. We’ve looked through countless numbers of each respective product to find the one that will work best for you and all your gains. We look at the reputation of the brand, for you deserve to have an honest and transparent company working on your behalf. A fully disclosed label and quality ingredients are nothing to hide and it is important that we find those companies who take pride in the utmost honest and integrity of the product.

For each respective supplement, we look at the ingredients and formula, making sure everything is properly dosed and effectively working for your benefit. Lastly, we look at price. We know supplements can get expensive and sometimes the choices can get overwhelming. It is possible to have a great product at a reasonable price.

Bodybuilding Supplements FAQ Section

Is there one supplement that tops everything?

Each bodybuilding supplement works specifically for its own set of needs. There isn’t one overall magic supplement to boost every single area you want help tackling. But with the right combination of supplements, matched by what you are looking to get out of them, you can absolutely find the success you want.

What should I look for in a bodybuilding supplement?

You should look for the ingredients because those will make or break the success of the product. High-quality and effective ingredients should absolutely be the top priority. Also, look for what you want to get out of the supplement because each will work wonders but for different needs.

Do I really need these to enhance my bodybuilding goals?

With a well-balanced diet and solid training routine, you are well on your way to succeeding in your bodybuilding goals. But a supplement and solid supplementation routine can enhance your bodybuilding goals by providing great benefits that will only work to increase the gains put on by your diet and training.

Wrap Up on the Best Bodybuilding Supplements

Finding the right bodybuilding supplement can be challenging and frustrating especially when you want the best for your body. Knowing just what to take and when to take it will not only elevate your physique and performance, but you will feel great knowing you have the right stuff flowing through your body. Supplements are a great addition along with a well-balanced diet but should never replace it, working in tandem to give you the best possible benefits. We know it can be overwhelming to find the right products at affordable prices but we’ve done that leg work for you. Check out these top bodybuilding supplements and feel confident that your physique and performance goals are well on their way to serious gains.

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References

1. Kedia, A. W.; Hofheins, Jennifer E.; Habowski, Scott M.; Ferrando, Arny A.; et al. (2014). “Effects of a Pre-workout Supplement on Lean Mass, Muscular Performance, Subjective Workout Experience and Biomarkers of Safety”. (source)
2. Pal, Sebely; Ellis, Vanessa; Dhaliwal, Satvinder (2010). “Effects of whey protein isolate on body composition, lipids, insulin and glucose in overweight and obese individuals”. (source)
3. Kamangar, Farin; Emadi, Ashkan (2012). “Vitamin and Mineral Supplements: Do We Really Need Them?”. (source)
4. Jeukendrup, A. E.; Randell, R. (2011). “Fat burners: nutrition supplements that increase fata metabolism”. (source)
5. Calder, Philip C. (2017). “Omega-3 fatty acids and inflammatory processes: from molecules to man”. (source)
6. Storer, Thomas W.; Magliano, Lynne; Woodhouse, Linda; Lee, Martin L.; et al. (2003). “Testosterone dose-dependently increases maximal voluntary strength and leg power, but does not affect fatigability or specific tension”. (source)
7. Kreider, Richard B. (2003). “Effects of creatine supplementation on performance and training adaptations”. (source)
8. Negro, M.; Giardina, S.; Marzani, B.; Marzatico, F. (2008). “Branched-chain amino acid supplementation does not enhance performance but affects muscle recovery and the immune system”. (source)