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9 Best Pre-Workout Without Creatine Reviews & Buying Guide

Have you been told to take creatine by a coach or your gym buddies, only to gain unwanted weight and/or spend waayyyy more time in the bathroom?

Creatine can be a great Robin to your good pre workout’s Batman, but it can easily turn into the Joker for you faster than you can say “Why. So. Serious?”…

In order to make your workouts more enjoyable, we’ve delved into the world of supplements for the best pre workout without creatine to bring you the top options. 

You’ll read more on this in a bit…

This way you can still get the boost you need to crush your next session without worrying about the well-known side effects of this common frenemy. 

Sound good? 

Let’s get this party started…

Best Creatine-Free Pre-Workout Comparison Table

9 Best Pre Workouts Without Creatine Reviewed

Today there are many creatine-free pre workout supplements that are becoming increasingly popular in their own right.

Among the best pre workout without creatine products are the following:

1. Transparent Labs Bulk Pre Workout

Our Verdict: Best Overall

There are several reasons why Transparent Labs Bulk Pre-Workout is our #1 pick. More on that below, but it’s really hard to find a reason to “not like it”. 

Here’s why:

These guys are pretty much plain with their aim. Transparent Labs offer you the chance to use a “transparent” pre-workout drink product, which is rare these days.

Their products, including Bulk, have no components being kept as a trade secret and they perform third-party testing on their products. That’s as genuine as it gets with supplement companies.

That aside, creatine free Transparent Labs Bulk Pre-Workout is packed with sufficient quantity of active ingredients that will improve concentration, endurance, and strength.

If you’re caffeine-sensitive or not a fan of a caffeine rush, then you are in luck with this pre-workout supplement. It only contains about the same amount of coffee in a small cup. 

Nonetheless, you’ll have to deal with the harmless “pins and needles” sensation from its potent dose of beta-alanine; one that is considered not an essential amino acid – yet prevents muscle fatigue, if that’s not your thing.

They are somewhat hard to find but here is a good article that reviews some of the best beta alanine-free pre workouts.

With its hefty dose of citrulline malate and beta-alanine, you won’t miss the strength or power effects of creatine-based pre workout that much.

Also, for a natural pre-workout supplement with natural flavoring, it is tasty, but not what’s considered to be the top. It is available in five flavors, and a lot of peeps think the Strawberry Lemonade tastes better.

All in all, its relatively high price per scoop ($1.63) is justifiable because of its potent dose of natural ingredients. But not so much with its nylon bag packaging.

Lastly…

Based on our reviews, Transparent Labs Bulk is your best pick for a creatine free PWO supp. 

Pros:

• Powerful boost in endurance
• Massive pumps
• Generous dose of quality ingredients
• All natural ingredients – vegan friendly
• Trusted manufacturing process
• Optimum dose of caffeine for users with low tolerance levels
• Option of five natural flavors

Cons:

• Expensive
• High beta-alanine dose may cause uncomfortable tingling sensation for some users
• Only sold on the manufacturer’s site

2. Legion Pulse Pre Workout

Our Verdict: Overall Best Pick

If you are seeking to take a healthy break from using a creatine supplement and still get ripped, Legion Pulse pre workout could be just what you need. 

Legion Pulse Pre Workout will ignite your energy levels to the top in less time. The ingredients in Legion Pulse are advanced and dilate your muscle tissue so that you can maximize blood flow.

Actually, it is better than almost any other so-called best creatine freepre workout supplement, pound-for-pound, sorry, ingredient-to-ingredient ratio.

Legion Pulse is an all-natural creatine freepre workout that is composed of only scientifically proven ingredients in high doses. The main ones are beta-alanine, caffeine anhydrous, l-citrulline malate, and betaine anhydrous.

What makes Legion Pulse Pre Workout a great pre workout is its generous dosage of key ingredients with no artificial colors compared to its closest competitors.

The result: 

You get a great deal of motivation to hit the gym, increased endurance, keep you focused, and crazy pumps during workouts.

The only thing is, you might suffer a crash if you aren’t caffeine-tolerant, plus, you’ll most likely get the “tingles” from a full serving.

Luckily, there’s a stim-free version of the product that doesn’t contain any dose of caffeine. On top of that, you can get around its expensive price tag if half a serving works for you.

Finally, Legion Pulse Pre Workout is an amazing option if you are looking for strong boosts from your creatine free pre-workout supplements.

Pros:

• Effective dose of key ingredients
• No artificial ingredients or colorants
• Massive energy and strength gains
• Produced in a cGMP and NSF certified factory
• Available in tasty flavors (fruit punch,grape, green apple and more) and stimulant-free version

Cons:

• Expensive
• Might be too strong for first-time users

3. Vintage Blast Pre Workout

Our Verdict: Best for Long Workouts

Vintage Blast is a product of Old School Labs, a company trying to take the way they make supplements back to the “Golden Era.”

From its packaging – with a 70’s looking moustached man – and the eccentric two-stage ingredients list, you’ll get that they intend to stay true to their word.

The ingredients in Vintage Blast are scientifically-backed and dosed with the same idea in mind. Its micro-encapsulated ingredient is one you won’t find in many pre workout drink supplements despite numerous reviews supporting its regulation of caffeine release.

Also, it includes double nitric oxide boosters – citrulline and arginine – to increase pumps. But it has a more subtle dosage of ingredients like beta-alanine, the energy boosting l-tyrosine, l-carnitine, for somewhat intentional reasons – preventing dependency.

Vintage Blast is one of the more expensive pre-workouts, according to reviews, but it’s well worth the price. It is all natural and has a two-stage effect, with a rare and expensive type of caffeine.

Ultimately, it’s one of the top creatine free products to see results in long workouts without dependency.

Pros:

• No artificial colors
• Increases blood flow for massive pumps
• No proprietary blend
• Two-stage process for steady release of caffeine

Cons:

• Sour and available in only one flavor
• Very expensive
• Low dosages in some ingredients

4. Vitamin Bounty Alpha Gx7 Pre Workout

Our Verdict: Best in Stimulant Effect

Vitamin Bounty is a relatively small supplements company but their premium creatine free pre workout formula, Alpha GX7 Pre-workout, which contains Alpha-Ketoglutarate; a building block of protein, has seen gained popularity in the supplement world, backed up with reviews of the product.

It’s a great product if you want a mild stim-based pre-workout supplement to give you the drive to see through your workouts.

The caffeine content of Alpha GX7 Pre-workout isn’t over the top – the same quantity as just over two cups of coffee. But it helps to provide you with some more adrenaline with the addition of yohimbine. And a decent quantity of taurine to ease recovery, cramps, and jitteriness but not in a generous amount.

So if you’re not a caffeine junkie and at the same time not a green tea buff, then this is your choice.

Besides the adrenaline rush and keeping you focused, you get a decent pump action with its sufficient amount of  l–citrulline malate and l-carnitine.

The Original Alpha is transparent with its ingredients, unlike others. The only not-so scientifically proven ingredient in its list is AAKG which is said to increase strength levels.

It comes in two flavors, and thanks to its artificial sweeteners which helps to keep no tartness to its taste.

Overall, Alpha GX7 pre-workout is one top option if you want to try one with major energizing effects and maybe some pumps because this one’s aimed highly to increase energy.

Pros:

• Decent dose of ingredients
• No proprietary blend
• High hit of caffeine
• Doesn’t use acesulfame potassium sweetener

Cons:

• Relatively low in taurine
• Somewhat expensive

5. Jacked Factory Nitro Surge Pre Workout

Our Verdict: Best Budget Buy

Nitro Surge is a nice pre workout without creatine from Jacked Factory that is formulated to let you produce explosive energy, instant strength gains, laser-sharp focus, endless endurance, and powerful pumps.

Although the dosage of the ingredients doesn’t compete well against premium products’ reviews,  It is also a good entry-level option that helps to test out pre workout supplements.

With its fair dose of l-citrulline, you’ll know the promise of powerful pumps is no joke compared to other cheap pre workouts. Beta-alanine boosts endurance levels during exercise, and its optimum level means it is less likely to give a tingly side effect.

The caffeine content is enough to keep most folks active, and it pairs with l-theanine to increase concentration. It includes a mild amount of other ingredients that further enhance its overall effects, including faster absorption.

On the other hand, it is an awesome top find of a budget pre-workout with no formula kept as a secret. It also consists of mostly scientifically-proven ingredients, except hordenine.

Like most creatine free pre workout supplements with and artificial sweetener, colors, or flavors, it isn’t harsh on the taste buds.

Nitro Surge gets you a great bang for your buck. You can rely on that considering our product reviews.

Pros:

• Easily affordable
• No proprietary blend
• Science-backed dosages to enhance focus and torelance
• Available in six flavors

Cons:

• Relatively low on citrulline
• Contains artificial flavors

6. Rari Nutrition Infinity Pre Workout

Our Verdict: Best for Beginners

The Infinity Pre Workout formula, from first glance, looks very attractive thanks to colourful packaging. 

With one scoop, it isn’t too hard on a newbie and it covers great value. But with two scoops, you are getting a premium serving of ingredients at an awesome price.

To better entice customers, Rari Nutrition made it a creatine free pre workout because “creatine isn’t a one size fits all ingredient.”

It’s available in 3 candy-like flavors – Blue Raspberry, Sour Gummy Worm and Strawberry Lemonade – that don’t replicate their names on the taste buds. The taste is in between sour and bitter.

Compared to other pre-workouts, Rari Nutrition Infinity isn’t close to being a competition with one scoop per serving. But at two scoops per helping, it’s arguably one of the best creatine-free pre workouts in current reviews.

However, at two scoops, the dose of caffeine content is equivalent to over three cups. That makes it certain that you’ll suffer a crash or jitters after your workout. Plus, there’s also the harmless tingles caused by a high dose of ; beta-alanine, which is considered not an essential amino acid.

All in all, Rari Nutrition Infinity can be a great option for first-timers as well as stim-junkies. 

Pros:

• All natural ingredients
• Vegan-friendly
• GMP lab certified
• Available in three flavors
• Vitamin-rich supplement
• Great value (at one scoop)

Cons:

• Expensive (at two scoops)
• Sour taste

7. DOVitamins PumpPills

Our Verdict: Best Pill Option

If pre-workout powder isn’t your thing, try out these convenient pills to avoid creatine! PumpPills is among the leading pre workout without creatine supplements available in the market currently.

This product is a caffeine free, yet one of the best thermogenic pre workout supplement that has all the needed ingredients for an intense workout.

Unlike natural pre-workout powder, you do not need a shaker bottle or to carry around a big tub of protein powder. All you need are these small pills to create the burst of energy and top athletic performance.

PumpPills contains L-Citrulline, an ingredient that boosts your blood flow for optimal lean muscle growth. Other ingredients like malic acid and beta alanine improve your energy and muscle bearing.

Don’t allow your natural pre-workout supplements without creatine to interfere negatively with your sleep!

This quality product is 100% stimulant free which is ideal if you are a caffeine sensitive individual and can’t even tolerate green tea extract. 

With this one of the best creatine free pre-workout booster we’ve got reviews of, you can take your pre-workout meal a notch higher today!

Pros:

• Stimulant free pre-workout
• Gentle endurance and pump boost 
• Reasonable value
• Third-party tested
• No jitters or crash
• No artificial ingredient

Cons:

• A lot of pills per serving (4)
• No energy boost
• Takes longer to work compared to powdery pre-workouts

8. AllMax Nutrition MUSCLEPRIME

Our Verdict: Best for Maximum Power

The special ingredients contained in MUSCLEPRIME promote more intense concentrations during your workout.

The outcome: 

Increased power, strength and lean muscle mass delivery. And that is all due to its unmatched absorption factors. 

The branched-chain amino acids and beta alanine in this supplement are known to boost your anaerobic tolerance and delay fatigue onset.

MUSCLEPRIME is a really one of the top creatine free pre workout supplement that enhances the outcomes of each workout performance. MUSCLEPRIME is completely unlike any other pre workout supplement without creatine energy drink on the market today!

MUSCLEPRIME brings energy and total focus to your workout and is known to directly activate your fat burning processes that can be useful in weight loss, too.

Truly, AllMax Nutrition MUSCLEPRIME is in its own league!

Pros:

• Boosts tolerance
• Weight loss components
• Sugar-free
• Great taste

Cons:

• Contains proprietary blends

9. Cellucor C4 Ripped Pre-Workout Without Creatine

Our Verdict: Best for Endurance

When you desire to put on size, this formula from Cellucor C4 Ripped can do the job. It supplies vital energy that you require for training while it helps in adding lean muscle mass to your body along with your fitness goals.

However… 

It may not always be ideal for everybody.

Cellucor C4 Ripped with no-creatine contains key energy ingredients like its green coffee bean extract that helps you push even through the toughest of workouts.

Cellucor C4 Ripped with no-creatine contains key energy ingredients like its green coffee bean extract that helps you push even through the toughest of workouts.

The blend of ingredients contained in C4 have been designed to help in fat loss or if you’re in weight loss; in whichever case it may be. This fat is turned into useful energy for your workout. The amino acids in this product play a vital role in transporting your fatty acids for added energy so your body can get the job done.

Because of its fat-burning property, it is also considered as one of the best thermogenic pre workout among the few in the market today.

Cellucor C4 Ripped creatine free pre workout supplement is guaranteed to provide you a desired burst of flavor you’ll love prior to training!

Pros:

• Good energy rush
• Many ingredients boost forbearance and focus
• Helps in fat loss/weight loss
• Has a very nice taste
• Has green coffee bean extract
• Contains fruit extract

Cons:

• Contains proprietary blends
• Somewhat expensive
• Has ingredients that are not fully scientifically-tested

Buying Guide & FAQ

Why Consider Creatine in the First Place?

Creatine is one of the most common and popular ingredients people will see on the label of most pre workout supplements packed with high boosting benefits . 

It is also one of the most studied performance enhancing compounds, lauded for its use in building lean muscle mass, and is generally regarded as very safe to consume. 

Creatine is a natural nitrogen-based amino acid found in the muscles of vertebrates. We, people are vertebrates! That means we naturally have it circulating in our bodies. 

Effectiveness of Creatine vs Creatine-Free

The supplements marketplace is currently bursting with a myriad of creatine-based and creatine free pre workout supplement options with their impressive benefits. How do you know which one is for you? Read more below.

The basic premise of the perfect pre-workout supplement mix is to provide you with stimulants and a nice energy boost like green coffee beans and more for your training session. Since creatine is not that, there isn’t really a need for it in the first place.

SUMMARY

Whether you opt for the best pre-workout supplements without creatine or not, both types of pre-workout supplement still deliver results regarding your energy, concentration, and pump in the gym.

Side Effects as a Pre-Workout

Taking creatine by mouth can cause side effects, rather than benefits, with the kidneys, liver or stomach pain and nausea. Therefore, some people like to use other options for their choice of the best creatine free pre-workout supplements. Those side effects include:

• Upset Stomach – For some, consuming creatine leads to an upset stomach. This issue is largely genetic as to how your body can handle and absorb this compound.
• Renal (Kidney) Problems – if you have a history kidney issues or are taking a nephrotoxic prescription, you will want to choose supplements without creatine at all costs. As concluded in this study, those with pre-existing kidney conditions have a higher risk of complete renal dysfunction and even acute renal failure. 
• Weight Gain – Due to the mechanism of how it works to increase the flow of water to your muscles, you are prone to put on some unwanted water weight. You don’t want this, especially if you’re into weight loss.
• Excessive Tingling – Especially for pre-workout newbies not used to pre-workouts with high dosages of beta-alanine, you can experience extra tingling from a potent formula.

Also, mixing creatine supplementation with a high dose of caffeine or certain medications, especially ephedra, is not recommended since the combination can cause adverse reactions.

SUMMARY

Taking creatine alone or with caffeine can cause upset stomachs and other issues in some athletes. If you are in need of completely non-stimulant options, see the ones without caffeine here.

Ingredients to Avoid

In order to ensure your chosen pre workout powder truly is a supplement without creatine, double check that the ingredients label does NOT mention any of the following:

• Creatine Anhydrous
• Creatine Citrate
• Creatine Ethyl Ester
• Creatine Gum
• Creatine Hydrocloride (HCL)
• Kre-Alkalyn Creatine

• Creatine Malate
• Creatine Monohydrate
• Creatine Nitrate
• Creatine Phosphate
• Creatine Tartrate

Key Ingredients to Look For

The following compounds are what separate the good pre-workouts from the great. Instead of trusting a “proprietary blend” be sure to really read the label to identify the best formula for your needs.

This has made it pretty hard to choose the best pre workout supplements without creatine with optimum nutrition for the greatest amount of energy, tolerance, and strength to last throughout your workouts; and at the same time assist in the process of fat loss and/or weight loss. Especially if you combine it with a fat burner. 

Look for one of the best pre workout supplements containing most of these to get the best bang for your buck:

• Amino Acid & BCAA’s
• Arginine
• Beta-Alanine
• Caffeine
• L-Citrulline 

The best pre-workout supplements are proven to make all the difference when your workout starts. With a good product, you simply don’t tire that fast. Many women love them too!

And not just because of the tingling sensation from too much beta alanine ;)

At the end of the day, you can finally look at your appearance in the mirror with satisfaction from the benefits you’ll gain from your pick of one of the best creatine free pre workout supplements, here in this article review.

Important Reminder:

There are extremely successful bodybuilders out there who have attained their top status using non-creatine pre-workout products, such as our #1 pick the Transparent Labs Bulk Pre-Workout.

Conclusion

While creatine can be a very useful supplement, not everybody benefits from its vast advantages. As explained above, this is really not as a result of a problem with creatine or protein processors per se but rather with how it is utilized. 

Rather, there is a small group of athletes who experience difficulties in properly absorbing products with creatine into the lean muscle cells. The reasons for this are varied, often related to genetics. Some of them also prefer having pre-workout foods instead.

The best creatine free pre workout supplement can still deliver awesome benefits as you work in the gym. Therefore, if you can’t take creatine, have no fear.

Last Updated on March 24, 2021