Need a pre-workout that won’t break the bank? The best cheap pre workout supplements can cost less than £1 per serving and still pack a serious punch.
We have sourced 74 different pre-workout supplements and found something surprising – expensive doesn’t always mean better. Premium brands love to brag about being the best, but many budget-friendly alternatives deliver powerful blends of caffeine, beta-alanine, and citrulline malate. These key ingredients boost your energy, endurance, and focus when you hit the gym.
Nutricost Pre-X stands out as a prime example. This supplement costs just £0.75 per serving and delivers 300mg of caffeine – the same as 3 cups of coffee – among other performance boosters. The price tag matters, but it shouldn’t be your only focus since some cheaper options cut corners on ingredient quality or dosages.
We assessed these affordable options based on ingredient transparency, taste, solubility, and how well they work. The result? Seven budget pre-workouts that deliver real results. Let us guide you toward a pre-workout that matches your fitness goals and fits your budget perfectly.
Cellucor C4 – Best Cheap Pre Workout for Beginners
Cellucor C4 Original stands out as a top choice for anyone looking for the best cheap pre workout that won’t overwhelm beginners. This powerhouse brand has sold over 2.5 billion servings and became America’s #1 selling pre-workout brand. Many new users trust it as their first performance supplement.
Cellucor C4 beginner-friendly formulation
The carefully crafted formula in C4 Original helps people who are just starting their fitness goals. The supplement has 200mg of caffeine for energy and 2g of CarnoSyn® Beta-Alanine to improve muscular endurance. The Velox® Performance Blend combines L-Citrulline and L-Arginine to support performance, pump, and recovery.
C4 works great for beginners because of its simple eight-ingredient formula. Creatine Nitrate (NO3-T®) helps increase pump and training performance. Huperzine A teams up with caffeine to sharpen your focus. This mix gives you:
- Better energy and focus from caffeine
- More muscular endurance to handle tough sets
- Better blood flow and “pump” feeling
- Help with post-workout recovery
New users should start with half a scoop mixed in 6-8 oz of water 20-30 minutes before their workout. This helps you see how your body reacts before taking a full serving.
Cellucor C4 pricing and caffeine content
C4 Original proves itself as one of the best value pre workout supplements you can buy. A single purchase costs AUD 1.79, but you can save more with a subscription at AUD 1.25. These prices beat most competitors in the market.
Each serving packs 200mg of caffeine, which hits the sweet spot for pre-workouts. You get enough energy without going overboard, which helps beginners who might be sensitive to stimulants. C4 Sport has less caffeine at 135mg, making the Original version a bit stronger.
C4 gives you several options if you want a cheap pre workout that still delivers quality. The product line fits different needs and priorities:
- C4 Original – Basic explosive pre-workout with 200mg caffeine
- C4 Sport – NSF Certified for Sport® with 135mg caffeine
- C4 Ripped – Fat-loss support ingredients with 150mg caffeine
- C4 Ultimate – Premium formula with 300mg caffeine
- C4 SuperSport – NSF Certified for athletes
- C4 Extreme – No artificial flavours/dyes, 200mg caffeine
Cellucor C4 taste and user feedback
C4’s flavour variety sets it apart. The brand’s reputation for great taste grew stronger in the last decade after selling billions of servings. Icy Blue Razz, Rainbow Blast, and Watermelon (Original) lead the pack, with Watermelon being the top seller.
Users love C4, giving it a 4.7 average rating across more than 570 customer reviews. The feedback highlights several benefits:
“This pre-workout is fantastic! I felt extremely energised and focused throughout my entire workout without any noticeable decline,” noted one certified personal trainer. Another user shared: “Gives me so much energy and makes my workouts last longer”.
The smooth mixing without graininess impresses many first-time users. The effects kick in within 15 minutes, and the beta-alanine tingles fade quickly. This lets you focus on the energy and mental clarity benefits.
C4’s affordable price tag wins over many energy drink fans. One user said: “I was using energy drinks before this, and I’ve completely gone off of them”. This makes C4 the best cheap pre workout powder for beginners and a healthier choice than sugary energy drinks.
Anyone searching for the best cheap pre workout Australia will find C4 Original perfect. Its balanced formula, good price, and positive user reviews make it an excellent starting point.
Raw Nutrition Pump – Best Stim-Free Budget Pre Workout
Raw Nutrition Pump leads the pack as the best cheap pre workout without stimulants. This caffeine-free formula works great for evening workouts and anyone sensitive to stimulants.
Raw Nutrition Pump stim-free performance benefits
The formula contains absolutely zero caffeine. This makes it perfect for late-night training. Unlike typical stimulant-heavy pre-workouts, Raw Pump focuses on improving blood flow and muscle fullness without disrupting your sleep.
Raw Pump’s effectiveness comes from its nitric oxide-boosting blend. The formula includes:
- L-Citrulline – Opens blood vessels by converting to L-Arginine, which increases circulation and oxygen delivery to muscles
- Nitrosigine – A potent arginine-silicate complex that relaxes and widens blood vessels to improve blood flow
- Agmatine Sulphate – Derived from L-Arginine, this compound amplifies nitric oxide production
Lion’s Mane mushroom extract (300mg per serving) sets Raw Nutrition Pump apart from other stim-free options. This nootropic ingredient helps nerve cell growth and improves mental clarity and focus – benefits you usually lose with stimulant-free formulas.
The ingredients work together to create “peak nitric oxide production from the first rep of your workout until the very last set”. This will give a consistent pump throughout your training session.
Raw Nutrition Pump pricing and hydration support
Raw Nutrition Pump offers excellent value at approximately AUD 1.38 per serving. The price is substantially lower than many premium pump products without compromising on quality.
The formula excels at hydration support. Himalayan pink salt provides 500mg of sodium chloride as an electrolyte source. This helps cellular hydration and nutrient uptake during workouts.
More hydration-supporting ingredients include:
- Betaine Anhydrous (2.5g) – Supports heart function and increases work capacity
- L-Taurine – Improves cellular hydration and nutrient delivery
Raw Nutrition’s subscription option reduces the per-serving cost even more. This makes it the cheapest pre workout with premium ingredients. Budget-conscious fitness enthusiasts can access quality formulas without breaking the bank.
Raw Nutrition Pump taste and solubility
Users consistently praise Raw Nutrition Pump’s taste and mixability. The supplement comes in several flavours like Peach Mango, Sour Watermelon, and a unique Kiwi Blueberry blend that users call “smooth and clean”.
Users report the product “totally dissolves and doesn’t have any problems mixing with water”. You won’t find the chalky texture common in many cheap preworkout options. The smooth consistency leaves no gritty residue in your shaker.
Mix 1-2 scoops with 400-500ml of water and drink it 15-30 minutes before exercise. This timing lets the non-stimulant ingredients absorb properly before you start working out.
This best cheap pre workout supplement avoids the artificial aftertaste found in budget products. A certified personal trainer noted that “it’s not ultra fake-tasting or made-up flavours like unicorn dust”. The supplement tastes great and makes pre-workout preparation enjoyable.
Raw Nutrition Pump undergoes third-party testing. This best Australian pre workout delivers great value without relying on stimulants.
Faction Labs Disorder – Best Australian Budget Pre Workout
Faction Labs Disorder from Australia has earned its spot as the best Australian pre workout in the budget category. This powerful supplement dominates its home market and serves as a measure for affordable yet effective pre-workout formulations.
Faction Labs Disorder unique Australian formulation
Faction Labs stands by their promise “to be ordinary”. Their unique formula shows this philosophy in action. The supplement packs 250mg of caffeine per single scoop (or a powerful 500mg for double-scoopers). Users get extreme energy and laser-sharp focus, making Disorder a standout cheap preworkout choice for experienced gym-goers.
This best cheap pre workout stands apart from international options with its balanced blend that improves overall training:
- 3g of L-Citrulline Malate supports nitric oxide production and blood flow
- 1.6g of Beta-Alanine reduces lactic acid buildup during intense training
- 100% open label transparency shows all ingredients and exact dosages
Disorder doesn’t skimp on the pump aspect despite being a high-stimulant product. The original 2019 formula combines energy, pump, and focus elements in one economical package. The supplement happens to be vegan and sugar-free, perfect for dietary restrictions without sacrificing performance.
Faction Labs Disorder pricing and availability
Disorder’s value shines through its multiple size options. Users can pick from 400g/50 serve tubs, 200g/25 serve containers, or a 12-serve multi-flavour variety pack to sample different tastes. These size choices make it one of the best value pre workout supplements in Australia.
The supplement’s cost efficiency makes it the best cheap pre workout Australia has seen. Each serving delivers 6 grammes of active ingredients, offering great value compared to pricier international brands with similar formulas.
Australian supplement stores stock Disorder everywhere. Many retailers offer subscriptions to lower the per-serving cost. The product’s popularity grew steadily since launch, making it “one of the best selling pre workout supplements in Australia”.
Faction Labs Disorder flavours and user reviews
This cheapest pre workout contender amazes with 13 different flavours. The range caters to every taste:
- Red Russian tastes like raspberry or red frogs
- Pink Bits brings strawberries and cream
- Rainbow Warrior delivers rainbow ice cream
- White Snow offers vanilla cola
- Aqua Splash reminds users of breakfast juice
Red Russian tops most taste tests. Silver Bullet (pear) gets praise as “the best-tasting flavour so far, even better than Red Russian”.
Users love this best cheap pre workout supplement. A loyal customer shared: “I’ve been using Disorder preworkout for about 2 years now, and I’m really happy with it. It gives me the energy and focus I need to power through my workouts”. Another fan praised the taste: “I’ve never had a pre before that doesn’t have some sort of nasty after taste… Disorder though, oh boy. This stuff is a gift from God”.
Most people feel the effects 15 minutes after taking it. They report better endurance, strength gains, and bigger muscle pumps during workouts. The supplement managed to keep its place as a favourite among people looking for the what is the best cheap pre workout in Australia’s competitive market.
Primabolics Grind – Best Natural Cheap Pre Workout
Primabolics Grind stands out among the best cheap pre workout options with its natural ingredients. This Australian supplement leads the budget pre-workout category as the top natural choice.
Primabolics Grind natural ingredient profile
Primabolics Grind’s stimulant-free formula makes it unique in the cheap preworkout market. The product shows all ingredients on its label without hiding anything in proprietary blends. Each serving packs an impressive 20g, which beats most competitors at this price point.
The supplement’s pump-enhancing complex has:
- 3000mg of L-Citrulline Malate (2:1) that helps blood flow and nitric oxide production
- 250mg of Potassium Nitrate adds more vasodilation benefits
- VASO6 (150mg per 10g serve) boosts nitric oxide up to 10 times more than a 7000mg dose of Arginine
The formula contains 2500mg of Creatine Monohydrate, which experts call “the most researched and supported sports supplement in the world”. This key ingredient works with 1600mg of Beta-Alanine to fight lactic acid buildup. You can push through tough sets without getting tired too soon.
The product also contains nootropics like Tyrosine (500mg) and Alpha GPC (150mg) that sharpen mental focus. These brain-boosting compounds give you the mental edge usually missing in stimulant-free options.
Primabolics Grind pricing and clean label
Primabolics Grind offers great value as one of the best value pre workout supplements. The product’s clean label certifications include gluten-free, lactose-free, vegan-friendly, and keto-diet suitable options.
Most cheapest pre workout supplements don’t cater to different dietary needs, but this one does without cutting corners on performance. The caffeine-free formula means no jitters or anxiety that often come with cheaper pre-workouts.
Primabolics shows exact amounts of each ingredient on their label. Many budget supplements hide weak doses in proprietary blends, but not this one.
Primabolics Grind taste and performance
The product comes in four flavours: Mango Nectar, Pineapple, Strawberry Kiwi, and Grape. Users love how each flavour tastes.
This best cheap pre workout supplement in the natural category delivers several benefits:
- Better muscle pumps and nutrient delivery to working muscles
- Steady energy without the typical stimulant crash
- More muscular endurance to complete extra reps
- Stronger mind-muscle connection during training
Mix 1-2 scoops (10-20g) with 350-500ml of water and drink it 15-30 minutes before working out. Both beginners and advanced users can adjust the dose to find their sweet spot in this best Australian pre workout without stimulants.
Most cheap pre workout options cut corners, but Primabolics Grind gives you full benefits thanks to its bigger serving size and properly dosed ingredients.
Altered State – Best Premium Value Under $1.50
Want premium ingredients without the premium price? Altered State leads Australia’s high-stimulant best cheap pre workout market. This powerhouse supplement gives you exceptional value at under $1.50 per serving. The complete formulation matches more expensive brands and stays available to budget-conscious fitness enthusiasts.
Altered State premium ingredients at budget price
Altered State stands out in the cheap preworkout market with its impressive 14-gramme serving size. The formula packs scientifically-backed performance boosters. You get a substantial 10,950mg pump and endurance complex that has:
- 6g Citrulline Malate to boost blood flow and superior pumps
- 3.2g Beta-Alanine to buffer lactic acid and extend workout capacity
- 1.5g Agmapure™ (Agmatine Sulphate) to increase vascularity
- Pine Bark Extract and Astragin™ to improve absorption
This best value pre workout rises above other budget options with its complete nootropic blend. The mix has 300mg Alpha GPC, 10mg Huperzine A, 2g Tyrosine, and 100mg L-theanine. Users experience mental clarity without jitters – a feature usually found in premium-priced supplements.
Altered State pricing vs. performance comparison
The numbers tell an impressive story. Each scoop delivers over 750mg of stimulants from multiple sources. This makes it the best cheap pre workout Australia has created in the high-energy category.
The stimulant matrix combines 450mg Caffeine Anhydrous, 200mg English Walnut, 50mg Di-Caffeine Malate, 30mg Synephrine, and 20mg Hordenine. Users get clean, sustained energy without the crash common in budget stimulant products.
Altered State earns its spot as the best cheap pre workout supplement through clinical dosing of each ingredient. The formula provides full effective amounts, unlike many budget options that cut corners. The pump complex alone totals nearly 11 grammes per serving.
Premium pre-workouts might cost more upfront but prove more affordable when broken down serve-for-serve and ingredient-versus-ingredient. Altered State follows this principle by offering premium ingredients at budget prices.
Altered State user experience and energy boost
Users love their first experience, noting “good pump without the tingles” and flavours that are “great… not too sweet like some pre workouts out there”. Several popular flavours make the pre-workout routine something to look forward to.
The core team suggests mixing one scoop with 300-600ml of cold water 30 minutes before training. Advanced users can take two scoops for maximum effect. The manufacturer advises against taking more than two scoops in 24 hours.
Altered State delivers what many call the cleanest, most intense energy complex in the cheapest pre workout category. Experienced gym-goers get professional-grade performance without the high price tag.
The supplement works especially well for heavy lifters at the gym. This makes it the ideal best Australian pre workout for serious athletes on a budget.
Naked Energy Stim-Free – Best for Sensitive Users
Naked Energy Stim-Free stands out as a best cheap pre workout for people who react strongly to stimulants but still want results. This supplement gives you clean energy without the usual side effects you get from stimulant-based products.
Naked Energy stim-free formulation and benefits
This best value pre workout contains just 10 Non-GMO ingredients with no artificial additives. The powerful formula includes:
- CarnoSyn Beta-Alanine that helps with muscle endurance
- Niacin and B vitamins to produce energy
- Nitrosigine to boost blood flow
- L-Citrulline Malate that helps with pump and recovery
The makers of this cheapest pre workout get their product tested by third parties for heavy metals. This makes it safe for sensitive users. The stim-free version matches their popular Naked Energy formula’s vitamin and mineral content, just without the stimulants.
Users get more than just a caffeine-free experience. Creatine monohydrate and beta-alanine boost workout performance. Mental focus stays sharp even without stimulants. Beta-alanine helps muscles recover faster.
Naked Energy stim-free pricing and flavour options
Budget-conscious buyers will like Naked Energy Stim-Free’s price of AUD 1.36 per serving. A subscription brings it down to AUD 1.10. These prices make it a great deal in the best Australian pre workout market for stim-free products.
The product has a subtle taste. Many users prefer this to the overly sweet taste of other products. Naked suggests mixing one scoop with 8oz of your favourite sports drink if you want more flavour.
Naked Energy stim-free solubility and mixability
This best cheap pre workout supplement mixes exceptionally well. Tests show the unflavored version dissolves “completely clear with no floaters”. It earned perfect marks – 5 out of 5 stars for how well it dissolves. Most budget supplements leave gritty bits behind, but not this one.
The product works best when taken 20 minutes before working out. This timing lets the non-stimulant ingredients reach full strength as you start exercising.
Naked Energy Stim-Free gives you great value for money. It’s perfect as a cheap preworkout for anyone who wants clean, simple ingredients without stimulants. The vegan, gluten-free, and non-GMO formula works for different diets. Sensitive users looking for an affordable pre-workout will find this their best option.
Six Star Pre-Workout Explosion – Cheapest Pre Workout Option
Six Star Pre-Workout Explosion stands out as the cheapest pre workout option on our list. The price hits rock bottom at AUD 0.81 per serving, and some retailers even sell it for AUD 0.86. This budget-friendly formula makes fitness supplements available to almost everyone.
Six Star Pre-Workout Explosion price per serving
The product’s value in the marketplace remains unmatched. A complete container costs between AUD 22.93 and AUD 36.70 for 30 servings. The price is by a lot lower than most competitors that usually charge between 80 cents and a dollar per serving. Some sellers even price it under AUD 30.58, which drops the cost per serving further. This amazing affordability has earned it a perfect 5-out-of-5 rating for pricing based on multiple testing methods.
Six Star Pre-Workout Explosion ingredient transparency
The ultra-low price does come with some trade-offs. The formula has proprietary blends like the “Advanced Pump Complex” and “Explosion Blend”. This makes it hard to know exact amounts of individual ingredients. The newer 2.0 version contains:
- 320mg caffeine and 3.2g beta-alanine (in the 2.0 version)
- L-citrulline and electrolytes to improve blood flow
- Betaine anhydrous to boost muscle endurance
New users should know that many ingredients are nowhere near clinical recommendations. This seems to be a compromise to maintain low prices.
Six Star Pre-Workout Explosion taste and effectiveness
The product comes in several flavours: Grape, Fruit Punch, Icy Rocket Freeze, and Pink Lemonade. Users have mixed opinions about its taste and performance. The Fruit Punch flavour tastes like “cherry candy with a hint of bubblegum”, similar to other pre-workouts.
Whatever its budget status, many users share positive experiences. One buyer mentioned it “definitely got me pumped up and gave me enough energy to last the entire session”. Like most products with beta-alanine, you might feel a harmless tingling sensation.
The manufacturer suggests starting with one scoop mixed with water 30 minutes before workouts. After checking your tolerance, you can increase to two scoops.
Comparison Table
| Pre Workout | Price per Serving | Caffeine Content | Key Ingredients | Special Features | Notable Flavours |
| Cellucor C4 | AUD 1.25-1.79 | 200mg | CarnoSyn® Beta-Alanine (2g), Velox® Performance Blend, Creatine Nitrate | Beginner-friendly, 8-ingredient formulation | Icy Blue Razz, Rainbow Blast, Watermelon |
| Raw Nutrition Pump | AUD 1.38 | 0mg (Stim-free) | L-Citrulline, Nitrosigine, Lion’s Mane (300mg), Betaine (2.5g) | Caffeine-free, Third-party tested | Peach Mango, Sour Watermelon, Kiwi Blueberry |
| Faction Labs Disorder | Not mentioned | 250mg (single scoop), 500mg (double scoop) | L-Citrulline Malate (3g), Beta-Alanine (1.6g) | Vegan-friendly, Sugar-free | Red Russian, Pink Bits, Rainbow Warrior |
| Primabolics Grind | Not mentioned | 0mg (Stim-free) | L-Citrulline Malate (3000mg), Creatine Monohydrate (2500mg), Beta-Alanine (1600mg) | Natural formulation, Gluten-free, Vegan | Mango Nectar, Pineapple, Strawberry Kiwi, Grape |
| Altered State | Under AUD 1.50 | 450mg Caffeine Anhydrous + other stimulants | Citrulline Malate (6g), Beta-Alanine (3.2g), Agmapure™ (1.5g) | High-stim formula, Clinical dosing | Not specifically mentioned |
| Naked Energy Stim-Free | AUD 1.10-1.36 | 0mg (Stim-free) | CarnoSyn Beta-Alanine, Nitrosigine, L-Citrulline Malate | Third-party tested, Non-GMO | Unflavoured (“barely there taste”) |
| Six Star Pre-Workout Explosion | AUD 0.81-0.86 | 320mg | Beta-alanine (3.2g), L-citrulline, Betaine anhydrous | Most affordable option | Grape, Fruit Punch, Icy Rocket Freeze, Pink Lemonade |
Conclusion
You don’t need to spend big money to find the right pre-workout supplement. Each product in our review brings something different to the table. Some people might prefer stimulant-free options like Raw Nutrition Pump, while others want high-energy formulas like Altered State.
Budget pre-workouts might raise eyebrows, but many affordable options contain science-backed ingredients at doses that work. Take Cellucor C4 – it gives beginners solid results at just £1.25 per serving. Products like Primabolics Grind show that clean, natural formulas can be affordable too.
Success comes from picking a pre-workout that fits your needs, not the most expensive one on the shelf. Think about your stimulant tolerance, when you train, and any dietary limits before making a choice. Note that you should start with smaller doses to test your tolerance, whatever supplement you pick.
This complete guide helps you pick an effective pre-workout that matches your fitness goals and wallet. The best option isn’t always the most expensive – it’s the one that helps you nail your workouts consistently while keeping your budget intact.
