C4 Pre-Workout Review: Still the King of Pre-Workout Supplements?

Given the insane number of options you have when buying a pre-workout supplement nowadays, I'm still amazed when numerous people can recognize one brand name. There aren't many of the OGs left from the supplement boom back in the late 90s and early 2000s, but Cellucor is one of them. In particular, their best-selling C4 pre-workout. Even people who haven't used pre-workouts often recognize the product name "C4." But is Cellucor still sitting comfortably at the top of the best pre-workouts throne? Let's take a closer look at their supplement lineup in this C4 pre-workout review.

A quick note on how we chose these products: The research team here at ACTIVE looks for established brands with a positive reputation, long-standing history for quality, and above all, happy customers. It's not about claiming you have the best energy drinks, we need to see proof of it. Cellucor is one of the most popular supplement brands in the industry and it's got the track record to show you why. We decided to take a look at the entire C4 lineup so that you can see which ones are the most effective for your fitness goals.

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The health and safety of ACTIVE's readers is of the utmost importance to us. To ensure your well-being when consuming dietary supplements, the ACTIVE.com editorial team prioritizes products that are independently tested by a third party. We've consulted with a team of nutritionists and dieticians to ensure the products we feature are of the highest standard. This helps us create the most accurate, authentic review content for our readers.

Disclaimer: Exercise caution when taking supplements. Always make sure to consult with your doctor before trying a new supplement or pill. Dietary supplements are not a substitute for a balanced diet and regular exercise. Any supplements taken should be used in accordance with a healthy lifestyle. Any weight loss of more than a pound per week over a long period of time is unusual and should be monitored by a doctor.

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A Quick Look at C4 Pre-Workout

For over 15 years, Cellucor has been supporting health and fitness goals with a series of supplements including protein powder and post-workouts. The brand officially launched its pre-workout, C4, in 2009.

Since then, Cellucor has released multiple variations of the pre-workout supplement, tweaking it to include ingredients that are specific to a certain goal. For example, C4 Ripped contains more fat-burning ingredients to support weight loss, while Supersport is more focused on athletic-based performance.

Here's the full lineup of what we'll be reviewing today:

• C4 Original
• C4 Original Wounded Warrior Project
• C4 Supersport
• C4 Supersport Ripped
• C4 Sport
• C4 Ripped
• C4 Extreme
• C4 Dynasty
• C4 Ultimate

C4 Original

SPECS

• Active ingredients: Vitamin C, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Carnosyn Beta-Alanine, Creatine Nitrate (NO3-T), Arginine Alpha-Ketoglutarate, Caffeine Anhydrous, Velvet Bean (Mucuna pruriens) seed extract, Theacrine (as TeaCrine®)
• Serving size: 6g (1 scoop)
• Mixing Instructions: Take 1 serving (1 level scoop) of C4® Original, mixed with 6 fl. oz of water 20-30 min. before training. Some individuals may experience a harmless tingling sensation, which is attributed to beta alanine
• Price range (rating scale below): $-$$
• Flavor options (rating scale below): 3

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This is where it all began for Cellucor's pre-workout series. While C4 Original has gone through some formula changes, it's still a reflection of its foundation.

C4 Original plays it simple, using a collection of tried-and-true ingredients for energy and performance. For example, caffeine and theacrine are used for that physical and mental pick-me-up while ingredients like beta-alanine and creatine are useful for fueling your muscle cells during the workout.

If you've never used a pre-workout before, C4 Original is an awesome place to start. A lot of new pre-workouts are just brightly colored and flavored caffeine. Some of those brands can go up to 400 to 500 mg of caffeine per serving! For a newcomer to supplements, that's enough to scare you away from ever picking up a pre-workout again.

C4 Original takes a more modest approach to the caffeine content, focusing more on the supporting ingredients. The result is a steady energy boost and less muscular fatigue, allowing you to stay focused and strong during your workout.

What We Like

• Perfect pre-workout supplement for a beginner
• Great selection of flavors
• Very cost-effective

What We Don't Like

• Use of artificial sweeteners and colors (With that said, good luck finding a pre-workout that doesn't use these! Most brands use artificial ingredients and the ones that don't cost a fortune.)
• Use an inferior form of Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin). Experts agree that methylcobalamin is what you want to look for.

BUY: C4 Original

C4 Original: Wounded Warrior Project

SPECS

• Active ingredients: Vitamin C, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Carnosyn Beta-Alanine, Creatine Nitrate (NO3-T), Arginine Alpha-Ketoglutarate, Caffeine Anhydrous, Velvet Bean (Mucuna pruriens) seed extract, Theacrine (as TeaCrine®)
• Serving size: 6g (1 scoop)
• Mixing instructions: Take one serving (1 level scoop) of C4® Original: Wounded Warrior Project, mixed with 6 fl. oz of water 20-30 minutes before training. Some individuals may experience a harmless tingling sensation, which is attributed to beta alanine
• Price range (rating scale below): $-$$
• Flavor options (rating scale below): 1

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As far as the formula is concerned, there is literally no difference between C4 Original and C4 Original: Wounded Warrior Project. Both have an identical formula, so if you try C4 Original and it works well, you'll have the same luck with C4 Original: Wounded Warrior Project.

With that said, there are two big differences between the two supplements. First, Cellucor promises to donate $500,000 to the Wounded Warrior Project, regardless of the number of sales for this supplement. The Wounded Warrior Project is a charity organization that offers many services like insurance, programs such as mental health support, and events for wounded veterans. Second, in honor of this charitable partnership, Cellucor has created an exclusive flavor for this version of C4. You can only try the Mango Foxtrot flavor if you purchase C4 Original: Wounded Warrior Project.

What We Like

• A donation of $500,000 is made to the Wounded Warriors Project regardless of the number of sales
• The Mango Foxtrot flavor is exclusive to this version of the pre-workout supplement
• Great pre-workout for beginners and it goes to a good cause

What We Don't Like

• Lack of flavors: Having an exclusive flavor for a good cause is great, but what if someone isn't a fan of mango? It would be cool if Cellucor offered at least one more option on the other side of the flavor spectrum.
• Use of artificial sweeteners and colors

BUY: C4 Original Wounded Warrior Project

C4 Supersport

SPECS

• Active ingredients: Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Carnosyn Beta-Alanine, L-Arginine, Creatine HCl, elevATP Ancient Peat, Betaine Anhydrous, Caffeine Anhydrous
• Serving size: 7.5g (1 scoop)
• Mixing instructions: Take each serving (1 level scoop) of C4 SuperSport™, with 8 fl. oz. of water, and consume 20-30 min. before training. Once tolerance has been assessed, take one additional serving (1 level scoop) with the serving taken before training. Studies have shown benefits of CarnoSyn®Bata-Alanine to be correlated with cumulative use. Take C4 SuperSport™ for at least 8 weeks to experience the maximum benefits. Some individuals may experience a harmless tingling sensation, which is attributed to Beta-Alanine
• Price range (rating scale below): $
• Flavor options (rating scale below): 2

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C4 Supersport kicks off the variations of C4 that curtail the ingredients to specific users. As the name suggests, Supersport has been designed with the athlete in mind. In particular, the main active ingredients in Supersport have been broken down into three categories: performance, hydration, and energy. Naturally, these are three foundational areas that every athlete needs during a workout, training, and events.

But how does each category hold up? The performance category features ingredients like beta-alanine, creatine HCl, and L-arginine, which all have been proven to support intra-workout performance. L-arginine, in particular, is found in all nitric oxide supplements and it's used to get the sought-after pump during intense workouts. The hydration category features several electrolytes while the energy category keeps it simple with caffeine and B-vitamins.

Overall, not too bad. Supersport is another beginner-friendly pre-workout supplement. It's not overwhelming in its ingredient intensity, and it's dosed just right to help with performance. For example, you don't have to worry about a mega serving of caffeine, which could impact your focus and anxiety levels during a game. Cellucor also makes it a point to show you they are NSF Certified for Sport®. The NSF (National Sanitation Foundation) is an independent, third-party organization that tests and confirms the purity and safety of supplements. Each supplement is provided with an official NSF certification. While this was probably a big deal back in the day, most supplement brands get this same certification. It's common practice so while it's great to see, I'm not sure if it deserves the fanfare it's getting on the Cellucor website.

What We Like

• Inclusion of ingredients that directly support muscle cell activity (e.g., ATP)
• Right price for the right dose
• Entry-level supplement for athletic-focused customers

What We Don't Like

• Use of artificial colors and sweeteners
• Proprietary blend—it features great ingredients, but you don't know exactly how much you're getting with each serving

BUY: C4 Supersport

C4 Ripped Supersport

SPECS

• Active ingredients: Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Carnosyn Beta-Alanine, L-Arginine, L-Carnitine Tartrate, Capsimax Cayenne Extract, Lychee Fruit Extract, Green Tea Extract, Betaine Anhydrous, Caffeine Anhydrous
• Serving size: 6.8g (1 scoop)
• Mixing instructions: Take each serving (1 level scoop) of C4 Ripped SuperSport™, with 8 fl. oz. of water, and consume 20-30 min. before training. Once tolerance has been assessed, take one additional serving (1 level scoop) with the serving taken before training. Studies have shown benefits of CarnoSyn®Bata-Alanine to be correlated with cumulative use. Take C4 SuperSport™ for at least 8 weeks to experience the maximum benefits. Some individuals may experience a harmless tingling sensation, which is attributed to Beta-Alanine
• Price range (rating scale below): $
• Flavor options (rating scale below): 1

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From the name alone, you can tell that C4 Ripped Supersport was created for athletes who need to get strong but also burn fat at the same time. Amateur bodybuilders and wrestlers finally have an entry-level pre-workout supplement that was made for them.

C4 Ripped Supersport contains many of the same ingredients that you'll find in the Supersport version. For example, you'll still get the same great muscular performance support with ingredients like beta-alanine, L-arginine, and caffeine anhydrous. But now, these ingredients are supported by others that may help to increase your body's natural ability to burn calories and body fat. Capsicum, which is cayenne pepper extract, has been shown to have lipid-lowering properties and anti-obesity effects.

With that said, is this a pre-workout that is strictly for weight loss? No, definitely not. I'd say this would be a complement to a training program where the primary goal is muscle and strength, but the secondary goal was to shed a few pounds of fat in the process. Cellucor does have a weight loss pre-workout, which I'll cover more below.

What We Like

• Inclusion of fat-burning ingredients to support goals like getting toned or shredded while building muscle
• Price point is very reasonable considering the ingredients that are being used
• This is another great entry-level supplement for people who are new to the scene, especially bodybuilding supplements, or for people who are sensitive to caffeine

What We Don't Like

• Use of artificial colors and sweeteners
• Use of proprietary blends for specific categories
• Lack of flavors—there are only 2 to choose from

BUY: C4 Ripped Supersport

C4 Sport

SPECS

• Active ingredients: Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Micronized Creatine Monohydrate, Beta-Alanine, Arginine Alpha Ketoglutarate, Taurine, Natural Caffeine
• Serving size: 8.5g (1 scoop)
• Mixing instructions: Take each serving (approx. 1 scoop) of C4 Sport® Natural Zero, mixed with 6-8 fl. oz. of water 20-30 min. before training. During your workout, it is recommended that you drink plenty of water. Some individuals may experience a harmless tingling sensation, which is attributable to Beta-Alanine.
• Price range (rating scale below): $
• Flavor options (rating scale below): 1

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At this point, it's safe to say that we are now moving away from entry-level or beginner-friendly supplements. From here on out, you'll see what Cellucor does best: aim at a specific target and hit it. C4 Sport is one of my favorites. While Supersport tried to make everyone happy with a performance, hydration, and energy blend, C4 Sport is about all-out power and performance. This supplement ensures that your muscles are ready to move and your mind is alert, hence the performance blend and energy blend.

I was really happy to see the inclusion of arginine-alpha-ketoglutarate (AAKG). This is one of the best nitric oxide supplements, so if your goal is to get that muscular pump, this is an ingredient you want to have in your pre-workout. Taurine is also included in C4 Sport. Given its reported ability to help with focus, I'm surprised it wasn't included sooner. A nice added touch is the natural—not synthetic—caffeine that is used in this version.

The only thing I'm not thrilled about is the reduced serving size to make up for the larger amount of ingredients. It's a fair trade-off considering what you're getting for the price, but something to keep in mind if you are used to getting 30+ servings with your pre-workout supplement.

What We Like 

• This is Cellucor's naturally sweetened, no-sugar supplement. Even without the artificial sweeteners, this hit the mark on taste, sweetness, and flavor.
• Use of methylcobalamin, which many experts consider to be the better version of Vitamin B12
• Upgrading certain ingredients. For example, they use micronized creatine monohydrate instead of just creatine monohydrate. Instead of L-arginine, they use arginine alpha ketoglutarate

What We Don't Like

• The use of proprietary blends. This is the standard for the C4 pre-workout lineup, and it's something I hope Cellucor will reconsider in the future.
• Flavors are good but there are only 2 options

BUY: C4 Sport

C4 Ripped

SPECS

• Active ingredients: Vitamin C, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Carnosyn Beta-Alanine, Citrulline Malate, L-Carnitine Tartrate, Green Coffee seed extract, Capsimax Cayenne fruit extract, Grains of Paradise seed extract, Caffeine Anhydrous, Velvet Bean seed extract
• Serving size: 5.8g (1 scoop)
• Mixing instructions: Take 1 serving (1 level scoop) of C4® Original, mixed with 6 fl. oz of water 20-30 min. before training. Some individuals may experience a harmless tingling sensation, which is attributed to beta alanine.
• Price range (rating scale below): $-$$
• Flavor options (rating scale below): 2

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As the name suggests, C4 Ripped is an ideal pre-workout supplement for anyone whose main focus is to burn fat, lose weight, and focus on muscle definition. This variation of C4 still has the same solid energy blend base with 150mg of caffeine, but it also features several hard-hitting thermogenic ingredients like L-carnitine tartrate, green coffee seed extract, and cayenne pepper extract. All of these ingredients have been shown to support fat oxidation when used in conjunction with a training program and healthy diet.

C4 Ripped was launched in 2014 and has continued to be one of the most popular within the Cellucor lineup. I used C4 Ripped during a cutting cycle right around the time it was first released. I felt like it gave me enough energy to stay strong through my workouts, despite a lower caloric intake. However, I did need to supplement with creatine and glutamine separately since they aren't in this formula. If your goal is to burn as much fat as possible while supporting muscle growth and strength, I'd recommend doing the same; throw a scoop of creatine and glutamine in when you take C4 Ripped and you'll be set.

What We Like 

• Great lineup of fat-burning ingredients
• Solid flavors with plenty of positive reviews
• Still a great energy booster despite being specifically for fat burning

What We Don't Like

• Use of artificial sweeteners and colors
• Need to supplement with other ingredients if you want to support muscle growth and strength building

BUY: C4 Ripped

C4 Extreme

SPECS

• Active ingredients: Carnosyn Beta-Alanine, Citrulline Nitrate, Caffeine Anhydrous, N-Acetyl-L-Tyrosine, Huperzine A
• Serving size: 6.4g (1 scoop)
• Mixing instructions: Take one serving (1 level scoop) of C4® Original, mixed with 6 fl. oz of water 20-30 minutes before training. Some individuals may experience a harmless tingling sensation, which is attributed to beta alanine.
• Price range (rating scale below): $-$$
• Flavor options (rating scale below): 3

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With a name like C4 Extreme, you'd expect there to be three dozen ingredients with each serving as a 30 gram scoop. But Cellucor took a different approach here. Instead of loading you up with a little bit of many ingredients, they gave you more with fewer ingredients. It's a familiar blend of energy, strength, and focus boosters without the added vitamins, minerals, and afterthought ingredients. It's simple but it works.

I wouldn't say that this particular variation is for any one type of fitness goal. It's got enough to support strength and muscle growth, but it's not necessarily aimed at bodybuilding or functional training. I like to think of C4 Extreme as the graduation supplement for when you're tired of C4 Original.

What We Like 

• Higher doses of effective ingredients
• Next step for people who have "graduated" from the original formula or other beginner-friendly formulas
• Solid lineup of flavors, and there are some that you won't find with other products like Ultra Frost

What We Don't Like

• Use of artificial sweeteners and colors
• Given there are fewer ingredients, I would have liked to see a higher dosage of creatine and the inclusion of glutamine

BUY: C4 Extreme

C4 Dynasty

SPECS

• Active ingredients: Caffeine Anhydrous, Theacrine, Rauwolfia Vomitoria, CarnoSyn® Beta-Alanine, L-Citrulline, Citrulline Malate, NitraMax (NO3-C™) Citrulline Nitrate, Vasodrive-AP®, Creatine Monohydrate, Con-Cret® Creatine HCl, Creatine Nitrate (NO3-T®), PeakATP®, elevATP®, Taurine, N-acetyl L-tyrosine, AlphaSize® A-GPC, Huperzine A, Astragin®
• Serving size: 28.5g (1 scoop)
• Mixing instructions: Take one serving (approx. 1 scoop) of C4® Dynasty, mixed with 12 fl. oz. of water (adjust for taste preference) 20-30 minutes before training. Some individuals may experience a harmless tingling sensation, which is attributable to Beta-Alanine.
• Price range (rating scale below): $$$
• Flavor options (rating scale below): 1

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Remember above when I talked about how C4 Extreme sounds like it would have a ton of ingredients and a large number of grams per serving? Well, C4 Extreme might not have it…but C4 Dynasty does.

This is not your cookie-cutter pre-workout. C4 Dynasty is made with 18 active ingredients, and it boasts an almost 30-gram serving size. Hands down, this is one of my favorite Cellucor supplements. Not only does it contain scientifically proven ingredients to support your performance, energy, focus, and results, but they are all properly dosed!

This is the direction that many people, me included, were hoping Cellucor would go—that is, getting away from proprietary blends. When you see what you're taking, you feel more secure, knowing that you're getting the proper dosages of all the ingredients. C4 Dynasty delivers in a big way. Not only is the marketing and labeling next level, but this is the ingenuity that I grew up with as a long-time user of Cellucor supplements.

What We Like 

• Amazing ingredients at the right dosage levels to see optimal results
• Flashy marketing
• Awesome flavors

What We Don't Like

• The price point—this one will give you sticker shock
• Still using the artificial sweeteners and coloring

BUY: C4 Dynasty

C4 Ultimate

SPECS

• Active ingredients: L-Citrulline, Citrulline Malate, Citrulline Nitrate [as NitraMax (NO3-C)™], Carnosyn® Beta-Alanine, Creatine Hydrochloride, Creatine Nitrate, Taurine, N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine, Caffeine Anhydrous, AlphaSize® 50% A-GPC, Theacrine, Rauwolfia vomitoria root extract, Huperzine A
• Serving size: 17g (1 level scoop)
• Mixing instructions: Suggested use - take 1 serving (1 scoop) of C4 Ultimate, mixed with 10-12 fl. oz. of water 20-30 min. before training. During your workout, it is recommended that you drink plenty of water or performance beverages such as Cellucor Alpha Amino to stay hydrated. Some individuals may experience a harmless tingling sensation, which is attributable to beta alanine
• Price range (rating scale below): $$-$$$
• Flavor Options (rating scale below): 3

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Finally, we get to what I'd consider to be the closer cousin of C4 Dynasty, and that is C4 Ultimate. Packed with many of the same ingredients as Dynasty, C4 Ultimate is a more affordable pre-workout supplement. It's also properly dosed and you know this because Cellucor has avoided proprietary blends with this one, as well.

Just like Dynasty, it contains a special blend of ingredients that directly support energy, focus, and performance. You get three types of L-citrulline for nitric oxide production and two forms of creatine to fuel your muscles. If C4 Dynasty is out of your price range, C4 Ultimate packs a similar punch for half the price.

What We Like 

• Great ingredients that have a strong scientific backing
• Dosages that are shown to be effective
• New flavors that taste great

What We Don't Like

• Use of artificial coloring and sweeteners
• Noticeably absent of glutamine

BUY: C4 Ultimate

What is C4 Pre-Workout?

C4 pre-workout is a popular supplement that is taken before your workouts. Each variation of C4 provides you with a specific blend of ingredients to support performance, focus, and energy. Some also are formulated to help with fat-burning or more athletic endeavors.

How Does C4 Pre-Workout Work?

It's recommended that you take C4 about half an hour before your workout. This gives the ingredients time to kick in and get you ready for the workout that will follow.

C4 pre-workout works by increasing your energy levels, preparing your muscle cells with the right fuel (e.g., ATP), and reducing perceived levels of fatigue.

C4 Ingredients

The base of C4 ingredients tends to be the same, focusing on caffeine, creatine, beta-alanine, vitamins, and minerals, etc.

With that said, each variation of C4 contains ingredients and dosage levels that are unique to it. For example, C4 Dynasty provides one of the most intense experiences of focus and energy that you'll ever feel. C4 Original, on the other hand, is more like your stepping stone into the world of pre-workout supplements.

Decide on what your goal is, and try to sync that up with the variation of C4 pre-workout that aligns with it.

Should You Buy C4 Pre-Workout?

I'd be surprised if you haven't tried C4 yet. Given the amount of variety, I'm sure you'll be able to easily find a C4 pre-workout that matches your fitness experience, goals, and stimulant tolerance.

Our Verdict

There's a reason why Cellucor is still going strong after 15 years: It makes supplements that work and makes customers happy.

I have my gripes with the C4 lineup, mainly that they use artificial sweeteners and proprietary blends, but as I mentioned above, you'll be hard-pressed to find a brand that doesn't use them.

With that out of the way, Cellucor has a strong lineup of pre-workout supplements that make it easy to find one that works for you. I'm a fan of C4 Sport and C4 Dynasty, but that's because the ingredients align with my training. What type of training are you doing? I'm sure one of the C4 pre-workouts above can help you out.

Put simply, if you haven't tried them already, it's time to get started. Your workouts will thank you.

How We Rate Supplements

Here's how we rate our pre-workout supplement choices in terms of price and flavors:

Price/Affordability (scale of $-$$$)

Prices depend on a number of factors and tend to fluctuate over time. We've kept our affordability rating scale simple so you can easily see how products compare:

$ = under $1 per serving
$$ = $1-2 per serving
$$$ = over $2 per serving

Flavor Options (scale of 1-3)

When it comes to dietary supplements that you take frequently, or even daily, options are important. I don't know anyone who would be happy chugging down a flavorless drink once or twice per day, every day of the week.

While your protein powder or pre-workout doesn't have to taste good to be effective, having several flavors to choose from can make it easier to stick with your fitness and health goals.

N/A = Unflavored
1 = 1-2 flavor options
2 = 3-4 flavor options
3 = 5 or more flavor options