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#5 in Pre-Workout Third-Party Tested

Cellucor C4 Original Pre-Workout

by Cellucor

"The #1 selling pre-workout in America with 80,000+ reviews — the gateway pre-workout for millions"

Amazon Rating
4.5/5
Reviews
80,000+
Price Range
$22-28
Servings
30 servings
Informed Sport CertifiedGMP Certified
Our Editorial Rating
7.8
Good
FormPowder
CategoryPre-Workout
SubcategoryMainstream Pre-Workout
View on Amazon

Overview

Cellucor C4 Original is the best-selling pre-workout in America and has introduced more people to pre-workout supplementation than any other product. Each serving provides 1.6g beta-alanine, 1g creatine nitrate, 150mg caffeine, and 1g arginine AKG. While the doses are below clinical thresholds for experienced users, the moderate formula is precisely why C4 Original works so well as an entry-level pre-workout — it provides noticeable energy and focus without overwhelming beginners. The flavor lineup (Cherry Limeade, Icy Blue Razz, Watermelon) is consistently rated among the best in the category.

Key Ingredients

IngredientAmount
Beta-Alanine (CarnoSyn)1600 mg
Creatine Nitrate1000 mg
Caffeine Anhydrous150 mg
Arginine AKG1000 mg

Pros & Cons

What We Like

  • #1 selling pre-workout in America
  • 80,000+ Amazon reviews
  • Moderate caffeine (150mg, beginner-friendly)
  • Exceptional flavor options
  • Affordable price point

What Could Be Better

  • Below clinical doses for most ingredients
  • 1.6g beta-alanine (clinical is 3.2g)
  • 1g creatine (clinical is 3-5g)
  • Not enough for experienced lifters

Who Is This For?

Best For

  • Pre-workout beginners
  • Those wanting moderate caffeine
  • Flavor-focused consumers
  • Casual gym-goers

Not Ideal For

  • Experienced lifters wanting clinical doses
  • Those wanting maximum performance
  • Stim-junkies

Our Verdict

7.8/10 — Good

C4 Original is the Toyota Camry of pre-workouts — reliable, accessible, and the best-seller for good reason. The moderate formula is actually a feature, not a bug, for the millions of gym-goers who want a boost without going overboard. The flavors are genuinely excellent.

Alternatives to Consider