Creator verdict: RecommendsRYSE Loaded Pre-Workout
Head-to-head · Pre-Workout
RYSE Loaded Pre-Workout vs Cellucor C4 Original Pre-Workout
Which pre-workout is better in 2026? FR Scores, specs, prices and 9 independent video reviews, side by side.
FR Score 8.5 out of 10, Excellent
TikTok Shop's pre-workout juggernaut: licensed candy flavors and about 300 mg caffeine
Typical price · 30-serving tub at rysesupps.com (about $1.33/serving)
FR Score 8.1 out of 10, Great
The classic budget pre: under $1 a scoop, fun flavors and beginner-friendly doses
Typical price · 30-serving tub at Cellucor (about $1.17/serving)
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The quick verdict
RYSE Loaded Pre-Workout edges ahead with an FR Score of 8.5 vs 8.1, winning on formula & dosing, quality & transparency and taste & mixability. It’s our Most Viral on TikTok, while C4 Original Pre-Workout is our Best Budget. C4 Original Pre-Workout is the cheaper pick by about $5.
Choose Loaded Pre-Workout if…
- Licensed candy and drink flavors that reviewers consistently rate highly
- Solid 4.5 g L-citrulline and 3.2–3.5 g beta-alanine in one scoop
- Fully disclosed label
Choose C4 Original Pre-Workout if…
- Among the cheapest name-brand pre-workouts (about $0.62–$0.80 per serving)
- Moderate caffeine suits beginners (150–200 mg depending on formula)
- Wide flavor range and available almost everywhere
Scores
Score breakdown
Each criterion scored 0–10 by our methodology. The winner of each row is highlighted.
CriterionLoaded Pre-WorkoutC4 Original Pre-Workout
FR Score (overall)
Formula & Dosing
Quality & Transparency
Taste & Mixability
Value per Serving
Typical price
Video reviews
Specs
Specs side by side
| Spec | Loaded Pre-Workout | C4 Original Pre-Workout |
|---|---|---|
| Caffeine | About 300 mg per scoop (varies by flavor and batch) | 200 mg on Cellucor's current label (older stock: 150 mg) |
| L-citrulline | 4.5 g | — |
| Beta-alanine | 3.2–3.5 g (varies by label) | 2 g CarnoSyn (current label) |
| Choline bitartrate | 500 mg | — |
| Theobromine / L-theanine | 100 mg / 50 mg | — |
| Serving size | 1 scoop (about 12–13 g) | 8.9 g (about 1 level scoop) |
| Servings | 30 per tub | 30 per tub (60-serving tubs also sold) |
| Flavors | Licensed Kool-Aid, Ring Pop, Airheads, SunnyD and more | — |
| L-citrulline / L-arginine | — | 1.2 g / 1.2 g |
| Creatine nitrate | — | 1 g |
| Sweeteners | — | Sucralose, acesulfame potassium |
| Sugar and calories | — | 0 g sugar, 10 calories per serving |
Loaded Pre-Workout: pros & cons
- Licensed candy and drink flavors that reviewers consistently rate highly
- Solid 4.5 g L-citrulline and 3.2–3.5 g beta-alanine in one scoop
- Fully disclosed label
- About $1 per serving
- Nearly 160,000 units sold on its official TikTok Shop listing
- About 300 mg of caffeine per scoop is a lot for daily use
- Label amounts vary by flavor and production run
- No sport certification advertised
C4 Original Pre-Workout: pros & cons
- Among the cheapest name-brand pre-workouts (about $0.62–$0.80 per serving)
- Moderate caffeine suits beginners (150–200 mg depending on formula)
- Wide flavor range and available almost everywhere
- Includes clinically studied CarnoSyn beta-alanine
- Light citrulline and beta-alanine doses compared with premium formulas
- Two formulas on the market (150 mg vs 200 mg caffeine) can confuse buyers
- Uses sucralose and acesulfame potassium
- C4 Original has no sport certification (the separate C4 Sport line is on NSF's Certified for Sport list)
On video
What reviewers say
Creator verdict: RecommendsCellucor C4 Original Pre-Workout
Creator verdict: MixedCellucor C4 Original Pre-Workout
Loaded Pre-Workout vs C4 Original Pre-Workout: FAQ
Is RYSE Loaded Pre-Workout better than Cellucor C4 Original Pre-Workout?
RYSE Loaded Pre-Workout scores higher overall (8.5 vs 8.1 out of 10), winning on formula & dosing, quality & transparency and taste & mixability. C4 Original Pre-Workout still has the edge on value per serving.
Which is cheaper, Loaded Pre-Workout or C4 Original Pre-Workout?
At typical prices, Cellucor C4 Original Pre-Workout costs about $5 less ($39.99 vs $34.99). Sizes and deals vary, so check the current price at the retailer.
Which has more video reviews?
We’ve cataloged 5 independent video reviews of Loaded Pre-Workout and 4 of C4 Original Pre-Workout. Both products’ pages list every review with the creator’s verdict.