Alpha Brain Alternative: What's The Best One?
Alpha Brain is a nootropic supplement that increases processing speed and improves memory to achieve peak cognitive performance.
Onnit Labs created Alpha Brain and is now known as a world-renowned brand since 2011.
It became more popular after talk show host Joe Rogan shared his experiences using Onnit Alpha Brain on his podcast.
While Onnit Alpha Brain is one of the best nootropic supplements on the market (learn more in our review of Alpha Brain), it is the only supplement clinically tested to improve thought functions significantly. But, it is not the perfect smart pill for all users.
If you are looking for other great nootropics supplements with similar effects, this review will help you find the best Alpha Brain alternatives that work well for many.
Why Would You Want An Alpha Brain Alternative?
Alpha Brain by Onnit provides cognitive benefits that help you get into the flow state to increase your energy and productivity. While this brain supplement stays true to its claims, not everyone gets the same benefits that Alpha Brain offers.

In some cases, people might have allergic reactions while using Alpha Brain, causing adverse effects instead of doing wonders to your brain.
Alpha Brain nootropics contain numerous proprietary blends, so the product's ingredient dosages are not transparent, resulting in Alpha Brain side effects. Therefore, you may not know how much of a specific ingredient you are consuming. The ingredients under the three blends are cat's claw, L-theanine, L-Leucine, vitamin B6, Alpha GPC, Bacopa Monnieri, Oat straw, and AC 11.
Aside from the content, the cost of Alpha Brain is one crucial factor when choosing the best nootropics. Since Alpha Brain is known for its high price compared to others in the market, you may want to look for cheap nootropics that can be dubbed as the best Alpha Brain alternative. It is not free of other negative reviews, too.
If you want to look for cheaper nootropics with simpler formulas or wish to try something new, we have put together the nootropics you can use as Alpha Brain alternatives.
What is Alpha Brain?
Alpha Brain is a nootropic supplement that many people claim can help improve memory, increase focus and concentration, reduce anxiety, and more.
Alpha Brain works in the body by increasing levels of neurotransmitters that help improve your memory and focus. The supplement provides a boost in mental energy as well, which enhances overall cognition.
Alpha Bain increases the levels of neurotransmitters by increasing the blood flow to the brain. This provides an increase in mental energy, improving overall cognition and focus on whatever you might be doing at any given time.
However, Alpha Brain doesn't come without risk.
The price for Alpha Brain is high - much higher than other nootropics supplements on the market.
Suppose you are looking for an Alpha Brain alternative to this expensive supplement but still want to experience its benefits somehow. In that case, you should consider taking other nootropics instead.
Some new brain supplements provide all of the same benefits as Alpha Brain at a fraction of the cost! But it is still for you to find out since risk is free and always part of these nootropics.
Benefits and Effects
There have been numerous studies conducted that indicate possible benefits of supplementing with Alpha Brain, including:
- improved memory recall
- decreased anxiety levels
- increased mental energy throughout the entire day (instead of just in short bursts)
- better focus and concentration overall (including increased ability to multitask effectively)
These results were backed up by a study conducted at Harvard University in Cambridge, MA.
Side Effects
Many users of Alpha Brain claim to experience the following side effects:
- headaches
- nausea (or other types of discomfort)
However, these are just a few possible experiences from using Alpha Brain. Just because they happened with some does not mean it will happen for you! No one is free from experiencing some side effects.
If you are looking to feel more focused each day without putting unnecessary stress on your body or paying an arm and a leg for every bottle, then this product might not be something great for you to consider trying out.
However, if you have experienced any adverse reactions while taking another nootropic supplement, then you should not try Alpha Brain or any Alpha Brain alternative, for that matter.
It is always best to talk with your doctor before trying a new medication or supplement of any kind to make sure it will work for your body and has no adverse side effects that could harm you in the long run.
Best Alpha Brain Alternatives
We are giving you this free guide to the top 10 Alpha Brain alternatives:
1. Brain Pill
Brain Pill is one great smart drug that will give you enhanced energy, focus, and productivity. This product is beneficial for people who want to have a competitive edge in high-stress situations. This smart drug is popular for combating fatigue, sustaining cognitive energy, and igniting enhancing learning abilities.
Like Alpha Brain, it has patented ingredients and is caffeine-free, so you would not feel any jitters or experience a crash afterward — something that Optimind can give you. Brain Pill is loaded with 13 nootropic ingredients that are also clinically proven to improve how your brain works. Some of these are Vitamin B12, Phosphatidylserine, and Ginkgo Biloba.
Brain Pill market itself to ensure peak mental performance for less than a coffee per day when it comes to the price. No prescription is required to buy it for $80 per serving and use it without doctor consultation.
Pros
Brain Pill supplement works similarly by increasing the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain, providing an increase in mental energy, improving overall cognition, and focusing on whatever you might be doing at any given time.
Brain pill comes with all-natural ingredients (unlike many other nootropics supplements). This means it does not cause side effects like headaches or nausea when taken regularly for long periods.
It also costs much less than Alpha Bain. For only about $20 a bottle, you can give your body a boost without spending too much money!
Cons
The major downside to Brain Pill is that it does not work for everyone. Some users claim they have seen no improvement in their cognition or focus after taking this product, which makes them believe the all-natural ingredients are untrue.
Another issue some people might face when using Brain Pill is increased headaches and feelings of nausea throughout the day because of the medication.
Another downside is that this product has not been studied nearly extensively like others, such as Alpha Bain. Therefore, there is not much information about how it works and any potential side effects.
However, many users of this product claim to have no issues with using Brain Pill regularly.
2. Mind Lab Pro
Mind Lab Pro is an over-the-counter nootropic stack considered a powerful smart drug that enhances cognitive function and focus throughout the day.
It contains 11 great natural ingredients that are supported by clinical research in terms of its benefits. Some of these are Bacopa Monnieri, known for its memory-enhancing benefits. Lion's Mane Mushroom is known for its relaxing effects, and L-Theanine boosts energy levels for enhanced focus while studying or working.
Like Alpha Brain, Mind Lab Pro contains no stimulants like caffeine to ensure that post-crash will be avoided. Aside from being caffeine-free, this smart capsule is non-GMO, soy-free, and gluten-free, making it safer to use in stacks.
Moreover, Mind Lab Pro is an Alpha Brain cheaper alternative, and the total dosage of the ingredients is displayed on the label.
Pros
Mind Lab Pro also works as a pre-workout product so you can increase overall athletic performance during the day - focusing on one aspect of training will not help if you have low energy or poor focus when it's time to work out!
This is why many people find this supplement helpful - they get two benefits from just one capsule every day before working out (or doing any task requiring mental acuity).
Cons
The only major downside to using Mind Lab Pro is that users have not studied it as much. While Alpha Brain works for many people, the same cannot be said about Mind Lab Pro. Some claim they have experienced no benefits while taking this product regularly.
Another is its price tag. While Alpha Brain costs around $30 per bottle, each container of Mind Lab Pro costs around $70. However, the recommended dosage is only one capsule every day - this means you will be paying less per month (or even week) than if you were to purchase Alpha Brain!
3. Performance Lab Mind
Performance Lab works best for older adults and students who depend on mental clarity and focus on functioning. The temporary energy boost will take you to a productive state to help you work distractions-free and burnout-free afterward.
Although its cognitive effects are not as powerful, it also has a clean formula containing vegan, soy-free, caffeine-free, and non-GMO formulas like Alpha Brain. These two products have a similar level of cleanliness when it comes to content. If you're looking for something safe to stack, this nootropic supplement will fit your bill compared to Alpha Brain.
However, it had less than Alpha Brain with four primary natural ingredients instead of proprietary blends when it comes to content. These are Citicoline in the form of Cognizin, Phosphatidylserine, L-Tyrosine, and Maritime Pine Bark Extract. The dosages used are also indicated as opposed to Alpha Brain.
If you want to buy something cheaper, you can consider Performance Lab to substitute for Alpha Brain. At $49, it can be a better option if you are a wallet-conscious user.
Pros
This nootropic is the least expensive of all the preceding options. A single bottle contains 90 capsules and costs less than $20!
While the nootropic does not have as many benefits for users as Alpha Brain or Mind Lab Pro, it provides a mental boost at an affordable price.
As an alternative to Alpha Brain, this supplement helps with focus and memory overall - allowing you to feel more alert while taking on any task that requires your full attention throughout the day.
For those who are just starting out using performance enhancers like this one, it might be worth going old school (and saving some money) before trying something else if they do not see results right away from this product!
Cons
The main downside of this product is there's nothing special about it. It's a simple nootropic that can be found in many other nootropics supplements, which means there are many similar products on the market to choose from if this one does not work for you.
4. Modafinil
Modafinil is one of the most potent nootropics supplements available on the market today. It will give you a mental boost as Alpha Brain does. It allows you to take on any task with more focus and motivation than taking caffeine or a simple supplement every day.
Pros
One benefit of using this drug as your brain enhancer would be its ability to help those dealing with sleeping disorders (such as insomnia) find relief from these issues to have improved sleep at night.
This might mean better health overall for some users, which also means an increased quality of life compared to others who are not getting enough restorative sleep during nighttime.
Cons
There have been several negative reviews for Modafinil, which makes it a very dissatisfying nootropic to use in some cases. Some users experience insomnia as one of the main side effects - and this might impact their daily life (or nightlife) when they start taking this product!
Another problem with Modafinil that other nootropics supplements do not seem to cause is anxiety while using them regularly over time.
This can be especially concerning because if you're already feeling anxious about taking something new on your body every day, it will only make things worse when you take more than what's recommended so that you feel like these feelings are going away!
5. Armodafinil
Armodafinil is a supplement that works similarly to Alpha Brain, but it has one significant difference you should know about.
The main thing to remember with Armodafinil and Alpha Brain is that they are both nootropics. Created to boost your mental focus and concentration levels so you can get through any task on your To-Do list without feeling overwhelmed by all of these responsibilities at once.
Pros
The positive side effect of taking Armodafinil regularly over time would be an increased sense of motivation when it comes down to performing any task. Whether around the house, office, school, etc., things get done correctly without interruption in between each activity during these periods.
Many people report they have an increased sense of motivation to get things done without procrastinating, which has helped them achieve better results overall by avoiding a lazy mindset when it comes down to doing essential tasks. The same results with Alpha Brain!
Cons
On the other hand, some disadvantages come along with using Armodafinil as a nootropic. First of all, unlike Alpha Brain, it is still considered to be prescription-based.
So not everyone will have access to this product without having their doctor prescribe them something similar. Or they might need to order online from foreign countries where Armodafinil can be ordered and sent right away (without needing an in-person appointment with a doctor).
Another problem would be the side effects of taking Armodafinil regularly over time, which seems to mirror Modafinil's symptoms, such as anxiety while taking this supplement during specific periods when users begin feeling worse instead of better when it comes down to how they feel mentally/physically. So, this can't exactly be an excellent alternative to Alpha Brain.
6. Gorilla Mind Rush
Gorilla Mind Rush is an Alpha Brain alternative created by the Gorilla Mind family. This is an all-natural alternative to the most popular nootropics on the market that have been proven by science and lab results for users who need a high-quality product without having side effects.
Withdrawal symptoms are also rare when they stop taking it or any other negative issues using traditional alternatives like caffeine (which can be found even within coffee itself).
Pros
As an Alpha Brain alternative, Gorilla Mind Rush is a nootropic that helps increase your focus while increasing the amount of energy you have throughout the day.
If you need to stay awake, feel less tired, or work on important projects throughout the day when others are struggling from caffeine withdrawal symptoms - this might be precisely what you're looking for.
The most significant benefit from using Gorilla Mind Rush would likely be its ability to help people stay focused during their day, not feeling distracted while working on important projects at home, school, or work.
Another significant positive aspect of this nootropic would be its ability to keep you awake after only getting a few hours of sleep before waking up ready and taking your first dose.
Cons
One negative side effect from taking Gorilla Mind Rush regularly over time would be an increased sense of anxiety while taking this supplement during specific periods when users begin feeling worse instead of better when it comes down to how they feel mentally/physically. If you want to be free of its side effects, you need to undergo withdrawal symptoms over some time.
7. Phenibut
Phenibut is a substance formulated to help provide various benefits, including improved mood, focus, and stress relief.
Like other Alpha Brain alternatives, Phenibut can provide the body with these types of effects by influencing receptors in your brain that would usually be impacted when taking benzodiazepines like Xanax or Klonopin - which are medications used for anti-anxiety purposes.
Pros
The positive side effect from using Phenibut regularly over time would likely be an increased sense of motivation when it comes down to performing any task required by yourself or others for things around the house, office, school, etc.
This means you could work on projects without becoming distracted while also having enough energy throughout the day so that you never feel burned out!
Cons
Phenibut users claim that there are side effects from taking the nootropic. After taking it for a while, they had problems with memory, they became easily stressed or anxious, and some even experience panic attacks.
Phenibut is a prescription medication that should only be taken with a doctor's approval since it can cause severe withdrawal symptoms in case of overuse and become addictive very quickly.
Taking regular doses will help improve memory, relieve stress and anxiety, but if you want to stay safe, avoid using this nootropic more than twice per week for maximum effectiveness without adverse side effects from taking too much at one time.
8. Flmodafinil
Flomadifinil and Modafinil are two similar compounds that both have a very positive effect in increasing productivity levels.
However, they differ from each other on some key areas, such as the duration of their effects (Modafinil lasts longer), how long it takes to start working (flomadifnil starts faster), and whether or not you need any prescription.
Pros
While Modafinil lasts longer, Flmodafinil starts to kick in faster, and it is available over-the-counter, similar to Alpha Brain.
Another advantage of taking Flmodafinil is that it has a broader scope than Modafinil and can be taken on certain days when you don't feel like doing anything.
While Modafinil works perfectly fine without any stimulant, Flmodafinil will give you an extra kick where sometimes this boost in energy or feeling better may help with whatever task needs to get done during the day.
A positive side effect from taking Flomadifnil regularly over time would likely be increased levels of concentration/focus, which could work wonders for your school work, office projects, home chores around the house, etc. However, if misused by taking too much at one time, this might lead to some problems.
Cons
The main disadvantage of taking Flomadifnil is that you need to be careful not to take this supplement in high doses because it can then lead to some problems such as nausea, headaches, and jitteriness.
9. Adrafinil
Adrafinil is a nootropic like Alpha Brain that has been around for quite some time now as it was first developed in the 1970s where its original purpose was to treat narcolepsy.
Pros
Adrafinil works like Alpha Brain by increasing alertness levels. Users should take this product if they need an extra boost of energy during the day so that their productivity does not suffer due to lack of sleep or being tired from working all night long on something important (or just staying up late).
Cons
Users of Adrafinil reports its side effects. According to them, it is not only the product that has many side effects but also causes serious addiction.
10. Performance Lab Stim
Performance Lab Stim is another nootropic intended for the purpose similar to Alpha Brain. It includes increasing energy levels, improving focus and concentration, all while helping to improve overall cognitive function (which is one other thing that most nootropics are known for as well).
Pros
It helps promote optimal mental & physical performance at any given time during the day or night. This product will provide you with noticeable results in terms of your ability to concentrate on anything you want
Cons
A single dose of Performance Lab Stim is equal to roughly one cup (or 200mg), which works fast but doesn't last for more than two hours on average, so you will need to retake it - if needed unless you plan on taking a break or stopping for a while in between other tasks throughout the day/night time.
What is the Best Alpha Brain Alternative?
Compared to the nine best Alpha Brain alternatives mentioned, Brain Pill is the best Alpha Brain alternative.
What is Brain Pill?
Brain Pill is a brain-enhancing dietary supplement loaded with scientifically proven nutrients for improving and restoring brain function.
It is explicitly marketed for success-driven people to get a competitive edge by enhancing focus and concentration, bolstering memory, and sustaining energy and mood.
As the best Alpha Brain alternative, it optimizes many neural connections. You can stay on top of your game without getting too stressed by the fast-paced time and without the brain fatigue you feel due to burnout.
Ingredients
Here are some of the many ingredients behind the cognitive effects of Brain Pill.
- Synapsa - It is a standardized extract of Bacopa Monnieri that helps improve recall power and reduce forgetfulness.
- Cognizin - It boosts cognition by 15% and is considered the best choline source aside from Alpha GPC.
- BioPerine- It is a black pepper extract that increases nutrient absorption through improving thermogenesis.
- Vitamin B6- This helps create neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine.
- DHA Complex- This is the main omega-3 fat that forms most of your brain mass. It is responsible for having a functional nervous system.
- L-Theanine - This amino acid found in tea leaves optimizes cognition and mood by reducing anxiety levels by increasing GABA.
- Vinpocetine - It is an artificial chemical used as a cognitive protective and anti-aging agent.
- Ginkgo Biloba - It is known for its antioxidant properties and improving blood flow to help oxygen and nutrients reach the brain.
- Pantothenic Acid - Also known as vitamin B5, it helps in maintaining normal brain functioning.
- Huperzia Serrata - It is an herb known for enhancing memory and alertness.
What to Expect When Taking Brain Pill?
As the best Alpha Brain alternative, you may feel some powerful nootropic effects to keep you more productive when taking this supplement.
As you gain laser-like focus and quicker thinking, you will feel like you are on top of your game without any distractions. This one will help you get your missed clarity by eliminating brain fog. You can be unstoppable as you race towards your deadline without inducing the sudden crash after a long time of intense focus.
As you take this supplement regularly, you can feel more alert and positive as it helps boost serotonin and dopamine levels.
However, do note that Brain Pill is not for anyone searching for a quick memory enhancement like a "magic drug." This is marketed for people in a high-stress environment who need long-term sustainable performance.
This smart drug is 100% natural and has no harmful substances. However, just like other nootropics, taking a Brain Pill might also lead to side effects depending on the user. Some of the common effects are diarrhea, insomnia, and headache.
Conclusion
The listed Alpha Brain alternatives are among the powerful nootropics supplements you can get to boost mental performance.
However, if the alternatives to Alpha Brain covered in our Onnit supplements review works well for you, then you stick to it as it is a powerful nootropic on its own. While Brain Pill is a good alternative, it doesn't automatically mean that it is a "better" choice than Alpha Brain and other nootropic products like Optimind.
Remember: each nootropics supplement has its strengths and weaknesses, and the smart drug's efficacy also varies.