In this review, we look at the 15 best nootropics for your brain, how they work, and what they are used for. We went over the benefits of these brain supplements, best dosage, where to buy them online, and what side effects you may run into when using smart drugs.
Nootropics are a new class of brain enhancers that can increase focus and productivity, enhance memory, and even improve mood.
There are a number of brain supplements and smart drugs that have been proven to increase mental performance and help you reach your goals.
But how do you know which ones are actually the best nootropics on the market today?
We’ve compiled a list of the top 15 brain-boosting nootropics that will help you achieve the best possible results.
According to scientific evidence, studies, and customer reviews, the 15 best nootropics are:
1. NooCube: Best Nootropic Overall
According to our in-depth research and testing, NooCube is the best nootropic currently on the market. NooCube is a well-rounded nootropics formula that's safe for daily use and only contains high-quality natural ingredients, such as L-Tyrosine and Huperzine A, that are scientifically proven to be effective [R].
The benefits of NooCube include enhancing memory and cognitive function, improving mental clarity and focus throughout the day, and boosting overall brain health and brain cell health for greater durability over time.
It is good to note that NooCube improves cognitive performance, mental function, and heightens focus without caffeine to give you jitters. There are no known side effects associated with this product.
2. Vyvamind: Best Nootropic For Motivation
According to our research, Vyvamind is the best nootropic for motivation. It's a simple, potent, and effective nootropic blend suitable for daily use.
Vyvamind is one of the purest nootropics as it only contains 6 active ingredients:
- Vitamin B6
- Vitamin B12
- L-Tyrosine
- Citicoline (CDP Choline)
- L-Theanine
- Caffeine Anhydrous
Citicoline has been scientifically proven to increase mental energy levels to keep you alert throughout the day [R]. It also improves focus so you can pay attention to the task at hand, and it even reduces symptoms associated with anxiety and depression.
Overall, it's a product that helps you find motivation, focus, and maintain your mental clarity.
3. Mind Lab Pro: Best Nootropic For Focus & Concentration
According to our in-depth review of Mind Lab Pro, it's one of the best nootropics for focus and concentration. As an all-in-one natural nootropic stack, Mind Lab Pro will give you the cognitive abilities you need as well as an intense focus.
The nootropic formula promotes focus and a stress-resistant success mindset and helps reduce mental fatigue.
Mind Lab Pro's enhanced cognitive function output is due to the 11 nootropic ingredients.
Bacopa Monnieri fights cognitive decline [R] and Rhodiola Rosea improves work capacity, focus and prevents fatigue [R].
L-Theanine helps produce alpha brain waves that you need for better concentration [R]. Mind Lab Pro contains no stimulants which makes it safe to consume and prevents crashes.
There were no reported side effects or adverse reactions associated with any of the 11 active ingredients in this potent blend.
There are no significant side effects of taking Mind Lab Pro at recommended doses.
4. Alpha Brain: Best Nootropic For Memory
Our research and testing have shown that Alpha Brain is one of the best nootropics for memory. The potent ingredients in this supplement help improve memory and recall, as well as overall cognitive performance.
Alpha Brain also promotes body and DNA repair thanks to ingredients such as Cat's Claw extract [R] and L-Leucine. The Alpha GPC in it isn't only a good choline source, but also improves physical performance [R]. This makes Alpha Brain a great choice for people who live an active lifestyle.
5. Brain Pill: Best Nootropic For Studying & Learning
Our analysis has shown Brain Pill to be one of the best nootropics for studying and learning abilities. Brain Pill is a scientifically proven supplement that helps to improve memory recall and retention abilities, and boosts the ability to focus on the task at hand without distractions [R].
It also improves learning capacity, reduces symptoms of anxiety or depression, and reduces brain fog caused by lack of sleep, stress, or poor diet.
In short: it's the perfect nootropic for students!
6. Phenylpiracetam: Best Nootropic For Energy
According to our own research and customer reviews, Phenylpiracetam is the best nootropic for energy and performance. It's both a mild stimulant and a real nootropic of the well-known Racetam family.
Phenylpiracetam is a powerful nootropic that is more potent than its parent Piracetam. In Russia, it's being sold under the brand name Nanotropil Novo and there have been several human studies that have shown improvements in cognition [R].
If you're looking for a nootropic that gives you a boost in both energy and cognition, Phenylpiracetam is the best choice.
7. Qualia Mind: Best Nootropic For Creativity
We've found Qualia Mind to be one of the best nootropics for creativity. It's a powerful nootropic supplement that contains 28 ingredients that are designed to improve cognitive functions as well as creativity.
Although Qualia Mind is an expensive nootropic, it's the one that has the most ingredients in it, including Ginkgo Biloba. If you take it, you can be certain you aren't missing out on any natural compound that's proven to improve brainpower.
8. Modafinil: Best Nootropic For ADHD
According to ADHD patients and our research, Modafinil is the best nootropic for ADHD and the only real alternative to Adderall.
Modafinil is a stimulant used to treat narcolepsy and shift work sleep disorder. It is also used as a wakefulness-promoting agent. It's also a powerful cognitive enhancer that can improve focus and energy levels [R], and increase mood and sense of well-being.
Mild headaches, nausea, low blood pressure, anxiety, nervousness, elevated heart-rate/blood pressure, loss of appetite, and insomnia are some of the possible side effects of this drug. Also, it is known that Modafinil can cause depression in long-term users who stop taking it. So be careful with this smart drug!
Aniracetam has been found to be the best nootropic for anxiety and social anxiety. Users report calm focus and improved sociability after taking it. Being a Racetam, it also improves cognition [R].
Aniracetam is a prescription drug in Europe that can be used to treat cognitive decline. The supplement helps to increase mental clarity and energy levels. It also helps to improve mood, which is necessary for Alzheimer's patients who are struggling with depression. Many users report feelings of energy and euphoria after using Aniracetam, which is ideal for socializing and dealing with anxiety.
10. Sulbutiamine: Best Nootropic For Mood & Depression
Sulbutiamine is one of the best nootropics for mood and reducing symptoms of depression. It's a natural, safe alternative to traditional anti-depressants. It has been proven to be effective for treating depression and anxiety [R].
Sulbutiamine is synthetically derived from the amino acid thiamine (vitamin B1). Thiamine is an essential nutrient for the body. It's important for the conversion of carbohydrates into blood glucose, which in turn produces energy. Sulbutiamine also has neurotrophic effects on brain cells, meaning that it encourages the production of neurons in the brain.
Increased energy, mood stabilization, improved mental performance, and a more regulated appetite are some of the benefits of this nootropic supplement.
11. L-Theanine: Best Nootropic For Sleep
L-Theanine is the best nootropic for sleep and reducing stress. L-Theanine is a naturally occurring amino acid that enhances the production of serotonin and also plays a role in the formation of GABA [R], which are both crucial brain chemicals for restful sleep, relaxation, and cognitive health in general.
Serotonin is a precursor to melatonin. Improved serotonin levels result in improved melatonin levels. In one study [R], 30 healthy adults were given either 200 mg L-theanine or a placebo daily for four weeks. The participants taking theanine took less time to fall asleep, had fewer sleep disturbances, and took fewer sleep medications, compared to the placebo group.
12. Semax: Best Nootropic For Brain Fog
According to our research, Semax is the best nootropic for brain fog. Semax increases motivation, working memory [R], improves mood, and protects against mild oxidative stress.
Semax causes the increase of dopamine and serotoninergic systems of the brain to encourage activity-dependent AMPA trafficking, which means the circuits in heavy use get cognitive priority.
It can be used for neuroprotection against glutamate neurotoxicity [R], amplifying the effects of dopaminergic stimulants, and treating depression, mental stress, and ADHD.
Side effects are usually rare but may include drowsiness, headache, and dizziness.
13. P21: Best Nootropic For Alzheimer's
Although a research chemical, P21 is the best nootropic for Alzheimer's disease according to our analysis. P21 is a highly modified peptide nootropic, which was designed from CNTF antibodies, not Cerebrolysin.
Cerebrolysin was the motivation to research CNTF antibodies, as it was shown to be responsible for its neurogenesis elements. The ambition with the P21 nootropic drug was to "incorporate new neurons into already existing neural networks".
The P21 nootropic peptide has been studied in humans for over a decade. There are many anecdotal reports of its benefits, but no clinical trials have been done to confirm this.
14. Hunter Focus: Best Nootropic For Gaming
Our research revealed Hunter Focus as the best nootropic for gaming due to its powerful effects on cognitive performance and speed.
Hunter Focus is a powerful cognitive enhancer with a focus on memory, concentration, and mood.
Hunter Focus is one of the most effective nootropics for older adults and professional gamers because it speeds up mental processing and improves executive brain functions.
You get all-natural ingredients that are free from soy and gluten and enhance focus. It is also safe to consume as it has no noticeable side effects like headaches and stomach upsets that you typically get from other nootropics.
15. Bacopa Monnieri: Best Natural Nootropic
In our opinion, Bacopa Monnieri is one of the best natural nootropics available. It's often used as an ingredient in natural nootropics blends, such as NooCube and Mind Lab Pro.
Bacopa Monnieri has a long history of being used as a brain enhancer [R] and supplement for overall brain health.
If you're looking for an all-natural smart drug, then Bacopa Monnieri is the best choice.
Best Nootropics According To Reddit
According to Reddit users, the best nootropics are:
Best Nootropics Stacks
We've found the best nootropic stacks to be the following:
NooCube
NooCube is a nootropics stack that contains 9 natural ingredients to boost your brainpower and productivity. It's the most effective stack on the market today.
If you're looking for an all-natural stack, this is the one we recommend.
Phenylpiracetam + Sulbutiamine + Alpha GPC
This stack is perfect if you're looking for a boost in energy and motivation.
- Phenylpiracetam (100 mg): Phenylpiracetam acts as a mild stimulant and cognitive enhancer.
- Sulbutiamine (400 mg): Sulbutiamine eliminates fatigue and lifts your mood.
- Alpha GPC (300 mg): Alpha GPC acts as a choline source increasing acetylcholine in the brain and increasing physical performance.
Noopept + Creatine + Citicoline
This stack is the best choice if you want to be in a flow state and improve focus and concentration.
- Noopept (10 mg): Noopept enhances alpha brain waves, memory, and recall.
- Creatine HCL (500 mg): Creatine improves mitochondrial efficiency, acting directly as an antioxidant and a neuroprotectant boosting brain function.
- Citicoline (250 mg): CDP Choline increases acetylcholine and improves cognitive function.
What Are Nootropics?
Nootropics are substances that can enhance mental capabilities, including memory and cognitive performance. The word comes from the Greek noos meaning "mind" and trope, meaning "to turn." These pills may have more potential than ever before, thanks to scientific advances in the study of the brain.
However, they carry some risks. There are over 1,000 nootropics on the market, and these aren't just harmless caffeine-like compounds.
What Are The Benefits Of Using Nootropics?
The benefits of using nootropics are everything from memory improvement to alertness. Nootropics are products that improve brain function and are backed by scientific evidence [R]. Some are natural and others are synthetic.
The one thing they all have in common is that they enhance cognition and brain function in one way or another. Often times they increase brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and/or nerve growth factor (NGF) and boost brain function overall.
What Are The Different Types Of Nootropics?
Nootropics can be split into four different classes, which are blends/formulas, racetams, prescription drugs, and research chemicals.
Nootropics Blends & Formulas
A nootropic blend or formula is a combination of several different types of nootropics, such as caffeine or vitamins and amino acids, which can be taken at any time throughout the day.
Natural nootropics blends can help with energy, focus, creativity, memory, increase blood flow to the brain and help you sleep better. They work to enhance your brain function and boost your overall cognitive performance. Typically they're natural supplements with cognitive benefits that boost memory retention and improve cognitive function. They're the number one choice for safe cognitive enhancement.
Racetams
The racetam family of cognitive enhancers is well known in the nootropics community. Racetams are synthetic compounds first discovered by Russia many decades ago. Piracetam is considered the "parent racetam" on which most others are based on. Today, some are over-the-counter, some are prescription drugs, and some are research chemicals.
The most popular racetams are:
- Piracetam
- Phenylpiracetam
- Aniracetam
- Oxiracetam
- Coluracetam
- Fasoracetam
- Pramiracetam
Prescription Drugs
Some prescription drugs are considered to be nootropics. The most popular ones are Modafinil and Armodafinil. In Russia, you can also get a prescription for Noopept, Piracetam, Semax, and others.
Research Chemicals
Research chemicals are substances that are sold for research purposes only and aren't meant for human consumption. Whether a compound is considered a research chemical, over-the-counter supplement, or a prescription drug, largely depends on where you live in the world.
How To Use Nootropics?
How you should use nootropics for the best results entirely depends on the type of nootropic you're taking. In general, they're best taken in the morning with some fat (such as fish oil or coconut oil) on an empty stomach with a glass of water.
Depending on which nootropic substances you use, you might have to cycle it to avoid tolerance.
How To Choose The Right Nootropic Supplement?
Choosing the right nootropic for you can be difficult. Here's what you should do:
- Determine what kind of results you want: Decide what kind of results you want to see from your nootropic supplement. Do you want to be more focused? Are you trying to improve your memory? Do you just want to be more alert?
- Find the right nootropic supplement: Start by reading reviews on different nootropic supplements. What do they claim? What are their side effects? What are the ingredients? What is the best nootropic supplement for your goals?
- Take the nootropic: Once you've found a nootropic supplement that works for you, take it. Don't wait!
- Monitor your progress: Once you start taking a nootropic supplement, monitor your progress. Do you notice any improvements? Do you feel more alert? Are you able to focus better?
- Adjust your dosage: Depending on your goals and your body, you may need to adjust your dosage. If you notice you're not improving, try increasing your dosage. If you notice you're not feeling well, try decreasing your dosage or try a different nootropic instead.
The Side Effects Of Nootropic Supplements
As long as you’re not abusing them, most nootropics are safe and effective and improve brain health. The key is to use them appropriately and with appropriate caution.
Remember to take them at the right times to optimize their effects and get the maximum benefit.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Your most pressing questions about nootropics answered.
Are Nootropics Worth it?
Most nootropics have been scientifically proven to be safe and effective. However, some may cause negative side effects. Make sure you discuss any potential risks with your doctor.
Where Do I Start With Nootropics?
If you're just starting out with nootropics, Citicoline (Cognizin®) is the best nootropic supplement for beginners to try first. A lot of clinical research supports the benefits of this multitasking nootropic for mental energy and attention.
How Fast Do Nootropics Work?
The time it takes to see results depends on the nootropic, dosage, and the individual. In general, however, people usually report noticeable effects after two weeks of use, while some nootropics show immediate effects after just 30 minutes to an hour.
Can You Take Nootropics Every day?
Yes, you can take most nootropics every day. Nootropics are supplements that help boost brain function, memory, and concentration. They're safe and effective, so you can take them daily as part of a healthy lifestyle.
Can Nootropics Cause Brain Damage?
In short, no. The vast majority of nootropics are not toxic to the human body and brain. Some studies have shown that nootropics can help improve focus and memory, but they have no serious side effects at recommended dosages. However, some nootropics should be cycled.
Which Nootropic is Most Like Adderall?
Vyvamind is a nootropic supplement that is similar to Adderall but doesn't cause the same negative side effects as Adderall. Vyvamind is best known for its ability to increase focus, motivation, and productivity.
What is The Most Effective Nootropic?
1. NooCube
2. Mind Lab Pro
3. Alpha Brain
4. Brain Pill
5. Performance Lab Mind
6. Phenylpiracetam
7. Qualia Mind
8. Modafinil
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you want to increase your cognitive ability, you have to work on your brain health. And the best way to do this is to use nootropic brain supplements. The best nootropics for you are based on your needs and preferences. They’re not all the same. Some of them work better than others.
So, what’s the difference?
Well, each nootropic has a unique effect, so they can be compared using their relative efficacy. However, to make things easier for you, we’ve done the research and compiled a list of the top 15 nootropics available today.
If you're unsure which one to pick, NooCube is always a great choice.