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Cognitive functions are vital for many aspects of life. Not only are they necessary for work and school, but any situation that requires your attention.

Whether it’s razor sharp focus, crystal clear memory, or brilliant creativity, it’s safe to say that many people are intrigued with enhancing cognitive power and optimizing brain performance

That’s part of the reason why nootropic supplements are so popular today. 

With that said, not every nootropic supplement is created equal. As a holistic health practitioner and researcher, I’ve looked into dozens of nootropic supplements and can tell you which ones are the best based on their ingredient profiles, dosages, safety practices, testing procedures, and more.

One of the best-known nootropic supplements out there is Alpha Brain by Onnit. This supplement claims to enhance mental focus and put users in a flow state for peak performance. 

However, it’s certainly not perfect. You may be looking for an Alpha Brain alternative that is higher dosed, contains better ingredients, or is more affordable.

Whatever your reason for wanting an Alpha Brain alternative, this article has you covered. I’m going to go over all of the top Alpha Brain alternatives and tell you which one is best. 

By the end, you’ll be able to see which nootropic is the best for your needs.

About Alpha Brain

Onnit Alpha Brain is a nootropic supplement designed specifically to enhance memory, mental speed, focus, and other cognitive functions.

This caffeine-free nootropic contains a blend of herbal extracts, amino acids, and other compounds which they claim work synergistically to optimize mental functions. 

Alpha Brain Ingredients

Alpha Brain contains several different nootropic ingredients:

  • Onnit Flow Blend™
    • L-Tyrosine
    • L-Theanine
    • Oat Straw Extract
    • Phosphatidylserine
  • Cat’s Claw Extract
  • Onnit Focus Blend™
    • Alpha-GPC
    • Bacopa Extract
    • Toothed Clubmoss Extract
  • Onnit Fuel Blend™
    • L-Leucine
    • Pterostilbene
  • Vitamin B6

Alpha Brain Pros and Cons

Alpha Brain Pros and Cons

As we covered in our Alpha Brain review, there are several pros about this supplement but also a variety of drawbacks. 

The positive aspects of Alpha Brain are:

  • Uses several clinically-researched ingredients
  • Caffeine-free
  • Effective dose of cat’s claw extract
  • Free from dairy, gluten, and nuts
  • Paleo, keto-friendly
  • Third-party tested

Yet, some of the negatives of this supplement are:

  • Uses proprietary blends
  • Several ingredients are underdosed
  • Priced pretty high
  • Possible side effects 

Alpha Brain Benefits

There are several possible health benefits of taking Alpha Brain. Based on the ingredients, Alpha Brain could potentially enhance processing speed, improve focus, reduce stress, boost memory, improve mood, and activate the “flow state”, which is vital for performance.

Alpha Brain may be able to increase various neurotransmitters (brain chemicals) involved in cognitive functions, such as acetylcholine, dopamine, and serotonin. 

Moreover, it may be able to increase alpha brain wave states, which promote a calm focus. 

Alpha Brain Side Effects

Alpha Brain has been linked to several side effects in some buyers. Some users have reported experiencing nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, hot/cold flashes, sweating, and increased heart rate.

This is one reason why you may want to look for an alternative to Alpha Brain, although certainly not everyone has these problems. 

Alpha Brain Cost

Onnit Alpha Brain is available in a 30-count (15 servings) or 90-count (45 servings) bottle. 

  • 30-Count
    • One-Time Purchase: $34.95 ($2.33/serving)
    • Subscribe & Save: $29.71 ($1.98)
  • 90-Count
    • One-Time Purchase: $79.95 ($1.78/serving)
    • Subscribe & Save: $67.96 ($1.51/serving)

The subscription can save you quite a bit, but all options are still over $1.50/serving. 

Why consider Alpha Brain alternatives?

There are several reasons why you may seek out Alpha Brain alternatives. First, it’s always good to compare supplements because it increases the likelihood that you’ll find a product that works best for you.

With so many nootropics out there, it’s worth investing the time and effort to figure out which one works best with your unique brain chemistry, personality, and so forth. 

Also, you may be looking for an Alpha Brain alternative that has a better formula. For example, maybe you want better ingredients, higher dosages, and/or a product without proprietary blends. 

Third is the cost. You may be looking for an Alpha Brain alternative that is more affordable for you. 

How To Choose the Right Alpha Brain Alternative for You

The right Alpha Brain alternative for you is one that matches your goals, desires, and preferences. Also, it should meet universal standards for quality, safety, and good practices, regardless of how “effective” it claims to be.

Overall, you want an alternative that includes well-researched ingredients, uses clinically effective dosages, and enhances the specific cognitive functions you want to improve. This is often put on the label with key phrases such as “memory enhancer” “improves focus” “boosts energy”, etc. 

Of course, it needs to actually include the right ingredients to back up those claims. 

Things To Consider Before Buying a Nootropic Supplement

There are several things to consider before buying Alpha Brain alternatives or any nootropic supplement, for that matter. 

Sure, all nootropic supplements are generally designed to enhance cognitive functions and brain power. But there are several factors that impact your buying decision, such as:

  • Your goals and needs
  • The ingredients
  • Dosages
  • Quality and safety aspects
  • Cost
  • Money-back guarantee
  • Medical consultation

Your Goals and Needs

Nootropic Supplement Considerations

Enhancing cognitive performance is a pretty general goal. So it’s essential to consider what specific goals and needs you have. 

For example, maybe you want to boost your memory, improve your processing speed, become more focused, or increase alertness. 

With these goals and needs in mind, you can more easily find a suitable supplement that works best for you. 

The Ingredients

From there, you can consider the ingredient profile of a nootropic supplement, so you can ensure it matches your needs and serves your goals. 

There are dozens of well-researched ingredients out there that are beneficial for cognitive performance. I’ve done the research for you, so in a minute I’ll share which products have evidence-based ingredients and are most likely to work.

Dosages

The ingredient dosage is just as important as the specific ingredients included. After all, you can have the greatest lineup of ingredients in the world, but it won’t do much if they’re dosed at a fraction of what’s required.

That’s why it’s important to choose nootropics that are dosed fully (or very close to) the evidence-based dosages used in clinical studies. 

Quality and Safety Aspects

The supplement industry isn’t as tightly regulated as prescription drugs, so it’s even more important to be aware of quality and safety aspects.

Look for products that are third-party tested and made in FDA-approved, GMP-certified facilities (or other relevant governing bodies, depending on the country you live in). 

There are also several safety aspects to consider, such as the use of any allergens, artificial ingredients, or other compounds that you can’t consume, regardless of the reason.  

For example, do you need something to be gluten-free? Vegan? Dairy-free? Free from artificial preservatives? 

Money-Back Guarantee

Investing your money into a nootropic supplement can feel like a gamble, especially if you’ve never tried one before and aren’t familiar with how they work.

That’s why I always say to choose supplements that have a money-back guarantee included. This gives you more peace of mind and allows you to try a supplement essentially risk-free. 

Alpha Brain Alternatives

At last, it’s time to go over the best Alpha Brain alternatives. I’ll be covering eight unique nootropic supplements. 

While I think all of these are worthy candidates, I’ll also let you know at the end of which one is the best.

Keep reading to discover which one reigns supreme. 

1. Bulletproof Unfair Advantage

Bulletproof Unfair Advantage is advertised as a jitter-free supplement to provide the brain and body with clean, pure energy. The formula is designed to target the mitochondria (energy producers in the cells) to boost your energy from within. 

Ingredients

Unfair Advantage contains just three main ingredients, which are Brain Octane® MCT oil, CoQ10, and pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ). 

CoQ10 and PQQ are designed to work together to provide antioxidant support and enhance energy production. Then you have Brain Octane® MCT oil, which is a healthy source of fat for sustained energy in the brain. 

Pricing Comparison

Bulletproof Unfair Advantage regularly costs $59.95 for 30 servings ($2 per serving), although you can save 30% with the Subscribe & Save option. That lowers the cost down to $41.97 ($1.40/serving). Overall, it’s a bit cheaper per serving compared to Alpha Brain. 

Pros

  • Caffeine-free
  • Good mix of healthy ingredients
  • Moderately priced
  • Vegan
  • 30-day money-back guarantee
  • Free shipping on orders over $49
  • Made in a GMP-certified, FDA-registered facility

Cons

  • Only three active ingredients
  • Can be pretty pricey depending on how much you take
  • Doesn’t have many common nootropic ingredients

2. Organifi Pure

Organifi Pure is a specialized blend of superfoods designed to protect the brain and enhance cognitive power. It’s designed to stimulate brain cell growth, decrease brain damage, and optimize the gut-brain axis for better physical and mental function.

Ingredients

The Organifi Pure formula has a selection of key cognitive boosters, such as lion’s mane mushroom and coffee fruit extract. These are supposed to reduce stress, boost energy, and protect the brain from damage. 

Plus, it includes prebiotics, digestive enzymes, and antioxidants such as aloe vera to enhance gut-brain function and overall wellness.

Pricing Comparison

Organifi Pure is a bit high-priced at $69.95 for 30 servings ($2.33/serving) but you can save 10% with a subscription, which brings the cost down to $62.96 ($2.10/serving). Overall, it’s priced pretty similar to Alpha Brain. 

Pros

  • USDA organic, non-GMO
  • Gluten-free, glyphosate free, dairy-free, soy-free
  • Plant-based
  • Made in a GMP-certified, FDA-registered facility
  • Multiple effective compounds for brain health
  • Includes superfoods
  • Caffeine-free
  • 60-day money-back guarantee
  • Can buy it in travel packs or canister

Cons

  • Uses proprietary blends
  • Priced on the higher end
  • Not many “pure” nootropic ingredients

3. Mind Lab Pro

alpha brain alternative

Another popular Alpha Brain alternative is Mind Lab Pro, which is one of the more well-known nootropics out there in general.

Mind Lab Pro claims to be the world’s best all-in-one nootropic formula. It is made with 11 research-backed, ethically-sourced ingredients that are designed to unlock your peak cognitive performance. This is done by boosting many neurotransmitters and other aspects in brain function.

Ingredients

The Mind Lab Pro formula has citicoline, lion’s mane mushroom, phosphatidylserine, bacopa, rhodiola, tyrosine, maritime pine bark extract, l-theanine, and vitamins B6, B9, and B12. 

Together, these ingredients are advertised to boost acetylcholine, serotonin, dopamine, noradrenaline, and other neurotransmitters. They also may boost brain blood flow, protect the brain from inflammation, and support brain cell growth.

All in all, Mind Lab Pro may increase focus, improve memory, enhance alertness, balance mood, and promote mental clarity, among other things. 

Pricing Comparison

 A one-month supply (60 caps) of Mind Lab Pro costs $69 ($2.30/serving), but you can save money if you buy three bottles to get one free, which costs a total of $207 ($1.73/serving). The regular price is similar to Alpha Brain, although Mind Lab Pro has more ingredients, so it might be a more effective alternative to Alpha Brain. 

Pros

  • Fully transparent label
  • Several well-researched nootropic ingredients
  • Gluten-free, soy-free, non-GMO, caffeine-free
  • Bulk savings
  • No additives
  • Third-party tested
  • Validated by Clean Label Project
  • Capsules designed for easy absorption
  • 100% plant-based, vegan
  • Made in a GMP-certified, FDA-registered facility

Cons

  • Higher priced
  • Some ingredients are dosed a bit low

4. Ageless Brain

best alpha brain alternatives

Ageless Brain is advertised as a complete brain health supplement to help keep your brain healthy and sharp. It’s filled with eight ingredients sourced straight from the Amazon rainforest, all of which are supposed to target several key cognitive processes to enhance mental function. 

Ingredients

Each dose of Ageless Brain contains camu camu, cat’s claw, bacopa, cinnamon, pau d’arco, cacao, dragon’s blood resin, and guayusa. 

Many of these ingredients stand out due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which may decrease brain damage and protect your mental health. 

On top of that, these exotic compounds are promoted as a way to strengthen brain connections, reduce brain fog, improve mood, and enhance mental clarity

Ultimately, Ageless Brain may help keep your brain sharp, focused, and free from damage, even as you age.

Pricing Comparison

Each bottle of Ageless Brain has 30 servings (60 capsules) and costs $54.95 for a one-time purchase ($1.83/serving) or $46.71 ($1.56/serving) with the Subscribe & Save option. You can also buy two, three, or six bottles at a time to save even more money.

With this in mind, Ageless Brain is a cheaper Alpha Brain alternative, but it also uses a proprietary blend, which makes it tougher to gauge the overall value. 

Pros

  • Moderately priced; big savings
  • NSF third-party tested
  • Non-GMO
  • Several health-boosting herbs
  • Tested free from pesticides, glyphosate, and heavy metals
  • No artificial preservatives, additives, colors, or fillers
  • Gluten-free, soy-free
  • Paleo-friendly
  • Vegan
  • No yeast, starch, sodium, or sugar
  • One-year money-back guarantee

Cons

  • All ingredients are in a proprietary blend
  • Missing out on some well-known nootropic boosters

5. Performance Lab Mind

Another one of the Alpha Brain alternatives that comes up quite a bit is Performance Lab Mind. This modern nootropic claims to be unique in that it’s the only one that can simultaneously enhance cognitive functions and help you recover from strenuous mental exertion.  

Ingredients

Performance Lab Mind keeps it simple with their formula. They use three trademarked forms of citicoline, phosphatidylserine, and tyrosine, as well as maritime pine bark extract. 

Together, these ingredients are designed to boost acetylcholine, dopamine, and other neurotransmitters; increase blood flow to the brain; enhance energy production in the brain; and upgrade the brain’s reparative processes.  

In terms of cognitive performance, Performance Lab Mind claims to enhance learning and memory, support focus, and boost mental resilience during stressful tasks.

When taken daily, this supplement is meant to promote long-term brain health, optimize brain blood flow, and give you a clean boost in energy with no crash. 

Pricing Comparison

Each bottle of Performance Lab Mind has 30 servings (30 caps), which regularly costs $69 ($2.30/serving). You get the same price per serving if you buy a two-month supply. But with a three-month supply, you get a fourth month free for a total cost of $207 ($1.73/serving). 

Performance Lab Mind’s price is similar to Alpha Brain, but it may have higher doses of some of the important ingredients. 

Pros

  • Good mix of clinically effective compounds
  • Suitable for vegans
  • Bulk savings
  • Free from soy, egg, shellfish, dairy, wheat, and other allergens
  • Free shipping for two- or three-month supply
  • Caffeine-free
  • Made in a GMP-certified, FDA-registered facility
  • Easy-to-digest capsules
  • Free of synthetic additives

Cons

  • Only four ingredients; misses out on other effective ones
  • Some ingredients are dosed low
  • Priced pretty high

6. Hunter Focus

Hunter Focus - Premium Nootropic for Focus
4.5

Hunter Focus is a high-powered nootropic that claims to be the highest-dosed, most potent nootropic available. Focus is blended with naturally-sourced ingredients that are meant to unlock your cognitive potential and enhance all brain activities.

Try Hunter Focus Today!
We are reader funded, which means we earn a small commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. We appreciate the support!

Hunter Focus is a high-powered nootropic that claims to be the highest-dosed, most potent nootropic available. Focus is blended with naturally-sourced ingredients that are meant to unlock your cognitive potential and enhance all brain activities.

best alpha brain alternative

Ingredients

There are 20 active ingredients in Hunter Focus. Some of the top ones are tyrosine, lion’s mane mushroom, bacopa, ashwagandha, theanine, citicoline, ginkgo, caffeine, rhodiola, and Panax ginseng. All of these are claimed to be higher-dosed than most other nootropics out there.

The unique combination of ingredients in Hunter Focus may result in many actions in the brain. This includes enhanced neural connections, increases in several brain chemicals such as serotonin and acetylcholine, and enhanced blood flow to the brain.

In turn, Hunter Focus may increase energy, boost mood, improve memory, enhance focus. reduce stress, and optimize numerous cognitive functions. 

Pricing Comparison

Each bottle of Hunter Focus has 30 servings (180 capsules). The regular price for a one-month supply is a bit lofty at $90 ($3/serving). However, you can get one bottle for free if you purchase three bottles at a time, for a four-month supply grand total of $270 ($2.25/serving). 

Hunter Focus is considerably more expensive than Alpha Brain. Yet, keep in mind that it delivers several more ingredients, has fully transparent doses, and also offers bulk savings. 

Pros

  • Many clinically proven nootropics
  • Bulk savings
  • Fully transparent label
  • Effective doses of theanine, ashwagandha, bacopa, and others
  • Made in a GMP-certified, FDA-approved facilities
  • Gluten-free and soy-free
  • Doesn’t contain preservatives or synthetics
  • Certified non-GMO
  • 30-day return policy (for USA/Canada)

Cons

  • Need to take six capsules per day
  • Only 14-day return policy for UK/rest of world
  • Original price is very high
Hunter Focus - Premium Nootropic for Focus
4.5

Hunter Focus is a high-powered nootropic that claims to be the highest-dosed, most potent nootropic available. Focus is blended with naturally-sourced ingredients that are meant to unlock your cognitive potential and enhance all brain activities.

Try Hunter Focus Today!
We are reader funded, which means we earn a small commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. We appreciate the support!

7. Noocube

Noocube is advertised as an all-in-one, daily nootropic formula for people with deadlines and many commitments. This formula was partly crafted by European neuroscientists and contains 13 science-backed cognitive enhancers.  

The Noocube formula is made for women and men of all ages, whether you’re a busy parent, high-achieving college student, athlete, entrepreneur, or soon-to-be grandparent.

Ingredients

Noocube contains a mixture of herbal extracts, amino acids, and vitamins. The formula is highlighted by an ingredient called Lutemax® 2020, which contains carotenoids and antioxidants beneficial for memory, attention, and processing speed.

But there are a dozen other ingredients that may have benefits too, such as bacopa, Huperzine A, pterostilbene, resveratrol, theanine, alpha-GPC, and cat’s claw. 

These ingredients work together to reduce oxidative stress in the brain, boost up neurotransmitters, enhance calming brain wave states, and improve brain connectivity. 

Ultimately, Noocube may help you achieve razor sharp focus, increased attention, and better memory. Not to mention, it also may reduce stress, improve your mood, and even reduce mental fatigue from staring at screens all day. 

Pricing Comparison

Each bottle of Noocube has 30 servings (60 capsules). The 30-day supply costs $59.99 ($2/serving), but you can save money by getting the three-month or five-month supply. The three-month supply costs $119.99 ($1.33/serving), and the five-month supply is priced at $179.99 ($1.20/serving).

These prices make Noocube a more affordable Alpha Brain alternative. And it also has more ingredients and likely higher dosages, so that further adds to its value.

Pros

  • Many research-backed ingredients
  • Loaded with antioxidants
  • Save big money with bulk options
  • Free shipping
  • 60-day money-back guarantee
  • Caffeine-free
  • Made in FDA-approved, GMP-certified facilities
  • Good doses of theanine, Lutemax®, and other ingredients

Cons

  • Priced high for some people
  • Low doses of some ingredients
  • Contains cereals, gluten, and soy 

8. BrainPill

The last Alpha Brain alternative I’m going to cover is BrainPill. This nootropic is specifically targeted toward individuals who want to fight off memory loss and cognitive decline. 

BrainPill is formulated with all-natural ingredients that are designed to boost brain cell function, increase acetylcholine, enhance brain blood flow, and protect the brain from inflammatory damage.

Ingredients

One of the main advertised ingredients is Cognizin®, which is a form of citicoline used to enhance learning and memory. But several other compounds are included in BrainPill, such as bacopa, huperzine A, vinpocetine, ginkgo, B vitamins, and DHA. 

These ingredients may serve to improve your recall and memory, enhance concentration, reduce stress, and keep you highly productive, even as you age. 

Pricing Comparison

Each package of BrainPill has 30 servings (60 capsules). The one-month supply costs $47.97 ($1.60/serving). This is considerably lower than Alpha Brain, but they don’t offer any discounts for bulk buying. 

Pros

  • 60-day money-back guarantee
  • Formulated with well-researched ingredients
  • Made in a GMP-certified, FDA-approved facility
  • Effective dose of theanine and bacopa
  • Only need to take two capsules

Cons

  • A few ingredients are dosed too low
  • Unclear info about allergens
  • No bulk savings

Alpha Brain vs. Modafinil

There are many nootropic supplements that may serve as suitable Alpha Brain alternatives. With that said, I also wanted to compare Alpha Brain to a prescription medication called Modafinil.

Modafinil is a central nervous system stimulant designed to improve wakefulness in individuals with narcolepsy and other sleep disorders. With that said, it’s also used to purportedly enhance cognitive function in healthy people.

The table below compares Alpha Brain vs. Modafinil to give you an idea of what is best for you.

Product:Alpha BrainModafinil
Mechanisms of ActionIncrease acetylcholineBoost alpha wave production
Enhance nervous system  communicationBoost dopamine and noradrenaline
Stimulates central nervous systemIncreases dopamine
May enhance glutamate and other excitatory chemicals
IngredientsComposed of herbal extracts, amino acids, and natural compounds (e.g. theanine, tyrosine, alpha-gpc, huperzine A, bacopa)Modafinil (a medication)
Dosage & AdministrationTwo capsules, taken with a light meal, preferably in the morning Typically one 200mg tablet, taken in the morning
Cost$34.95 for 15 days (regular price)Around $217 for 20 tablets 

What is the best alternative to Alpha Brain?

With so many possible Alpha Brain alternatives, it’s not time to decide which one is best.

I’ve made this decision based on many important factors, such as the ingredient’s efficacy, total number of ingredients, doses, safety and quality aspects, and value. 

With all of this considered, the best Alpha Brain alternative is Hunter Focus. 

Now, right away I want to let you know that this one does have 100mg of caffeine. So, if you don’t want caffeine, I’d choose either Noocube or Mind Lab Pro as top choices.

But for everyone else, Hunter Focus is the best option. Hunter Focus contains the highest number of nootropic ingredients out of any other product.

And more importantly, it is the most well-dosed product. For example, it has 200 mg of theanine, 300mg of ashwagandha, 500mg of tyrosine, and 500mg of lion’s mane. 

All ingredients are fully laid out on a transparent label. And the sheer variety of ingredients makes it possibly beneficial for many cognitive/mental functions, such as attention, memory, energy, focus, and mood enhancement.

Final Recommendation

This article should have put an end to your search for a quality Alpha Brain alternative. 

Now, all of the nootropic supplements here are worthy in their own right and serve as effective Alpha Brain alternatives.

You’ve seen how these supplements may boost many aspects of cognitive function and enhance brain power. 

With that said, Hunter Focus stands out from the rest due to its selection of many research-backed ingredients, quality sourcing, effective doses, and wide list of possible benefits. 

So, while any nootropic supplement mentioned in here may work, Hunter Focus seems to be the best Onnit Alpha Brain alternative. 

You can click to buy Hunter Focus here to see if it upgrades your mental function.  

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there anything better than Alpha Brain?

There are multiple nootropics that may be better alternatives to Alpha Brain. Some products have fully transparent labels, higher doses, and more ingredients overall. Three of the best ones are Mind Lab Pro, Hunter Focus, and NooCube.

Is Mind Lab Pro or Alpha Brain better?

Both Mind Lab Pro and Alpha Brain are quality nootropic supplements. With that said, Mind Lab Pro has a fully transparent label, likely higher doses, and more ingredients overall.

Does Onnit Alpha Brain really work?

Onnit Alpha Brain has evidence-based ingredients that may enhance cognitive functions, such as focus and memory. The problem is most of them are in proprietary blends, which makes it difficult to determine the possible effects.

What is the best brain supplement?

The best brain supplement depends on your unique goals, needs, and preferences. With that said, a few brain supplements stand apart due to their superior formulation, dosing, quality, and other aspects. Hunter Focus is one of the top brain supplements out there that fit these criteria.

Are nootropic supplements effective?

Individual results vary with nootropics. Some people experience great boosts in focus, attention, alertness, energy, and memory, whereas some buyers don’t feel anything. 

Purchasing quality nootropics such as the ones found in this article is a good place to start to increase the possibility that you’ll receive benefits.

Are brain supplements safe to use? 

The safety of brain supplements depends on the ingredients used, doses, and testing for quality and safety. Look for supplements that are third-party tested, made in GMP-certified, FDA-approved facilities, use clinically researched ingredients, and don’t have any allergens.

Are nootropic supplements FDA-approved? 

No. Nootropics aren’t FDA-approved. With that said, the quality ones are made in FDA-approved facilities.

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