Nootropics are supplements that aim to support focus, memory and mental energy. The good ones use ingredients with human research behind them, such as bacopa, citicoline, L-theanine and rhodiola, at the amounts that were studied. Many popular products do not: they hide their doses inside proprietary blends or lean on caffeine.
We have reviewed more than 20 nootropics and brain supplements and scored each on the same four tests. These are the seven that scored highest, with what each does well, where it falls short and who it suits.
Quick verdict
ThinkEase is our top pick: 16 ingredients with research doses of bacopa, citicoline, L-theanine, rhodiola, phosphatidylserine and saffron, no caffeine and a 100-day money-back guarantee. Rootana Pure Mind is the runner-up, with the same ingredients at three quarters of the amount per serving for less money. MindVitality Focus is our great value pick, and Hunter Focus is the best choice with caffeine built in.
Nootropics pros and cons
What we like
- Research doses of bacopa, citicoline and L-theanine have human evidence for memory, attention and calm
- Caffeine-free formulas let you control your caffeine separately
- L-theanine's calming effect can show within hours
- Fully disclosed labels make products easy to compare
What could be better
- Bacopa's memory benefits take eight to twelve weeks to build
- Many products hide their doses in proprietary blends
- Very few products have been tested as finished formulas
- No supplement makes up for poor sleep or constant stress
How we ranked them
Every product is scored out of 10 on four tests: formula and dosing (35%), ingredient evidence (25%), label transparency (20%) and value and terms (20%). Formulas that hide doses inside proprietary blends lose points, because you cannot check them against the research. Our picks are scored on the same scale as every other product, and the full method is on our how we rate page.
1. ThinkEase: best overall
ThinkEase scores 9.5 out of 10, the highest of any nootropic we have reviewed. Its four-capsule serving contains 300 mg of bacopa at 50% bacosides, 250 mg of citicoline, 200 mg each of L-theanine and rhodiola, 100 mg of phosphatidylserine and 30 mg of saffron, all at the amounts used in human research, plus acetyl-L-carnitine, lion's mane, lutein and B vitamins. It is caffeine-free, so it works at any time of day and stacks with your own coffee.
It costs $74.99 a month, or $44.99 a bottle on the five-month pack, with a 100-day money-back guarantee. Read our ThinkEase review.
2. Rootana Pure Mind: runner-up
Pure Mind scores 9.1 out of 10. It contains the same 16 ingredients as ThinkEase at three quarters of the amount per serving: three capsules provide 225 mg of bacopa at 50% bacosides, 187.5 mg of citicoline, 150 mg each of L-theanine and rhodiola, 75 mg of phosphatidylserine and 22.5 mg of saffron. Rootana suggests four capsules for a stronger dose, which brings those amounts up to the research levels. It is caffeine-free and vegan.
A bottle costs $39.99 and lasts 28 days, or $29.99 a bottle on the 3 + 1 free pack. It ranks below ThinkEase because most of its standard doses sit just under the research amounts, and returns are limited to unopened bottles. Learn more at rootana.com.
3. MindVitality Focus: great value
MindVitality Focus scores 8.6 out of 10 and is our great value pick. It has fewer of the best-researched nootropics than the two above, with no citicoline, L-theanine or saffron, but its three tablets include 250 mg of rhodiola and 100 mg of phosphatidylserine at research doses, with 250 mg of ashwagandha, 500 mg of lion's mane and 300 mg of bacopa, among 17 ingredients and vitamins. Its bacopa is standardized to 20% bacosides, so it delivers less than the 50% extracts used in the main trials. It is caffeine-free.
It costs $59.99 a month, falling to $35.99 a bottle on the five-month pack, about $1.20 a day, with a 100-day money-back guarantee. Learn more at mindvitality.co.
4. Hunter Focus: best with caffeine built in
Hunter Focus scores 8.2 out of 10. Its six-capsule serving combines 100 mg of caffeine with 200 mg of L-theanine, 300 mg of bacopa, 250 mg of citicoline, 300 mg of ashwagandha and 800 mg of acetyl-L-carnitine, so it suits people who want their caffeine included. Six capsules a day is a lot to take, and the caffeine rules out afternoon doses. Read our Hunter Focus review.
5. Nooceptin: simple caffeine-free formula
Nooceptin scores 8.1 out of 10. Its seven ingredients include 200 mg each of citicoline, L-theanine and ginseng, 150 mg of rhodiola and 400 mg of lion's mane, with no caffeine. Its bacopa and ginkgo are below the amounts used in research, and it costs $67 a month. Read our Nooceptin review.
6. Gorilla Mind Smooth: best stimulant-free option for training
Gorilla Mind Smooth scores 8.0 out of 10. A serving provides 1,000 mg of L-tyrosine, 600 mg of alpha-GPC and 500 mg of acetyl-L-carnitine, a strong combination for focus during demanding work or training, without stimulants. It also contains huperzine A, which many users cycle rather than take every day. Read our Gorilla Mind review.
7. Mind Lab Pro: well-known two-capsule formula
Mind Lab Pro scores 7.9 out of 10. It is one of the best-known nootropics online, caffeine-free and fully disclosed, with 250 mg of citicoline and 100 mg of phosphatidylserine at research doses and a small 2023 trial. The rest of the formula is light: its bacopa delivers about a quarter of the bacosides used in research, its rhodiola is under a third of the lowest studied dose, and at $69 a month it costs more than several products ranked above it. Read our Mind Lab Pro review.
Our top seven side by side
| Feature | ThinkEaseOur pick | Rootana Pure MindOur pick | MindVitality FocusOur pick | Hunter Focus | Nooceptin | Gorilla Mind Smooth | Mind Lab Pro |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hyperguides score | 9.5/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.6/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.1/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.9/10 |
| Daily serving | 4 capsules a day | 3 capsules a day (4 for a stronger dose) | 3 tablets a day with breakfast or lunch | 6 capsules a day | daily serving as labeled | 1 serving a day | 2 capsules a day |
| Stimulants | Caffeine-free | Caffeine-free | Caffeine-free | 100 mg caffeine | Caffeine-free | Stimulant-free | Caffeine-free |
| Key ingredients | Bacopa 300 mg (50% bacosides), citicoline 250 mg, L-theanine 200 mg, phosphatidylserine 100 mg, plus 12 more | Bacopa 225 mg, citicoline 187.5 mg, L-theanine 150 mg, rhodiola 150 mg, plus 12 more | Lion's mane 500 mg, bacopa 300 mg, rhodiola 250 mg, ashwagandha 250 mg, plus 13 more | Acetyl-L-carnitine 800 mg, L-tyrosine 500 mg, Lion's mane 500 mg, Bacopa monnieri 300 mg | Citicoline 200 mg, Panax ginseng 200 mg, L-theanine 200 mg, Rhodiola rosea 150 mg | L-tyrosine 1,000 mg, Alpha-GPC 600 mg, Acetyl-L-carnitine 500 mg, Uridine monophosphate 200 mg | Citicoline 250 mg, Lion's mane 500 mg, Bacopa monnieri 150 mg, N-acetyl L-tyrosine 175 mg |
| Label transparency | Every dose disclosed, no blends | Every dose disclosed, no blends | Every dose disclosed, no blends | Every dose disclosed | Every dose disclosed | Every dose disclosed | Every dose disclosed |
| Price (one bottle) | $74.99 / 30 days | $39.99 / 28 days | $59.99 / 30 days | See official site | $67.00 / 30 days | See official site | $69.00 / 30 days |
| Cost per day | $2.50 | $1.43 | $2.00 | Not available | $2.23 | Not available | $2.30 |
| Money-back guarantee | 100-day money-back guarantee | Unopened bottles can be returned within 30 days (US and Canada) | 100-day money-back guarantee | See official site | See official site | See official site | See official site |
Our scores
ThinkEase
Hyperguides score
Rootana Pure Mind
Hyperguides score
MindVitality Focus
Hyperguides score
Hunter Focus
Hyperguides score
Nooceptin
Hyperguides score
Gorilla Mind Smooth
Hyperguides score
Mind Lab Pro
Hyperguides score
How we score: formula and dosing 35%, ingredient evidence 25%, label transparency 20%, value and terms 20%. Read our rating method.
The rest of our ratings
We have also reviewed these nootropics. They score lower for reasons such as hidden doses, light formulas, high prices or weak evidence.
- Qualia Mind: 7.7 out of 10
- Vyvamind: 7.7
- NooCube: 7.5
- Neuro gum: 7.4
- Qunol Brain Health Memory Plus: 7.4, see Focus Factor vs Qunol
- Thesis Clarity: 7.4, see NooCube vs Thesis
- Neuriva Plus: 6.8
- NeuroQ: 6.7
- Alpha BRAIN: 6.5
- Brainol: 6.2
- Focus Factor: 5.6
- Dynamic Brain: 5.4
- RediMind: 5.4
- Prevagen: 3.8
Buying nootropics in the UK and Australia
Prices in this guide are in US dollars. All of the products we rank are sold online, but delivery options, costs and returns vary by country, so check each brand's shipping and returns page before you order. Rootana, for example, offers free UK shipping on orders over £50 and accepts returns of unopened bottles within 14 days in the UK and EU. Ingredient rules also differ between countries, so if you live outside the US, check that a product can be sold where you live.
What to expect from a nootropic
Results depend on the ingredient. L-theanine's calming effect has been measured within an hour of a single dose, and caffeine works within the same window. Rhodiola's fatigue trials ran for two to four weeks, while bacopa's memory benefits build over eight to twelve weeks of daily use, which is why a long guarantee matters.
Sleep, exercise and stress have a bigger effect on how sharp you feel than any supplement, so a nootropic works best on top of those basics.
Why we recommend ThinkEase
Highest rated nootropic
Why we recommend ThinkEase
- Research doses of the six best-supported ingredients, from 300 mg of bacopa to 30 mg of saffron
- Every one of its 16 doses on the label, with no proprietary blends
- Caffeine-free, so it fits any routine and stacks with your own coffee
- From $44.99 a bottle on the five-month pack, with a 100-day money-back guarantee
Frequently asked questions
What is the best nootropic?
ThinkEase is our top-rated nootropic, with a score of 9.5 out of 10. It is caffeine-free, discloses all 16 doses and includes research-level bacopa, citicoline, L-theanine, rhodiola, phosphatidylserine and saffron.
What is the best brain supplement?
For daily focus and memory support, we rank ThinkEase first, Rootana Pure Mind second and MindVitality Focus third. All three are caffeine-free and list every dose on the label.
Do nootropics work?
The best ingredients do have human evidence: bacopa for memory, citicoline for attention, L-theanine for calm focus and rhodiola for mental fatigue. The effects are real but modest, they depend on getting research-level doses, and very few finished products have been tested in their own trials.
Are nootropics safe?
Most nootropic ingredients are well tolerated at label doses. Bacopa can upset the stomach, so take it with food, and products with caffeine or huperzine A need more care. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or take antidepressants, blood thinners or other regular medication, check with your doctor first.
What is a good alternative to Alpha Brain?
Alpha BRAIN hides most of its doses inside proprietary blends and scores 6.5 out of 10. ThinkEase, Rootana Pure Mind and MindVitality Focus all list every dose, are caffeine-free and score higher.
How long do nootropics take to work?
L-theanine and caffeine work within an hour. Bacopa, the main memory ingredient, takes eight to twelve weeks of daily use.
Final verdict
The best nootropics show you every dose and match the research. ThinkEase does that more completely than any other product we have reviewed, which is why it is our top pick, with Rootana Pure Mind a close second for less money and MindVitality Focus the pick for value.
Sources and further reading
- ThinkEase official formula and Supplement Facts
- Rootana Pure Mind official product page and Supplement Facts
- MindVitality Focus official site and Supplement Facts
- Hunter Focus official product and ingredients page (hunterevolve.com)
- Nooceptin official site (nooceptin.com)
- Gorilla Mind Smooth official product page (gorillamind.com)
- NIH DSLD label record for Gorilla Mind Smooth
- Mind Lab Pro official ingredients (mindlabpro.com)
- Abbott-Imboden et al. 2023, Mind Lab Pro trial
- Calabrese et al. 2008, bacopa in adults over 65
- Chandrasekhar et al. 2012, KSM-66 ashwagandha, stress and cortisol
- Darbinyan et al. 2000, rhodiola in night-shift physicians
- De Jesus Moreno 2003, alpha-GPC in Alzheimer's dementia
- Docherty et al. 2023, lion's mane in young adults
- Giesbrecht et al. 2010, L-theanine and caffeine on task switching
- Haskell et al. 2008, L-theanine, caffeine and their combination
- Hidese et al. 2019, four weeks of L-theanine in healthy adults
- Jang et al. 2008, systematic review of red ginseng for erectile function
- Jongkees et al. 2015, review of tyrosine under stress
- Kato-Kataoka et al. 2010, phosphatidylserine and memory in older adults
- Kell et al. 2017, affron saffron extract and mood
- Kongkeaw et al. 2014, meta-analysis of bacopa trials
- Li et al. 2008, Cochrane review of huperzine A
- Lopresti et al. 2019, ashwagandha in ageing overweight men
- Lopresti et al. 2025, 12-week Bacumen bacopa trial
- McGlade et al. 2019, citicoline, attention and motor speed
- Michael et al. 2008, caffeine and alertness
- Montgomery et al. 2003, meta-analysis of acetyl-L-carnitine trials
- Mori et al. 2009, lion's mane in mild cognitive impairment
- NIH Office of Dietary Supplements, ashwagandha fact sheet
- NIH Office of Dietary Supplements, choline fact sheet
- Nakazaki et al. 2021, citicoline and memory in healthy older adults
- Olsson et al. 2009, rhodiola in stress-related fatigue
- Owen et al. 2008, L-theanine with caffeine on attention
- Reay et al. 2005, Panax ginseng and sustained mental activity
- Stough et al. 2001, 12 weeks of bacopa in healthy adults
- US FDA, how much caffeine is too much
- Wankhede et al. 2015, ashwagandha and strength training in men
- Yang et al. 2013, meta-analysis of huperzine A trials