Fact checked by Robert Iafelice, MS, RD, LDN
FACT CHECKEDTestosterone is well known as the key muscle-building hormone. In addition, it's also responsible for sexual function, virility, bone density, and fat distribution.
However, research shows that testosterone levels in men have dropped by almost 50% over the last two decades1.
That makes finding a natural way to boost your testosterone levels more important than ever, which is why we've gone deep into the testosterone-boosting supplements market to find the best natural testosterone boosters.
In this article, we'll provide in-depth reviews of the seven best testosterone-boosting supplements on the market. We'll also give you an overview of the key science-backed testosterone-boosting ingredients, a complete buyer's guide, and answer your most pressing testosterone supplements questions.
Table of Contents:
Keep reading for everything you need to know to get your testosterone levels where they need to be for optimum performance.
When selecting the best testosterone boosters, I took three key factors into account:
Using my extensive personal training and fitness nutrition experience, I reviewed each product’s research, ingredients list, effectiveness, product safety, and user reviews to create this list of best testosterone boosters.
TestoPrime is a popular testosterone enhancer that contains a long list of research-backed natural ingredients. Many of those ingredients work by preventing the conversion of testosterone to estrogen. Here's what is in this product:
In my experience, TestoPrime is the best testosterone booster I've tested, providing a safe way to boost my performance in the gym. Although you won't see the same gains that would come from anabolic steroids, this is a safe alternative that has helped me get stronger and build more muscle.
TestoPrime is manufactured in the United States in GMP-certified facilities. Every batch is then third-party tested by an independent laboratory. There are no artificial preservatives, thickeners, or synthetic ingredients in this product.
A daily serving of TestoPrime is four capsules. The manufacturer recommends that you take it first thing in the morning with water.
As with many testosterone boosters, TestoPrime is only available from the manufacturer's website. A one-month supply (120 capsules) costs $59.99, while a 3 month supply will cost you $119.99, for a significant bulk buy saving. Your purchase comes with a 100% money-back guarantee.
TestoPrime is an all-natural testosterone support that can help any man take control of his youthful vitality with a flood of new and natural testosterone...
TestoFuel is advertised as a libido booster and a muscle builder. It has been marketed heavily, with some prominent people endorsing it, including bodybuilding legend Robby Robinson.
The ingredients in this all-natural supplement, according to the manufacturer, have been shown to improve your body's capacity to naturally create testosterone, which, together with human growth hormone, is essential for strength and lean muscle mass gain.
Oyster extract, fenugreek, and Siberian ginseng, three of the most potent testosterone enhancers, form the basis of TestoFuel. It is then topped with five compounds that have also been demonstrated to raise testosterone levels:
The combined effect of the ingredients in TestoFuel will result in increased free testosterone levels, improved energy levels, and boosted metabolism. There are no known side effects with TestoFuel but people who are allergic to oysters should not take it.
TestoFuel is only available from the official website. The more bottles you buy, the cheaper your per bottle cost is. Here's a breakdown:
TestoFuel will not produce anywhere near the results you could achieve with steroids. But, when combined with a progressive weight training program, it will significantly boost your testosterone production to promote protein synthesis, increase muscle mass and decrease fat levels. It's one of the most research-backed, clinically-dosed testosterone boosters we found.
TestoFuel is only available on the official website. That means that, if you run out, you can't just run down to your local GNC to restock.
TestoFuel is considered to be a revolutionary, exhaustively researched muscle building supplement with one very focused aim...to smash down the barriers to growth by opening your testosterone floodgates...
Hunter Test is a relatively new testosterone booster from Roar Ambition. These are the same people who manufacture TestoFuel, our best testosterone booster. They manufacture out of the USA and the UK in GMP-certified facilities and all of their products are third-party tested.
Hunter Test's unique ingredients list not only increases testosterone levels, but it also improves mental sharpness and focus. The all-natural ingredients that make up Hunter Test include herbal extracts, vitamins, and minerals. Each ingredient has research backing to support its inclusion and uses dosages that are high enough to get results.
Here's a rundown of the key ingredients in this product:
Roar Ambition recommends taking two capsules before meals three times daily. That's a total of six capsules daily, which may be too many for some people, especially those who are not keen on taking capsules. These people have the option of opening the capsules and pouring the powder into their favorite beverage.
Hunter Test is one of the few products we tested to include boron chelate. As well as helping to prevent the conversion of testosterone to estrogen, boron chelate will also enhance the bioavailability of all of the other ingredients in the product. The inclusion of Asian ginseng and ashwagandha will keep you focused and alert.
With a daily dosage of six capsules, a one-month supply of Hunter Test is 180 capsules. That will cost you $75.00, with free shipping in the US and UK.
Roar Ambition offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, but only if the bottle is unopened.
Hunter Test leaves nothing to chance. We work with scientists to find nine potent ingredients, all with the power to boost testosterone – and transform your whole life...
Testo-Max is a testosterone booster manufactured by Crazy Bulk, which has, in a short time, become a leading supplement brand in the bodybuilding world.
Testo-Max doesn't have as many ingredients as some of the other products on this list. However, each of the included ingredients has been proven to have a testosterone-boosting effect and to improve energy levels.
Here's the ingredient list for TestoMax:
The dosage of each of the ingredients is in line with that recommended by clinical testing. That ensures that the results you get should be comparable to those experienced in the studies. The daily dosage is four capsules which should be taken twenty minutes before your first meal of the day.
Crazy Bulk markets Testo-Max as a natural alternative to the anabolic steroid Sustanon. That is a bit of a stretch, but Crazy Bulk will help to boost your testosterone levels when combined with an intense weight training program and a high lean protein diet.
Crazy Bulk recommends taking Testo-Max for two months and then taking a break of a week and a half. This will prevent the suppression of the body's natural production of testosterone.
A one-month supply of Testo-Max will cost you $64.99. Discounts are offered on bulk purchases. We recommend buying from the official website only to avoid inadvertently buying counterfeit products.
CrazyBulk’s Testo-Max formula was created based on research led by some of Europe’s top scientists and experts in male nutrition. Crafted with a specific set of 11 high-grade...
Weider Prime is a testosterone booster from one of the oldest and most trusted supplement manufacturers on the planet. Weider brought this product out in 2013. It has never been the most popular booster on the market but is in the top half-dozen.
The key ingredients in Weider Prime are Ashwagandha, Pipreine, Zinc, Chromium, and Diindolylmethane. Cordyceps extract and vitamins D3, B6 and B12. Cordyceps extract is a pretty unique ingredient that has been added here to help improve sexual virility and prevent dizziness.
Weider Prime's benefits include muscle mass and strength enhancement, fat loss, and training energy. Many reviewers attest to these results when the supplement is taken for at least several months and when combined with intense weight training workouts.
Each container of Weider Prime contains 120 capsules. With a daily dosage of two capsules per day, that gives you a two-month supply. This is definitely the best testosterone booster for the price. You can buy it on Amazon for $29.99. That works out to just 50 cents per daily two-capsule dose. Compare that to the $2.00 average for the competition and you can see that Weider Prime really does represent terrific value for money.
There are, however, a couple of problems with Weider Prime. They both relate to ingredients:
There is no research to support the inclusion of chromium as a testosterone booster. When it comes to the ability of cordyceps to boost the libido, this is only the case when it is taken in injectable form. The dose of ashwagandha used here is also quite low.
Overall, though, this is a decent performer at a great price.
Our unique formula includes ashwagandha extract, vitamins, minerals, and other natural ingredients that have been clinically proven to support healthy testosterone levels within the normal range...
Prime Male is a natural herb-based testosterone supplement that is marketed toward men over the age of 30. That, in itself, is quite refreshing. That is because many testosterone booster supplements are targeted toward young men who are experiencing a natural testosterone surge and don't need them.
Prime Male is the third product on this list made by Roar Ambition. That says a lot about the quality and popularity of the company's supplement line.
According to the manufacturer, the key benefits of Prime Male are increased libido, better mood, increased testosterone levels, and increased muscle mass.
Prime Male has one of the largest ingredient profiles on the market, with the following 12 ingredients:
In addition to promoting an increase testosterone production by the body, these ingredients will also target such estrogen-promoting hormones as prolactin, and SHBG, which lower testosterone levels.
The recommended daily dose of Prime Male is four capsules per day.
Prime Male can be purchased either from Amazon or from the official Prime Male website. Here's a breakdown of the pricing:
Prime Male has a number of celebrities as endorsers, including Dolph Lundgren of Rocky IV fame. Lundgren states that Prime Male has been a key to his getting back in shape and packing muscle mass back onto his frame.
Prime Male is a breakthrough testosterone booster — the only one to contain a combination of 12 critical nutrients vital to you becoming the hard-driving, healthy, fit, energetic man...
TestoGen is a popular herb-based testosterone-boosting supplement, produced and sold by the Wolfsong Berg firm. TestoGen contains three of the most well-known and scientifically proven natural testosterone-boosting ingredients: DAspartic Acid, Magnesium, and Vitamin D3.
Due to these ingredients, TestoGen is advertised as a triple-action testosterone enhancer.
Bioperine Piperine, an extract of black pepper, is also contained in Testogen. This component of Testogen is intended to increase the bioavailability of all the other components. Additionally, the speed of absorption will improve. Testogen, therefore, starts working more quickly than many rival testosterone supplements.
One of the ingredients in Testogen, Korean red ginseng, may react with the medications that you are taking 2.
The recommended dosage of Testogen is four capsules per day. Each bottle contains 120 capsules for a one-month supply. Here's a breakdown of the pricing options:
You get a 60-day money back guarantee on this product.
TestoGen's unique formula contains a specifically selected blend of vitamins, minerals and other natural ingredients that have been clinically proven to help support your body’s production of testosterone...
Testosterone is your body’s most important androgenic hormone. These are the hormones that promote the traits of masculinity and control sex drive. Testosterone controls the process of protein synthesis by which new muscle tissue is added to your body. It also affects the mass of your bones, the strength levels that your muscles are able to exert, and the amount of energy that you have.
Men have about 15 times more testosterone than women. In men, this hormone is mostly produced in the testes, while women produce it in the ovaries.
If your testosterone levels are low, your body will be more likely to catabolize itself to meet your energy needs. Testosterone is also involved in red blood cell production.
Low levels of testosterone have been shown to be associated with increased morbidity. In one study it was found that men with low testosterone levels had a 68% higher mortality risk than men with normal levels.
The natural consequence of aging is that it will affect testosterone levels negatively. In fact, after the age of 30, your normal testosterone levels can decrease by as much as 2% every year. As a result, all men will experience each of the following symptoms to some degree. However, significant changes may be a sign of abnormal levels3.
The most obvious sign that you have a problem with low testosterone is a decrease in sex drive. As well as a reduced sexual desire, you will struggle to get an erection. That’s because testosterone stimulates the brain’s receptors to produce nitric oxide, which is a vasodilator of blood vessels responsible for erections.
Men with impaired testosterone production will also experience low levels of semen volume. Loss of facial and head hair may also be associated with low testosterone levels. Feeling tired all day long even when you are fully rested can also be a sign as can a loss of muscle mass.
People with low testosterone levels will also have a preponderance for packing on body fat. Some men may experience gynecomastia, which is the development of breast tissue. There is also a body of research that shows that men with low ‘T’ levels are more prone to moodiness, depression, and inability to concentrate4.
Testosterone boosters put ingredients into your body that create elevated testosterone levels. Unlike anabolic steroids, they are not a synthetic form of testosterone. That means that they do not interfere with the body's natural processes. Here are seven benefits that you may get from taking a testosterone booster.
Testosterone is an anabolic, or muscle-building, hormone. It is heavily involved in the process of protein synthesis that takes place after resistance training. When you work out, you place stress on your muscles, which can cause micro-tears within the muscle fibers.
Each of your muscle cells contains androgen receptors that allow it to receive testosterone. Once inside the cell, testosterone gets into the nucleus and encourages the transcription of genes that make more protein to repair muscle fibers
Testosterone also stimulates the release of other growth factors and satellite cells. In addition, it helps to prevent protein breakdown5.
The actions that testosterone hormones take when they enter your muscle cells that result in increased protein production and kickstart the cell into action. Making more protein takes a lot of energy. As a result, the metabolism, which is the name we give to the chemical reactions that convert food into energy, increases. The metabolism boost that occurs with increased testosterone activity helps to burn excess body fat and maintain a lean physique.
The increased muscle mass that results from higher levels of testosterone when combined with resistance training leads to a metabolic boost. That is because muscle tissue is very dense, requiring a lot of energy to maintain.
Testosterone also stimulates bone growth, which requires more energy production6. This, too, leads to an increased metabolic rate.
Low levels of testosterone are associated with a number of factors that contribute to low energy levels. These include insomnia, low sex drive, a lack of motivation, and higher levels of body fat. That's why chronic fatigue is a symptom of low testosterone levels in men.
As we've already seen, the actions of testosterone within the muscle cell cause an energy boost. This will help you to get your get up and go back so that you don't feel half-dead by mid-afternoon7.
It was once believed that fat cells were inactive. We now know that they act in a similar way to muscle cells, sending out signals, secreting hormones, and affecting other parts of the body.
One enzyme that is produced by fat cells is aromatase, which actually converts testosterone into estrogen. That is the last thing that you want to happen. When it does, you will be more likely to store fat in your body. This leads to a vicious cycle; increased body fat leads to a higher release of aromatase, which reduces testosterone levels. This makes you more susceptible to gaining body fat and the whole thing keeps making you fatter.
Testosterone therapy in obese men has led to a significant reduction in body fat8.
Some research has shown a correlation between low testosterone levels and depression. However, this may only relate to men who suffer from hypogonadism, which is a condition where the body is unable to produce normal levels of testosterone. There is no evidence that the natural age-related decline in testosterone levels leads to higher incidences of depression9.
The improved energy levels that result from higher levels of testosterone will naturally cause a person to feel better about themselves and have more motivation.
Men with higher levels of testosterone will experience a greater sex drive than those with low levels. Older men who have experienced age-related testosterone decline may have difficulty achieving an erection and have a lowered libido.
Researchers have not been able to precisely identify why low testosterone levels cause decreased sex drive. That is partly because it is impossible to define what a 'normal' sex drive looks like.
Studies show that testosterone therapy can improve libido and help overcome erectile dysfunction10.
Research shows that as we age, our bone density decreases along with lowered testosterone levels. This results in weaker bones, contributing to conditions such as osteoporosis and increasing the likelihood of fall injuries. Studies reveal that testosterone treatment increases bone density, especially in the hips and spine11.
Testosterone boosters are natural supplements that contain herbal ingredients, which increase testosterone levels naturally, and as such, in general, testosterone boosters are safe. They are certainly a whole lot safer than synthetic anabolic steroids. However, there have been a number of potential side effects identified. These, though are rare and are usually associated with very high dosages and inferior-quality supplements12.
When it comes to testosterone boosters, more is not better, don't think that taking twice the recommended dosage will give you twice the benefit. It will not! What it will do is to make you more likely to suffer adverse effects.
If you are allergic to any of the ingredients in testosterone boosters, you should not take that product. This underscores the importance of checking the ingredients before you buy testosterone booster supplements.
The following side effects have been identified in testosterone boosters:
There are all sorts of ingredients that go into testosterone boosters. Some of them, though, have very little research evidence to support their inclusion. In sorting out the best from the rest, we focused only on testosterone booster supplements that only contained research-supported ingredients.
Here are the more common ingredients found in testosterone boosters.
Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb that has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries to aid all sorts of conditions.
The ability of Ashwagandha to raise testosterone levels was examined in a 2010 study. 75 infertile men took 3 grams of Ashwagandha root extract daily for three months as part of this study. Between 14 and 41% more testosterone was produced13.
Another study combined resistance training and ashwagandha supplementation. Intermediate-level lifters who participated in the study received 300 mg of ashwagandha root extract along with an 8-week training regimen. The same regimen, but without the Ashwagandha, was administered to a placebo group.
In the Ashwagandha group, testosterone levels rose on average by 15.25 percent. This contrasts with the placebo group's 2.6% rate14.
Bioperine, or black pepper, has been shown to have a number of health benefits, including lowering insulin resistance, normalizing blood pressure, and improving liver function. It has also been shown to improve erectile dysfunction but there is no direct evidence that it increases testosterone levels15.
The mineral boron is important for the reproductive system and for the resilience of cell walls. Since it can only be found in the soil of the earth, most people don't get enough of it.
In one study, eight healthy male participants took 10 mg of boron with their breakfast every morning for seven days16. The men's testosterone levels had raised by 28% after just 7 days. During this time, estrogen levels were reduced by 39%.
D-aspartic acid is a form of aspartic acid, an amino acid. Research is mixed on d-aspartic acid's ability to boost testosterone levels. In one study, supplementing with d-aspartic acid for 12 days resulted in an average 42% increase in testosterone production.
There are several other studies with similar results. However, a few studies showed no significant increase in testosterone levels as a result of d-aspartic acid supplementation17.
The fenugreek plant is native to India and North Africa. Fenugreek extract has been shown to potentially improve testosterone levels. The active ingredient is a compound called furostanolic saponin.
In one three-month study, involving 50 men, daily supplementation with fenugreek improved testosterone production by an average of 46%18.
Ginger is a very well-known household spice that can really boost your “T” levels. In a study, ginger supplementation increased luteinizing hormone levels by 43% and testosterone levels by 17% in infertile men19.
Indole-3-carbinol is sourced from vegetables. When consumed it converts into diindolylmethane (DIM), which may boost testosterone production, and reduce estrogen levels20.
L-arginine is an amino acid that is produced by the human body. Animal research has shown that it can increase testosterone levels. However, it does not seem to have the same effect on humans. Instead, it appears to improve such symptoms of low testosterone levels as low libido and erectile dysfunction21.
Magnesium regulates more than 300 different bodily processes. Almost every enzyme in the body uses it as its main electrolyte. It keeps the fluid balance in check, fuels cells, and boosts the level of free or bioactive testosterone.
Some research shows that your testosterone levels will drop if you have a magnesium shortage.
A recent in-vitro experiment demonstrated magnesium's capacity to release bound testosterone and increase its bioavailability. This occurs as a result of magnesium's inhibition of SHBG, a substance that binds to free testosterone. As a result, the testosterone is able to bind more easily to cell receptors22.
As the name suggests, the stinging nettle leaf is not a plant you want to have much to do with. The claims that it will boost testosterone levels do not have any research to support them. It can, however, help to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia23.
A potent adaptogen, red ginseng significantly increases the body's capacity to deal with physical, environmental, and emotional stress. Due to its capacity to rev up slow metabolisms and increase energy levels, it is an efficient weight-loss tool.
Prolactin is a lactating hormone that inhibits testosterone production. Studies have shown that red ginseng is a strong prolactin inhibitor. In one study, red ginseng-treated rats experienced a startling 50% decrease in serum prolactin levels24.
Ginseng has also been shown to significantly increase the body's normal production of nitric oxide (NO). This helps overcome erectile dysfunction.
Vitamin B6 helps to reduce the conversion of testosterone into estrogen. It is also involved in the production of testosterone in the testes and ovaries25.
People with low levels of Vitamin B12 will also be low in testosterone. Low B12 levels will lead to reduced sperm count, and impaired testicular health26.
Over 1000 different biological processes are regulated by vitamin D3. It can be produced by sun exposure and is present naturally in fish and eggs.
It is well recognized for strengthening bones, but it is also a strong "T" booster.
Men who consumed 3332 IUs of vitamin D3 daily for a year had 25.2% more testosterone than those who took a placebo, according to a recent study27.
Zinc is an essential mineral that has been shown to help stop the aromatization of testosterone into estrogen28.
Here are the four key things to focus on when shopping for the best testosterone booster supplements.
Always check the ingredient label. You should find a combination of the research-backed natural ingredients listed in the previous section. Check that there are no ingredients that you are allergic to.
Avoid proprietary blends which list the ingredients but do not include the dosages. as a consumer, you deserve full transparency. Manufacturers who hide behind proprietary blends usually do so to hide the fact that the more costly ingredients are underdosed.
When you see a third-party tested label on a product, you know that it has been stringently tested by an independent laboratory to make sure that what is in the bottle is exactly what is on the label.
Testosterone booster supplement prices can vary greatly. Some of them are exclusively sold on the manufacturer's website at a premium price. You also need to be wary of sellers who tie you into a subscription without your being aware of it.
The best way to compare testosterone-boosting supplements is on a per-serving basis. The average per-serving cost is $2.00 per day.
Checking online reviews is a great resource when you're shopping for a testosterone booster. Look out for any adverse reactions people have had as well as the beneficial results of using the product. Check the customer service level as well, to see whether the manufacturer will stand behind you if things go wrong.
Here are the answers to the most common testosterone booster supplements.
Testosterone boosters may be worth it for men who are beyond peak testosterone production. This usually occurs around the age of 28. To ensure your testosterone boosters work well, you should combine your testosterone supplements with resistance training and a high lean protein diet for the best results.
The most effective testosterone booster is TestoPrime, which includes the a solid list of clinically proven ingredients, including D-Aspartic Acid, Panax Ginseng, Ashwagandha Extract and Fenugreek plus it comes with a lifetime guarantee!
Testosterone pills that are well-dosed with research-backed ingredients will help to increase your testosterone levels. Use our buyer's guide and see our seven best testosterone booster reviews to find the best products.
Over-the-counter testosterone pills may help slightly with erectile dysfunction. Look for products that contain nitric oxide which dilates blood vessels in the penis to allow for greater blood flow.
The best way to boost your testosterone fast is to engage in heavy resistance training. Combine your weight training sessions with a diet that is high in lean protein, get plenty of sleep, and add a testosterone booster.
The best testosterone booster on today's market is TestoPrime. This product stands out due to its reliance on science-backed ingredients that are clinically dosed, its free global delivery, and its lifetime guarantee. Go here for the best price on TestoPrime to get you back to healthy testosterone levels.
The best testosterone booster when it comes to value is Weider Prime, which has a per-dose cost of 50 cents, compared with around $2.00 for most of its competitors. Go here to buy Weider Prime.
TestoPrime is an all-natural testosterone support that can help any man take control of his youthful vitality with a flood of new and natural testosterone...
Looking for a full break down of TestoPrime? Head over to our in-depth TestoPrime Review.
References:
Kilic M, Baltaci AK, Gunay M, Gökbel H, Okudan N, Cicioglu I. The effect of exhaustion exercise on thyroid hormones and testosterone levels of elite athletes receiving oral zinc. Neuro Endocrinol Lett. 2006 Feb-Apr;27(1-2):247-52. PMID: 16648789.
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