If you’re looking for a nootropic supplement, then you’ve definitely come across both Mind Lab Pro and Alpha Brain by now. These are two of the biggest names in the brain supplement space. Both stacks are used by a wide range of people every single day, including biohackers, students, and older people with memory issues.
Another thing these nootropics have in common is that they are both rated very highly. Onnit have Joe Rogan as a face of Alpha Brain, while Mind Lab Pro is frequently listed in the top 3 of best nootropics rankings on independent nootropics websites like ours.
But one question we see asked frequently on biohacking forums is, which is the better brain supplement?
Is Mind Lab Pro better than Alpha Brain? Or do Onnit have the better nootropic overall?
In the article below, we do a deep dive into the formula, side effect profile and price of each supplement to see if one is better than the other. If you have experience using Alpha Brain and Mind Lab Pro, let us know which you preferred!
What are these nootropic stacks?
Before we compare Alpha Brain and Mind Lab Pro directly, we need to explain what these stacks are and what they’re supposed to do!
What is Mind Lab Pro?
Mind Lab Pro is a well-respected nootropic supplement. It has eleven nootropic ingredients and some supporting ingredients. This nootropic has one purpose: to improve your cognitive abilities.
These cognitive abilities include a range of executive actions. These include memory, focus and energy. Mind Lab Pro improves all of these functions by activating 6 bio pathways.
Mind Lab Pro’s formula covers as much of your brain as possible. Mind Lab Pro also contains neuroprotective ingredients. It not only energises the brain but also provides protection and nourishment. It is a complete nootropic supplement.
Learn more: Mind Lab Pro review.
What is Alpha Brain?
Onnit launched Alpha Brain back in 2016, and since then it has remained one of the best-selling nootropic supplements on the market. A huge part of this cognitive enhancer’s popularity is down to the endorsements given to it by Joe Rogan, who is a part-owner of Onnit.
Of course, the nootropics market has changed a lot since Onnit launched Alpha Brain. Top natural nootropic stacks have become significantly more advanced and nuanced; doses have increased; fad ingredients have been abandoned. But the Alpha Brain formula hasn’t changed since it was first created.
Like Mind Lab Pro, Alpha Brain claims to be a complete nootropic, enhancing cognition overall and supporting brain function long-term. Alpha Brain’s formula also promises to relax the brain and help produce Alpha waves.
Learn more: Alpha Brain review.
Similarities between Mind Lab Pro & Alpha Brain
Alpha Brain and Mind Lab Pro are nootropics supplements that have been developed by top brands. They are likely to share some commonalities. These are some similarities between the top nootropic supplement brands.
Some of the nootropic ingredients in both are very similar. Both contain L tyrosine or L theanine in some form in their blends. These amino acids are added by both companies for the same purpose.
Both companies also add phosphatidylserine (a substance that increases nerve cell fluidity and integrity) to their formulas. Bacopa Monnieri herb is a key ingredient in both nootropic blends.
Both formulas contain vitamin B6. Both nootropic supplements’ capsules are made with vegetarian extracts. Although there are some similarities in their mechanism of action, they do have fundamental differences.
Different neurotransmitters are produced to stimulate the cognitive centers of the brain. Both of these neurotransmitters have the same properties for protecting nerve cells through cell membrane regeneration and fluid enhancement.
These two brands share a good commonality: they both offer hypoallergenic supplements. The consumers benefit greatly from this similarity. These supplements can be used by anyone to improve their cognitive function.
A third-party lab also tests both brands’ products. This is another amazing feature that ties the two brands together. This ensures that both brands offer the best quality supplements.
Differences between Mind Lab Pro & Alpha Brain
Alpha Brain and Mind Lab Pro have distinct features that make them different. Alpha Brain and Mind Lab Pro have many differences. Below are some of the differences between these two brands.
Alpha Brain and Mind Lab Pro have many different ingredients. Mind Lab Pro contains cognizin as the main nootropic ingredient. Alpha Brain has Pterostilbene, which is the main nootropic ingredient.
Mind Lab Pro’s formula doesn’t contain L leucine or oats extract, Alpha GPC or Huperzia Serrata. Mind Lab Pro also contains a variety herbs, including organic Lion’s Mane Mushroom and Maritime Pine Bark Extract.
Mind Lab Pro also contains more B vitamins than Alpha Brain supplements. There is an important difference in the mechanisms of action between these nootropic supplements.
Alpha Brain is focused upon the production of Alpha waves, which are a result brain relaxation. Mind Lab Pro, on the other hand is focused upon stimulating the brain. Age restriction is another difference between these nootropic supplements.
Mind Lab Pro can be used by both teens and adults. Alpha Brain should not be given to adolescents or teenagers. If an elderly person is suffering from a chronic illness, Alpha Brain should be avoided.
Mind Lab Pro and Alpha Brain – Side By Side Comparison
To make an informed choice about the best nootropic supplements, you will need to know all details. This is a list that lists all the features that can help you and your family choose the best nootropic supplements.
Alpha Brain Ingredients
Alpha Brain nootropic supplement supplements and Mind Lab Pro are distinguished by their ingredients. Both of these products may contain nootropics that aid the brain in achieving enhanced cognitive function.
These nootropic supplements contain a mix of ingredients. Both allow for the entourage effect. Enshroudage occurs when one ingredient enhances the effect of another.
You can get a longer plasma duration or a more rapid reaction. This factor is responsible for both the success and failure of the nootropics.
The choice of ingredients in both nootropics is what makes the difference. Alpha Brain’s ingredients are split into distinct proprietary blends. Each blend contains different ingredients. These blends serve a specific purpose.
- Onnit Blend
Onnit flow is the first mixture of ingredients. It includes amino acids, fats and oat extract. This blend has the main purpose to create Alpha Brain waves. Relaxation is what produces Alpha Brain waves.
In hindsight, this blend is intended to relax the brain. This blend contains L tyrosine (theanine) and L tyrosine (theanine). These amino acids are both known to be essential for the production of neurotransmitters. The main component of nerve cell membranes is phosphatidylserine, which is the fat in this blend.
The third ingredient, however, is oat straw extract. Its purpose is not stated in the description.
- Onnit Focus Mix
Onnit’s focus blend is the second blend. This blend’s purpose is to improve focus, as the name implies. This blend includes three main ingredients: Alpha GPC and Huperzia Serrata.
These ingredients are responsible for the production of Acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter. Acetylcholine has a major role in the prefrontal cortex and enhances all cognitive functions.
Another function is to prevent the degradation of acetylcholine, and to enhance nerve transduction through building dendrites or axons.
- Onnit fuel blend
Onnit fuel blend is the third blend. It contains Pterostilbene as well as L leucine. Pterostilbene, a derivative of the nootropic drug resveratrol, is an ingredient in this product. Its effects are very concentrated and similar to resveratrol. L leucine, on the other side, is an amino acid that helps in the production and maintenance of brain proteins.
Mind Lab Pro Ingredients
Mind Lab Pro’s nootropic supplement has a much more straightforward explanation than the Alpha Brain. Mind Lab Pro’s nootropic ingredients are quite simple, with only eleven ingredients with known dosages.
- Citicoline
Citicoline, in the form cognizin, is the first ingredient. The market is familiar with Citicoline as a nootropic ingredient. It is a simple agent that performs most executive functions. Executive functions include memory, focus, attention, neural regeneration, and focus.
- Phosphatidylserine
Sharp PS green is the second ingredient. It is completely plant-based and promotes cell integrity.
- Lion’s Mane Mushroom
The lion’s Mane mushroom is the third ingredient. It is a sought-after natural nootropic ingredient. It stimulates the production of nerve growth factor. NGF, in turn, improves brain functionality, including brain plasticity.
- Bacopa Monnieri
Bacopa Monnieri is another important nootropic ingredient found in Mind Lab Pro’s signature mix. It’s well-known for its ability to improve memory retention and information recall. The blend also contains L theanine and Rhodiola Rosea.
These three functions revolve around the production and use of neurotransmitters. These were the main nootropic ingredients in Mind Lab Pro.
Additional Ingredients
Other than the main nootropic ingredient, Both these nootropic supplements have supporting ingredients. Both nootropics have similar supporting ingredients.
Both neurotransmitters capsules are made with vegetable extracts. Both nootropics contain vitamin B6 in the formulas. There are some other differences, however.
- Alpha Brain
Alpha Brain’s nootropic supplements list some questionable ingredients like Rice Hull Concentrate and Cat’s Claw Extract. According to Alpha Brain, Cat’s Claw Extract improves nerve cell integrity. There is no reason to add Rice Hull Extract.
- Mind Lab Pro
Mind Lab Pro, on the other hand, contains many healthy supporting ingredients. Vitamin B9, vitamin B12, and Vitamin B6 are just a few of the ingredients in Mind Lab Pro. These vitamins are vital for the maintenance and nourishment nerve cells.
Mind Lab Pro also includes Maritime Pine Bark Extract, which increases blood flow to the brain. A higher supply of nutrients is possible when more blood reaches brain. This helps to ensure that brain cells are healthy and well-nourished.
Side Effects: Is Alpha Brain or Mind Lab Pro safer?
Comparing the risk of side effects from Alpha Brain to those of Mind Lab Pro, there’s a clear winner.
Mind Lab Pro is significantly safer than Alpha Brain. The main reason for this is that Alpha Brain uses proprietary blends to hide ingredient doses.
There is absolutely no good reason to use proprietary blends. We all know how much Alpha-GPC you need to take to see results. Same goes for Bacopa monnieri, Cat’s Claw, and so on.
So why would you hide the dosages of your ingredients?
Simple: TO HIDE THE FACT YOU’RE RIPPING PEOPLE OFF.
Aside from this massive issue with Alpha Brain’s proprietary blends is the fact that, without dosage information, we cannot properly judge side effect risks.
Mind Lab Pro, by comparison, has a completely transparent formula showing every ingredient’s serving size clearly on the label.
Another positive for Mind Lab Pro is that it uses branded, highly standardized forms of ever ingredient it can. While this doesn’t affect the efficacy of a nootropic (in my opinion), it does theoretically mean the ingredients are purer, cleaner, and more consistent than when using cheap generic forms.
You can learn more about Mind Lab Pro side effects and Alpha Brain side effects from the linked guides.
Price & Discounts
How do Mind Lab Pro and Alpha Brain compare on price?
The best price you will get for a bottle of Alpha Brain is about $67.97. This is when maximum discounts are applied at checkout.
The best price you can get for Mind Lab pro is $51.75. This is possible only when purchasing 4 bottles at once (three full priced bottles plus one free).
Mind Lab Pro is therefore significantly cheaper than Alpha Brain, as well as being safer, more effective, and using higher quality ingredients. It’s actually really surprising that Alpha Brain is more expensive than Mind Lab Pro since the latter uses branded ingredients while Onnit do not!
Of course, the prices of both of these nootropic stacks compare poorly to the price of NooCube, our current top rated nootropic overall. Because the maker of NooCube owns their own manufacturing supply chain, they can offer extremely high quality products for low prices. Buying 3 bottles of NooCube gives you 3 bottles free, bringing the price per bottle down to just $29.99.
My Experience With Both Stacks: Editor’s review
I tried both of these stacks in the course of writing the individual reviews on our site.
I can say with conviction that Mind Lab Pro worked better than Alpha Brain for me. I used both nootropics for 21 days. I found that while Mind Lab Pro noticeably improved my mental sharpness and working memory (as well as reducing my anxiety levels), Alpha Brain made no discernible impact on my cognitive performance whatsoever.
The only difference Alpha Brain made for me was in making me feel slightly more relaxed, and I cannot even be certain that this was entirely down to the nootropic since the effects was so mild (i.e. it could easily have been some relaxing tea or a good night’s sleep).
When comparing Mind Lab Pro to Alpha Brain in terms of the actual effects, there really is no competition. Mind Lab Pro is the better stack.
Conclusion: Which is the better nootropic?
So which is better, Onnit Alpha Brain or Opti Nutra Mind Lab Pro?
After reviewing both of these nootropics and evaluating their ingredients, doses, side effect profiles and costs, we have to say that Mind Lab Pro is a clear winner.
Alpha Brain uses proprietary blends to hide its ingredient serving sizes. Alpha Brain also contains some really basic, cheap, and essentially benign ingredients that do nothing for your cognitive function. Because we have both prop blends and useless ingredients, we suspect these prop blends are used to hide the fact that Alpha Brain is stuffed with cheap fillers.
Mind Lab Pro, on the other hand, has a completely transparent formula. It contains no fillers whatsoever, and the doses of all ingredients are in-line with those used in clinical studies.
Mind Lab Pro is also considerably cheaper than Onnit Alpha Brain.
So if you are going to use either Alpha Brain or Mind Lab Pro, we recommend going with the latter.
However, neither of these stacks are the best nootropic on the market right now. Our current top rated nootropic – NooCube Brain Performance – contains all of the most effective ingredients found in Alpha Brain, but it costs just $29.99 a bottle!
Our own tests show that NooCube is as or more effective than Mind Lab Pro. Both are complete daily nootropics enhancing every aspect of cognitive function and brain health. The main difference is the price – NooCube costs half of what you have to pay for Mind Lab Pro.
Looking For Something That Really Works?
See Our Current #1 Rated Cognitive Enhancer: Nooceptin
Nooceptin is our current top rated nootropic. We tried Nooceptin ourselves and found that it works exactly as advertised. Taken together, the ingredients rapidly increase focus, accelerate mental processing speeds, and enhance working memory.
Nooceptin is a truly comprehensive nootropic, providing both immediate and long-term benefits. It does not cause side effects and is considerably better value than other nootropic stacks on the market today.
Nooceptin has been found to effectively:
- ✔️ Boost Overall Cognitive Function
- ✔️ Improve Memory
- ✔️ Enable Better Communication
- ✔️ Enhance Concentration
- ✔️ Improve Multi-tasking
- ✔️ Boost Mental Energy
The really special thing about Nooceptin, however, is its long-term effects. When taken daily for prolonged periods, Nooceptin stimulates neuron growth and improves overall brain cell health. This means it enhances cognition in a deep, meaningful way that keeps giving you benefits after you stop using it.
Simply put, Nooceptin is the ideal brain supplement for people who need to mentally perform at 100% capacity for hours on end. At $69.99 per course, we think it's hard to find a more effective and cost-effective nootropic right now.
Brian Johnson is current Editor of Vagarights.com and a long-time writer for VAGA. A former psychologist, Brian is passionate about improving mental health and finding ways to stave off cognitive decline. He is an expert on nootropics, cognitive enhancement and biohacking more broadly. You can see his work on Google scholar.
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