Research-Based

Mind Lab Pro Vs. Alpha Brain – Which Brain Supplement Is The Best?

Photo of author

By Ryan Brennan

Reviewed by Juliana Tamayo, MS, RDN - Last Updated

Mind Lab Pro Vs. Alpha Brain

The brain is nothing short of incredible. It’s responsible for so much of our day-to-day lives and is capable of things far beyond our comprehension. It controls our heartbeat, thoughts, actions, behavior, vision, memory, movements, hearing, speech, emotions, and so much more. 

Though we’ve learned so much about the brain throughout history, there’s still so much left to learn, and it’s still a complete mystery in so many ways. Researchers and scientists are hard at work trying to figure out how the brain works, why it works, and what makes it work better. 

That’s why it’s so incredibly important to ensure your brain is getting the nutrients it needs to function properly every single day. Without the right nutrients at the right time, it would be much more difficult to live a quality, happy, healthy, fulfilling, successful, satisfying, and rewarding life. 

That’s where brain supplements swoop in to help! They can provide the nutrients your brain needs to make sure it is working at full capacity. The only question left is, what supplement should you use? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at two popular brain health supplement options, Mind Lab Pro and Alpha Brain. We’ll discuss their ingredients, their benefits, and more to help us come to a decision on which is the better brain health supplement.

So, let’s get started with this comparison of Mind Lab Pro vs. Alpha Brain!

Mind Lab Pro vs. Alpha Brain Supplements

Mind Lab Pro vs. Alpha Brain: About the Supplements

Many people receive the right nutrients needed for brain function either through their normal, everyday diet or through natural production inside the body. With that said, there are a lot of people who can’t get those nutrients and others that could use a little boost each and every day.

We all know that feeling of being mentally exhausted. We’ve all experienced days where we just don’t feel at our best. It’s a normal occurrence and nothing to be ashamed of, but don’t worry. There are a ton of things you can do to get some of that ‘pep in your step’ back when needed. 

Those people would greatly benefit from a special type of supplement called a nootropic. They are specifically designed to boost cognitive function whenever it’s needed most — whether it be through our mood, energy, brain health, focus, memory, or a combination of all the above. 

What is Mind Lab Pro?

Mind Lab Pro is one of the many brainchildren of Opti-Nutra Ltd., one of the most well-known and popular supplement companies in the world. In addition to Mind Lab Pro, they have produced a wide variety of popular supplements, including Burn Lab Pro, Testo Lab Pro, and Pre Lab Pro, among many others. Mind Lab Pro is a universal, all-around nootropic supplement that boasts a highly effective, 11-ingredient formula designed to improve cognitive function. 

It’s optimized to support and target six brain pathways — including energy, brain chemicals, blood flow, brainwaves, neuroprotection, and neuroregeneration — where most supplements only target 2-3 pathways. This helps the consumer unlock 100% brainpower every day.

Mind Lab Pro

It’s designed to improve everything from memory to performance, mindset, structure, mood, speed, learning, recall, relaxation, creativity, attention, focus, stress resistance, anti-aging, injury repair, motivation, and much more. It’s clean, safe, recommended, and effective for daily use.

What is Alpha Brain?

Alpha Brain is another popular nootropic supplement, but this one is the brainchild of Onnit Labs, Inc. It boasts nine ingredients in its formula, but those nine ingredients are spread out into three different proprietary blends — meaning you don’t know the exact dose of each ingredient.

This supplement is largely intent on helping the brain make more alpha waves — which promote a more relaxed and calm state of mind — and produce neurotransmitters — which are chemical messengers that help send messages from one neuron to another neuron (or to a muscle).

Alpha Brain

Despite the use of proprietary blends, the formula is well-recommended and has even been talked about (positively) on The Joe Rogan Experience. Onnit Labs, Inc. also has several other supplements such as Shroom TECH Sport, Onnit Total Human, Onnit New Mood, and more that are known to stack well with Alpha Brain, which only increases the benefits.

Mind Lab Pro vs. Alpha Brain: Comparison

There are a lot of similarities between Alpha Brain and Mind Lab Pro. Not only are they both nootropic supplements, but they’re marketed as universal nootropics that help the brain from a wide range of unique angles. They’re also two of the most popular nootropic supplements today.

The formulas boast several of the same ingredients, despite Mind Lab Pro avoiding the use of proprietary blends and Alpha Brain bragging about it. For example, they both use Vitamin B6, L-Tyrosine, L-Theanine, Bacopa Monnieri, and choline sources — though the source is different.

Another similarity that many people will appreciate is the fact that neither formula has caffeine in it — which is something most supplements today include. This is a great sign for those that already consume enough caffeine as is, whether it’s through soda, energy drinks, coffee, or tea.

Mind Lab Pro vs. Alpha Brain: Supplement Formulation

As we mentioned above, the Alpha Brain formula and the Mind Lab Pro formula have a lot in common. They utilize a lot of the same ingredients and are intent on improving a lot of the same cognitive functions and processes. For many, it might be difficult to figure out which one is superior. 

Mind Lab Pro Supplement

The good news is while there are plenty of similarities, there are also plenty of differences. There are ingredients in Mind Lab Pro that aren’t found in Alpha Brain, and vice-versa. Not only that, but even the similar ingredients aren’t in the same nutrient form or the same dosage.

Similarities

  • They both utilize Vitamin B6, but Mind Lab Pro uses it in NutriGenesis® form (more effective), and Alpha Brain uses it as Pyridoxine HCl.
  • They both utilize the amino acid Tyrosine, but Alpha Brain uses it in L-Tyrosine form, and Mind Lab Pro uses it in N-Acetyl-L-Tyrosine (more effective).
  • They both have choline sources, but Mind Lab Pro uses Citicoline as Cognizin® (more effective), and Alpha Brain uses Alpha-GPC.
  • They both utilize the amino acid Theanine in L-Theanine form, but Mind Lab Pro is sourced from Suntheanine® (more effective).
  • They both utilize the phospholipid Phosphatidylserine, but Mind Lab Pro sources it from Sharp-PS® Green from sunflower lecithin (more effective).
  • They both utilize the herb Bacopa Monnieri and utilize the aerial parts of the plant, but Mind Lab Pro uses a full-spectrum extract (more effective).

Differences

  • Mind Lab Pro utilizes Rhodiola Rosea to relieve stress and anxiety, while Alpha Brain uses Oat Straw Extract.
  • Mind Lab Pro utilizes Organic Lion’s Mane Mushroom to improve memory, while Alpha Brain utilizes Huperzine-A (from Toothed Clubmoss).
  • Mind Lab Pro utilizes Maritime Pine Bark Extract to improve immunity and blood flow, while Alpha Brain uses Cat’s Claw Extract and Pterostilbene.
  • Mind Lab Pro utilizes Vitamin B9 and Vitamin B12 to increase energy, while Alpha Brain uses L-Leucine.

When looking at the similarities between the two formulas, you’ll see that they use different forms of those nutrients. For the most part, Mind Lab Pro is superior with their selections. As for the differences, Mind Lab Pro also takes the cake — though the benefits are mightily similar. 

Mind Lab Pro vs. Alpha Brain: Supplement Benefits

Not all supplements are created equal, as you can see above. Even though they’re both nootropic supplements designed for cognitive function, Mind Lab Pro and Alpha Brain are two very different formulas. With that said, one might be better than the other for some people.

Now that we’ve had an opportunity to take a look at the two formulas and the ingredients found inside each capsule, it’s time to discuss some of the major benefits you receive with each supplement. While they’re rather similar, there are still some differences to be aware of. 

Mind Lab Pro Benefits

Mind Lab Pro is marketed and designed to be a universal, all-in-one nootropic supplement. That means it takes into account all of the most important functions of the brain in regards to mental power — including mental energy, brain health, focus and concentration, memory, and mood. 

It satisfies the need for mental energy with the use of Vitamins B6, B9, and B12 — all of which are utilized by the body to break down food for energy. It also improves the health of the brain with the use of Maritime Pine Bark (blood flow) and Phosphatidylserine (membrane structure).

As far as mental performance (focus, concentration, memory), the additions of Citicoline, Bacopa Monnieri, Phosphatidylserine, and Lion’s Mane Mushroom are the real MVPs. Rhodiola Rosea, L-Theanine, and L-Tyrosine will improve mood, stress resistance, and calm the nerves.

Mind Lab Pro Label Benefits

Alpha Brain Benefits

Although Alpha Brain is designed to be an all-around nootropic supplement, it largely centers its formula around three major benefits — mood, focus, and energy. This is evidenced by their three proprietary blends, which each contain several different ingredients that improve brain function. 

The Onnit® Flow Blend contains L-Tyrosine, L-Theanine, Oat Straw Extract, and Cat’s Claw Extract. These four ingredients are designed to improve the flow state of your mind, which helps improve your mood, ability to perform in stressful situations, and relieve anxiety on a daily basis.

The Onnit® Focus Blend contains Alpha-GPC, Bacopa Monnieri, and Toothed Clubmoss (Huperzine-A). These three ingredients not only improve focus and concentration, but also memory, learning, and recall. More research is needed to confirm the benefits of Huperzine-A.

Finally, the Onnit® Fuel Blend contains L-Leucine and Pterostilbene. Along with the addition of Vitamin B6, these three ingredients help the body produce ATP (L-Leucine), increase energy through metabolism (Vitamin B6), and antioxidant properties (Pterostilbene).

Alpha Brain Supports Brain Focus

Mind Lab Pro vs. Alpha Brain: Customer Reviews

Everyone’s body is different, which means everyone’s body is going to react differently to different supplements and nutrients. This is an extremely important concept to understand when searching for a new supplement, especially when deciding between two similar formulas. 

With that said, one thing you won’t want to overlook are customer reviews, testimonials, and feedback from verified buyers. These can give you valuable insight into how that supplement was used, how well it worked, when it worked best, and who it might be best suited for. 

Mind Lab Pro Reviews

In regards to Mind Lab Pro, you aren’t going to find many nootropic supplements that are more recommended than its formula. It’s used by a wide range of people, including students, adults, teachers, workers, professionals, elderly people, competitors, athletes, and so much more. 

In addition to the 4.5/5.0 star rating shown on their website (with over 1,534 reviews from verified customers), the Mind Lab Pro formula is recommended by a wide range of people that bring a world of credibility to the company. It comes with praise from most people that try it. 

Mind Lab Pro Reviews

Some of those people include Dr. Paul Nussbaum (clinical neuropsychologist), David Tomen (expert biohacker), Clair Marie (professional base jumper), Brennan Watt (systems architect), Nigel Short (chess grandmaster), David Williams (professional poker player), Toney Newman (white water guide), and Stephanie Leach (private practice attorney).

Alpha Brain Reviews

Despite Mind Lab Pro having a superior formula, that doesn’t mean Alpha Brain doesn’t come with its fair share of praise from tried and true professionals. For example, it’s a formula that Joe Rogan himself has talked about numerous times on his podcast, The Joe Rogan Experience.

Alpha Brain, according to their website, has sold over one million bottles of their formula and continues to sell more and more every day. They have over 2,500 verified customer reviews on their website, which garners a rating of 4.1/5.0 stars overall and 4.2/5.0 in terms of quality. 

Alpha Brain Reviews

With that said, nearly 400 of those reviews were given just one star, and those customers noted zero difference in their cognitive function. While that doesn’t mean it won’t work for you, it’s a testament to what we were saying earlier — no one supplement will work for everyone. 

Mind Lab Pro vs. Alpha Brain: Other Considerations

By now, we have a pretty firm idea of how the Mind Lab Pro and Alpha Brain formulas stack up next to each other — in terms of ingredients, benefits, and customer feedback. Even then, we still haven’t covered everything you need to know about each of these nootropic supplements.

Don’t worry; we’re going to dive in a little deeper to take a look at some other considerations you should keep in mind before purchasing either supplement. Some of these considerations are the same between the two, while others make a noticeable difference in the value of the product.  

Mind Lab Pro Considerations

  • Need to take two capsules per serving
  • Utilizes the most effective nutrient forms of each ingredient
  • Third-party tested to ensure efficacy
  • 100% vegan capsules made out of tapioca
  • Capsules undergo dissolution and disintegration testing for efficacy
  • NutriGenesis® vitamins are grown to be just as effective as whole foods
  • Free of GMOs, soy, allergens, gluten, caffeine, artificial preservatives, synthetic additives, proprietary blends, and banned substances
  • Vegan-friendly and non-irradiated
  • 30-day satisfaction guarantee and fast shipping worldwide

Mind Lab Pro Bottle And Pills

Alpha Brain Considerations

  • Need to take two capsules per serving
  • Uses proprietary blends, so individual ingredient dosages are unknown
  • Should be taken with a light meal
  • Stacks well with some other supplements by Onnit Labs, Inc.
  • Free of caffeine, gluten, dairy, and nuts
  • Keto-friendly and paleo-friendly

Alpha Brain Supplement

You truly can’t go wrong with either one, but Mind Lab Pro definitely goes the extra mile when testing and ensuring their product is as effective as possible. That’s not to say Alpha Brain isn’t effective, but it’s definitely more of a tip-of-the-hat to Mind Lab Pro — for what it’s worth.

Mind Lab Pro vs. Alpha Brain: Price Value

Both Alpha Brain and Mind Lab Pro come with a great amount of value, especially when compared to some of the other nootropic formulas available on the supplement market. With that said, choosing between the two can be quite difficult for those interested in purchasing.

In terms of pricing, Alpha Brain is a little cheaper than Mind Lab Pro. Alpha Brain costs you $34.95 for a bottle of 30 capsules (15 servings) and $79.95 for a bottle of 90 capsules (45 servings). To sweeten the deal, they currently offer 30% off and a free gift for a subscription.

Alpha Brain Pricing

As for Mind Lab Pro, one bottle of 60 capsules (30 servings) will cost you $69. While they don’t offer any other bottle sizes, they do offer a sweet deal that gives you a free bottle when you purchase three. That’s 240 capsules (120 servings) for $207 — plus free shipping!

Mind Lab Pro Pricing

For Alpha Brain, you’re looking at $1.77 per serving before the 30% off discount. Mind Lab Pro costs you $2.30 per serving without the sweet deal. If you’re okay with paying a little extra, Mind Lab Pro definitely packs more of a punch with their formula, but Alpha Brain is still valuable. 

Mind Lab Pro vs. Alpha Brain: Which Supplement Is Better?

Although each of these supplements won’t work for everyone, it’s pretty clear that Mind Lab Pro is the better supplement. It has better ingredients (or at least better nutrient forms), it comes with more consistent reviews, and it’s not that much more expensive than its counterpart. 

With that said, Alpha Brain is going to be one of its biggest competitors and not just because it’s cheaper. Alpha Brain utilizes a lot of the right ingredients, though it can provide better forms of those ingredients and can definitely do away with the proprietary blends, which is unfortunate.

At the end of the day, you can’t go wrong with either one. In many cases, it’ll come down to whichever one your body reacts best to — which will be different for everyone. If you feel like trying both, that’ll be for the best. If not, then go with Mind Lab Pro for more effectiveness and Alpha Brain to save a little money.

Photo of author

Ryan Brennan

Ryan Brennan is a health and fitness writer with both personal and professional experience in the field. His passion for nutrition stems from personal experiences dealing with malnutrition, low energy, and other health complications. Through research and experimentation, Ryan was able to overcome these issues and take control of his health. He now aims to help others do the same. Ryan has been writing about nutrition, fitness, and supplementation for the past 7 years. He also has experience in the field, serving as the manager of a high-end fitness facility in Las Vegas, NV where he currently resides.