Research-Based

Mind Lab Pro Vs. Qualia Focus – Which Brain Booster Supplement Is Better?

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By Ryan Brennan

Reviewed by Juliana Tamayo, MS, RDN - Last Updated

Mind Lab Pro vs Qualia Focus

The brain is capable of some amazing things. It not only controls our ability to think, but our ability to talk, feel, hear, move, see, walk, remember things, breathe, and so much more. Without our brains, we wouldn’t be able to function on a daily basis — we would be nothing. 

Much like every other organ in the human body, the brain requires a unique set of nutrients to function at its best. Some of these nutrients are produced by the body, and some are consumed through our daily diet. Either way, it’s essential the brain gets these nutrients at the right times.

When nutrients are depleted, the brain won’t act the same, and we’ll lack the mental energy, mood, focus, memory, and overall health that makes the brain so special. Luckily, there is a range of supplements designed to give our brains that mental boost when we need it the most. 

The only issue? There are many supplements out there to choose from, making the decision a difficult one. That’s why in this article, we’re going to take a look at two of the most popular brain supplements – Mind Lab Pro and Qualia Focus. Which is the better option for your brain health? Let’s dive in and find out!

Brain Focus

Mind Lab Pro vs. Qualia Focus: About the Supplements

Whether you’re struggling to get the necessary nutrients through your diet or are simply looking for a mental boost each day, you’ll likely find yourself searching for a brain-boosting supplement. If that’s the case, be careful. Not all of them are created equal, and you need to find the right one. 

Two of the most popular brain supplements on the market today include Mind Lab Pro and Qualia Focus. They’re both formulated to do the same thing, but they do so in a variety of different ways — and understanding those differences between the two is extremely important. 

That’s where we come in to save the day. We’re going to teach you everything you need to know about these two supplements, including what they are, how they differ from one another, what ingredients they utilize, how well they’re perceived, and which one is the best one for you. 

What is Mind Lab Pro?

Mind Lab Pro is potentially the most popular and effective brain-boosting supplement in existence. It’s brought to you by Opti-Nutra Ltd., a company that offers a wide range of unique supplements for just about every function inside the body. They’re in a league of their own. 

Mind Lab Pro

Their Mind Lab Pro formula is marketed as an all-in-one nootropic, which means it improves brain function from every angle — including energy, brain chemicals, neuroregeneration, neuroprotection, blood flow, and brainwaves. It’s designed to unlock 100% brain power daily. 

The 11 ingredients are backed by science, making them both safe and effective for daily use. Together, they help improve everything from learning to memory, performance, mindset, mood, speed, learning, recall, relaxation, creativity, focus, stress resistance, motivation, and more.

What is Qualia Focus?

Qualia Focus is a brain-boosting supplement brought to you by Neurohacker Collective. It has actually recently been renewed and slightly changed, now bearing a new name — Qualia Mind Essentials. Despite a few changes, it’s still designed to do and benefit the same things. 

Qualia Focus

The formula contains a total of 24 ingredients — more than double that of Mind Lab Pro. It’s designed to beat brain fog, amplify willpower, upgrade energy, heighten creativity, fuel focus, improve concentration, fuel brain nutrition, promote mental clarity, and decrease procrastination.

Believe it or not, it’s recommended by some well-known professionals, including Mark Divine (SEALFit), Dave Asprey (Bulletproof Coffee), Mike Bledsoe, Jason Silva (Brain Games, Nat Geo), Gray Maynard (MMA), Brain Mackenzie (CrossFit), and Forrest Griffin (MMA). 

Comparison: Mind Lab Pro vs. Qualia Focus

When you break down the formulas of both Qualia Focus and Mind Lab Pro, you’ll see several similarities between the two. At the same time, you’re going to come across a wide range of differences that separate one from the other. It’s difficult to choose one as superior to the other.

They’re both marketed as all-in-one nootropics, which is important when you want to improve brain function from every angle. While Qualia Focus boasts more ingredients, that doesn’t always mean it’s going to be better for you. At the end of the day, they’re both quality formulas.

The main similarities between the two are the uses of Bacopa Monnieri, Tyrosine, Theanine, Rhodiola Rosea, and choline sources. They also both contain Vitamin B6 and Vitamin B12. Believe it or not, they also boast the same price at a whopping $69 per one-month supply. 

Mind Lab Pro vs. Qualia Focus: Supplement Formulation

Anytime you start to search for a new supplement, especially for the brain, you’re going to want to take a long, hard look at the formula. This is where you’ll learn exactly what you’re getting from that supplement, including how safe and effective it is for optimal brain function daily. 

When it comes to Qualia Focus and Mind Lab Pro, there are both similarities and differences that you need to account for. Don’t worry; we’re going to break down everything you need to know about the two formulas, that way, you can make an informed decision before purchasing.

Let’s take a look at what’s similar between the two:

  • They both utilize Vitamin B6, but Mind Lab Pro uses it in NutriGenesis® form (more effective), and Qualia Focus uses it in pyridoxal 5′ -phosphate form. Mind Lab Pro adds 2.5mg, while Qualia Focus adds 20mg.
  • They both utilize Vitamin B12, but Mind Lab Pro uses it in NutriGenesis® form (very effective), and Qualia Focus uses it in methylcobalamin form (also effective). Mind Lab Pro uses 7.5mcg, while Qualia Focus uses 1,000mcg.
  • They both utilize the amino acid Tyrosine, and they both use it in its most effective form, N-Acetyl-L-Tyrosine, but Qualia Focus adds 250mg and Mind Lab Pro adds 175mg.
  • They both have choline sources, but Mind Lab Pro uses Citicoline as Cognizin® (already has Uridine in it), and Qualia Focus uses Alpha-GPC and Uridine together.
  • They both utilize the amino acid Theanine in L-Theanine form, but Mind Lab Pro is sourced from Suntheanine® (more effective). Mind Lab Pro has 100mg, while Qualia Focus has 200mg.
  • They both utilize the herb Bacopa Monnieri, but Mind Lab Pro uses a full-spectrum extract (more effective), and Qualia Focus uses a leaf extract. Mind Lab Pro adds 150mg, while Qualia Focus adds 300mg. 
  • They both utilize the root of the herb Rhodiola Rosea, but Mind Lab Pro uses 50mg and Qualia Focus uses 150mg. 

Now, let’s take a look at what’s different between the two:

  • Mind Lab Pro utilizes Phosphatidylserine and Maritime Pine Bark for improved brain health and antioxidant properties, while Qualia Focus utilizes Artichoke Leaf Extract, Velvet Bean Seed Extract, Celastrus paniculatus, Vitamin C, and Ginkgo biloba.
  • Mind Lab Pro utilizes Lion’s Mane Extract for improved memory, while Qualia Focus utilizes Huperzine-A and Coleus Forskohlii.
  • Qualia Focus adds Phenylalanine for improved mood.
  • Qualia Focus adds caffeine, Theobromine, Taurine, and Acetyl L-Carnitine for more mental energy.
  • Mind Lab Pro adds Vitamin B9, while Qualia Focus adds Vitamins D3, B1, B3, and B5.

There’s no doubt that Qualia Focus has a larger ingredient list, but that doesn’t mean it’s a better formula. In fact, a lot of the ingredients that are found in Qualia Focus but not in Mind Lab Pro are more unnecessary than anything — such as caffeine, Phenylalanine, Huperzine-A, and Celastrus Paniculatus. 

Mind Lab Pro vs. Qualia Focus: Supplement Benefits

Now that we’ve had a chance to discover the similarities and differences between the two formulas, you’re likely wondering what it all means. The truth is each formula comes with its own unique benefits, and they’ll likely appeal to different groups of people with different goals.

To give you a clear idea of the benefits of each formula, we’re going to break them down for you below. You’ll notice that while Qualia Focus has higher dosages and more ingredients, it doesn’t make it more effective than Mind Lab Pro. Sometimes less is more with a supplement formula. 

Mind Lab Pro vs. Qualia Focus-Brain Booster

What are the benefits of Mind Lab Pro?

Mind Lab Pro has a much more basic formula, and it actually makes it much more appealing than Qualia Focus. It has everything your brain needs for that much-needed boost, while containing nothing that it doesn’t. That means you’re getting your money’s worth each day. 

Mind Lab Pro Bottle And Pills

Vitamins B6, B9, and B12 improve energy metabolism through converting food into ATP. Citicoline, Bacopa Monnieri, and Lion’s Mane Mushroom improve memory and brain function. Maritime Pine Bark Extract and Phosphatidylserine improve brain health and neuroprotection. 

You also get the combination of L-Theanine, N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine, and Rhodiola Rosea to improve mood, provide stress relief, and increase performance when in a high-pressure situation. It gives you energy, mood, focus, memory, and brain health — the five things you need.

What are the benefits of Qualia Focus?

Qualia Focus has a much more ‘busy’ ingredient list, which might look like a more effective formula to most. Don’t be fooled, though. It comes with a lot of benefits, but it also contains a lot of ingredients your body doesn’t really need. In fact, some of them can be harmful to the body.

The good news is there are a lot of much-needed vitamins (C, D3, B1, B3, B5, B6, and B12). It also contains Bacopa Monnieri, Ginkgo Biloba, Alpha-GPC, and Uridine for optimal cognitive function. Rhodiola Rosea, L-Theanine, and L-Tyrosine will improve mood and reduce stress.

Coleus Forskohlii can improve learning, but more research is needed. Huperzine-A can improve memory, but it needs to be cycled (5 days on, 2 days off). Caffeine increases energy, but can be dangerous in high amounts. Phenylalanine can improve mood, but more research is needed.

There are also several ingredients that improve energy — Acetyl L-Carnitine, Taurine, and Theobromine — but it’s not really needed, especially with the amount of caffeine. Velvet Bean Extract and Artichoke Leaf Extract provide antioxidants, but there are better ingredients for that.

Mind Lab Pro vs. Qualia Focus: Customer Reviews

In addition to the formulas, you’re also going to want to take a long, hard look at the customer feedback, testimonials, and verified reviews when searching for a new supplement. This will give you a good idea of other people’s experience with the supplement and how well it worked. 

A lot of these reviews can be found on the supplement company’s official website, as well as Amazon — if it’s sold on Amazon. Of course, you can also find a wide range of testimonials in various blogs across the internet, but make sure it’s a trustworthy review and not a sales page. 

Mind Lab Pro Reviews

Mind Lab Pro is one of the most recommended and trusted brain-boosting supplements on the market today — and for good reason. It uses ingredients that are highly backed by science and ensures that the right dosages and right forms of each nutrient are utilized in each serving. 

On their website, they boast a 4.5/5.0 star rating with well over 1,500 verified customer reviews. Most people report improved mental energy, cognitive function, focus, memory, mood, and overall brain health when using it on a daily basis. It can be used for a variety of reasons. 

Mind Lab Pro Reviews

It’s recommended by some trusted professionals, including Dr. Paul Nussbaum (clinical neuropsychologist), David Tomen (expert biohacker), Nigel Short (chess grandmaster), David Williams (professional poker player), and Stephanie Leach (private practice attorney).

Qualia Focus Reviews

Qualia Focus comes with a wide range of support from trusted professionals, but it’s extremely important that it’s taken correctly — otherwise, it could be dangerous. The good news is that Qualia Focus is very transparent about how to use it, when to use it, and when not to use it. 

On their official website, they boast a 3.97/5.00 star rating with well over 300 verified customer reviews. It’s also sold on Amazon and has a 4.0/5.0 star rating with 280 verified customer reviews. While most people report improved brain function, others don’t report any changes. 

It does come recommended by several professionals and doctors, including Dr. Daniel Stickler (MD), Dr. Heather Sandison (ND), Dr. Michelle Sands (ND), Dr. Hyla Cass (MD), and Dr. Gregory Kelly (ND). It won’t work for everyone, but it will work for some if taken correctly. 

Qualia Focus Reviews

Mind Lab Pro vs. Qualia Focus: Other Considerations

By now, you’ve learned a lot about what Qualia Focus and Mind Lab Pro have to offer, but you still haven’t gotten the full picture. Outside of the ingredients, benefits, and customer reviews, there are some other considerations to keep in mind when searching for a new supplement. 

To ensure you have all the information you need when making a quality decision prior to your purchase, we’re going to dive in a little deeper to each formula. Although some of them are similar between the two, the differences can be the reason you go one way and not the other. 

Mind Lab Pro

  • Directed to take two capsules per day
  • All ingredients include the necessary dosage and right nutrient form
  • Third-party tested for extreme efficacy
  • Capsules are made out of tapioca and are 100% vegan-friendly
  • All capsules undergo dissolution and disintegration testing
  • Vitamins are in NutriGenisis® form, which are just as effective as whole foods
  • Free of soy, allergens, gluten, caffeine, artificial preservatives, synthetic additives, proprietary blends, and banned substances
  • Non-GMO and non-irradiated
  • Fast shipping worldwide, 30-day money-back guarantee
Mind Lab Pro Supplement Capsules

Qualia Focus

  • Need to take 5 capsules per day
  • Due to Huperzine-A, you have to cycle the supplement
  • 20 servings per bottle, 28-day supply
  • Have to take it 5 days on, then 2 days off
  • Contains 90mg caffeine 
  • Fast shipping and 100-day money-back guarantee
  • 100% vegan, Non-GMO, and Gluten-Free
  • Featured on Inc., Today, Forbes, HuffPost, and WSJ

Both formulas are extremely effective at boosting brain power and cognitive function. Mind Lab Pro uses less ingredients, but they’re more backed by science. Qualia Focus uses more ingredients and higher dosages, but they aren’t all backed by science and can be dangerous.

Mind Lab Pro vs. Qualia Focus: Supplement Value

When searching for a new supplement, there’s a lot to consider — as you can see from above. At the end of the day, you want to find a supplement that’s safe, effective, and allows you to get the most out of your buck. In today’s market, that might be a little difficult with so many options. 

Between Qualia Focus and Mind Lab Pro, many people might turn to Qualia Focus since it has higher dosages, more ingredients, and is the same price. In reality, the more valuable formula is Mind Lab Pro because it doesn’t use unnecessary ingredients and uses the right dosages. 

Despite both supplements being $69 per bottle, Mind Lab Pro only directs you to take two capsules per day instead of Qualia Focus’ five capsules per day. You can also take Mind Lab Pro every single day, where Qualia Focus has to be cycled five days on and two days off. 

You can save money with Mind Lab Pro by purchasing three bottles ($207) because they’ll send you a free bottle. That’s four months for the price of three. If you choose Qualia Focus, you can save money by purchasing a monthly subscription ($29 first bottle, $59 every bottle after that).

Mind Lab Pro vs. Qualia Focus: Which is Better?

The short answer here is Mind Lab Pro. 100% of its ingredients are backed by science and won’t come with any bit of doubt, while Qualia Focus has several ingredients that need more research. If you need a brain-boosting supplement, you can’t go wrong with Mind Lab Pro. 

Mind Lab Pro Supplement

It might seem like Qualia Focus is the better supplement, but that’s not really the case. It’s not that it won’t work for some people, but the need to cycle it and the addition of the unnecessary ingredients lose its appeal to most. Of course, Mind Lab Pro is also the caffeine-free option. 

Both supplements are well-recommended by professionals and contain several of the same ingredients, but Mind Lab Pro is safer, more effective, cleaner, and uses the right nutrient forms. You can tell Mind Lab Pro cares a little more about creating a quality supplement, and it shows.

If you’re still looking to learn more about each option, make sure to read our complete review of Mind Lab Pro here and our complete review of Qualia Focus here. Now get your brain health going!

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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.