When you are watching your spending but still want a reliable pre workout, Myprotein THE and C4 Original are two of the most accessible options in the UK. Both are widely available, reasonably priced, and beginner-friendly. But which gives you more for your money?

Budget Pre Workout Showdown

Ingredient Comparison

Key Ingredient Doses

Myprotein THE offers better raw ingredient doses across the board — more citrulline, more beta-alanine, more creatine, plus added BCAAs. However, none of these reach full clinical doses. C4’s formula is simpler but includes their branded CarnoSyn beta-alanine and Explosive Energy Blend.

Taste & Flavours

Flavour Range

C4 has the edge on flavours with its well-established range including Cherry Limeade, Watermelon, and Frozen Bombsicle. Myprotein THE offers solid options like Blue Raspberry and Lemon Sherbert, but the flavour quality is more inconsistent across the range.

Price per Serving

Myprotein THE wins on price, especially during Myprotein’s frequent sales where it can drop to under 50p per serving. C4 holds a more stable price around 70-80p. For regular buyers, Myprotein’s discount ecosystem (codes, sales, Impact Week) makes THE significantly cheaper long-term.

Gym Performance

Both provide a similar energy boost from their matching 150mg caffeine doses. Myprotein THE gives a slightly better pump thanks to its higher citrulline content, while C4 feels marginally sharper on focus. The differences are subtle — these are budget products competing in the same lane.

Best Budget Pick

Myprotein THE wins on value; C4 wins on consistency. If you buy during sales and don’t mind variable flavour quality, Myprotein THE gives more ingredient for your money. If you want a reliable, well-flavoured product at a stable price, C4 is the safer bet. Both feature in our best budget pre workout rankings.