The Best Nootropics For Focus Concentration
For over 5 years I have been searching for the best nootropic supplements on the market. It is one thing to boost memory and cognitive function, but the area that most people struggle with is staying focused on a specific task to remain productive throughout the day. Typically after a long day’s work, fatigue tends to set in and cloud anyone’s brain.
Staying focused and concentrating is one of the most important aspects of anyone trying to be successful, whether it be school, work, or on a personal hobby. It is something that virtually everyone struggles with to at least some degree. To boost focus, productivity, and reduce brain fog, we have come up with a list of some of the most highly rated Nootropics for focus and concentration.
QUICK SUMMARY Get 15% Off Qualia Original Coupon Code: NootropicsBlog #1 – Qualia Mind by NHC
This one is interesting and includes many of the other products on this list. While certainly not the most popular nootropic, it is great for those who are busy and don’t have time to create their own version of the “best nootropic”. A relatively new Nootropic Stack to hit the market, Qualia is a personal favorite and in my opinion the best nootropic out there. I would say this one is a little more advanced, but if you are up for it, it is a fantastic supplement for boosting focus, concentration, and mental stamina. Unsurprisingly, this supplement includes Caffeine and L-Theanine in the stack as well as many other items on this list. This way you get the benefits of many different ingredients. For more information, check out our in-depth Qualia review.
What are the Effects?
Qualia is one of the few nootropics that is frequently to Adderall and other prescription ADHD medications. Qualia has many benefits, but the focus is one of the most notable effects. In addition to Caffeine and L-Theanine, Qualia also includes ingredients such as Noopept, Alpha GPC, and Acetyl-L-Carnitine which can also be useful for improving focus and concentration.
PROS Works Extremely Well
Relatively Mild, Few Side Effects
Easy to use, Pre-portioned in capsules
check-circle Includes a wide variety of ingredients to boost focus CONS Expensive (though overall a great value for what you get)
QUICK SUMMARY Check Price Online #2 – Caffeine / L-Theanine
Caffeine / L-Theanine is one of my favorite nootropics for staying focused. I love that it’s a very simple stack that is both affordable and PERFECT for beginners. Caffeine and L-Theanine as a combination are great for improving focus and keeping you productive throughout a long day without the crashes that are typically associated with these kinds of supplements. The rule of them is to take a Caffeine: L-Theanine ratio of 1:2 for optimal performance.
What are the Effects? Caffeine and Theanine are just better together. We all know the effects of Caffeine and how helpful it can be with staying awake, focused, and alert. However, not many people are aware of the combination of Caffeine and L-Theanine. Caffeine often comes with a crash at the end, and can also make you jittery and feel unpleasant. L-Theanine helps curve this by reducing the jitteriness and reducing the rebound. When I have taken this combination, I have never had a single come down afterward. While L-Theanine can help reduce the side effects of Caffeine, there are also studies that suggest it may be as effective as caffeine in improving attention and focus. Therefore, in addition to reducing anxiety and side effects caused by Caffeine, it can also boost the concentration that you get from it for an added punch.
PROS Simple, Great for Beginners
Easy to Take & Works Well
Relatively Few Side Effects
check-circle Inexpensive Compared to Alternatives CONS May cause jitters if sensitive to caffeine
Advanced users may find it underwhelming
QUICK SUMMARY Check Price Online #3 – Modafinil / Adrafinil
I simply could not go without mentioning this one. Modafinil, also known by the brand name Provigil, is a prescription medication used to treat Narcolepsy, Work-Shift Sleep Disorder, and other sleep-related disorders. Modafinil is very popular among professionals and has even been nicknamed “Viagra for the Brain.” Many proponents have touted its effectiveness at boosting focus and wakefulness. Adrafinil is a similar chemical that converts to Modafinil in the liver and is available without a prescription.
What are the Effects? Modafinil and Adrafinil are known to do incredibly well at boosting concentration, wakefulness, and increasing cognitive function. Modafinil has also been called “The Real Limitless Drug”. Users like the fact that there are relatively few side effects, yet they seem to get many benefits as a result. The main problem with Modafinil is that it is somewhat expensive and requires a prescription in the US, so many people have turned to Adrafinil instead. Some people have been able to buy online overseas without a prescription, though it is typically not recommended. See our guide on where to buy modafinil online.
PROS Highly Effective at Boosting Focus
Relatively Few Side Effects CONS Modafinil is More Expensive
times-circle Adrafinil Can Be Rough on the Liver
QUICK SUMMARY Check Price Online #4 – Phenylpiracetam
”Racetams” are some of the oldest, most well known, and highly debated nootropics on the market. Phenylpiracetam is a phenylated analog of Piracetam, one of the original “smart drugs.” Russian scientists initially developed it during the 1990s. People who take Phenylpiracetam often feel as though they are better at concentrating on the task they are working to accomplish.
What are the Effects? Users often describe the effects of Phenylpiracetam subtle, but effective. Phenylpiracetam is one of the more stimulating of the racetams and is widely considered one of the best on the market for people whose primary goal is to improve focus. It is stronger than Piracetam and requires a smaller dosage to feel its effects. It is also known to improve physical stamina.
PROS Surprisingly Affordable
Can Be Stimulating and Boost Focus
Also Can Enhance Your Memory CONS The Effects are Subtle in Most People
QUICK SUMMARY Check Price Online #5 – Alpha GPC
Alpha GPC is derived from a precursor known as Choline. It is well documented that it helps improve focus and overall attention. Alpha GPC is also considered safe by the FDA which is helpful for people who are concerned about the safety of nootropics. One of the best things about Alpha GPC is the fact that it is affordable and can also boost growth hormone. For those suffering cognitive decline, there is evidence that shows Alpha GPC can help.
What are the Effects? There is evidence to suggest that Alpha GPC can naturally boost growth hormone and significantly reduce cognitive decline. Another study found that on average, Alpha GPC improves power output by 15% and can even lessen many symptoms associated with
Alzheimer’s.
PROS Safe to Use
Improves Cognition and Focus by 14% CONS Some people may find effects subtle
It May feel underwhelming for users that are used to stimulants
Honorable Mentions
Those are the top 5, but there are many other nootropics available that people swear helps them with their focus and attention. Many of these are pre-made stacks or chemicals that can be available anywhere. Noopept (Great & Subtle Focus Effect) This one probably should have been in the top 5, but since I could only choose 5, I did not include it. Noopept has a similar effect as piracetam and is 1000x stronger, which means it requires significantly less to be effective. It was originally developed in Russia to combat the age-related decline in the brain. Its users often claim that it helps improve focus and memory. Bacopa Monnieri Bacopa Monnieri is an all-natural supplement that is great for people who prefer not to ingest chemicals. Users often say that Bacopa Monnieri lasts longer than other alternatives and can be very useful. Dopa Mucuna / Mucuna Pruriens Dopa Mucuna contains high levels of L-Dopa, which is a precursor to dopamine. For those who are not familiar, dopamine is the neurotransmitter often associated with focus, motivation, and happiness. Dopa Mucuna is thought to improve concentration, libido, mood, and mental health.
Kratom Boy, this is a controversial one. Kratom is not actually a nootropic, but many people swear by its abilities to make them more productive as an herb. Kratom is also known as Mitragyna Speciosa and is a member of the coffee family. It is a stimulant in low dosages and can be a sedative in high doses. Many people say that Kratom improves concentration, focus, and overall motivation. Keep in mind: Kratom works on many opioid receptors in your brain and alters Seratonin and Dopamine levels. There is evidence to suggest kratom can be addictive, so approach with CAUTION.
