NooCube vs Alpha Brain - Which Is Right For You?

In this article, we're comparing NooCube vs Alpha Brain. Over the past 12 months, we put both supplements to the test to see which one really boosts cognitive function. With so many nootropics on the market, choosing the right one can be tough. We focused on two well-known options: NooCube by Wolfson Brands and Alpha Brain by Onnit Labs, both claiming to improve mental clarity, focus, and memory. But what truly sets them apart, and do their claims hold up?

Our review is timely as NooCube updated its formula in February 2024. We used the new version for our testing period, giving us fresh insights into its performance. NooCube now claims to offer an even more powerful mix of ingredients for better cognitive enhancement. We tested both supplements side by side, not only checking their marketing claims but also examining the science behind their ingredients and dosages.

We took a close look at each formula, comparing NooCube’s LuteMax 2020, Bacopa Monnieri, and the new Panax Ginseng with Alpha Brain’s blend, which includes Bacopa Monnieri and Huperzia Serrata. Our goal is to give you a clear picture of how effective each product is based on our year-long testing, so you can decide which one might be best for you.

Onnit's Claimed Benefits

Alpha Brain is designed to work synergistically, boosting mental acuity. It operates primarily by enhancing acetylcholine levels, thus bolstering memory and learning abilities, while also augmenting overall mental clarity and focus. The effects usually manifest within 1-2 hours and last up to 3 hours. However, the effects might not be apparent for some people, possibly due to lower doses or individual sensitivity. The supplement is primarily used as a cognitive enhancer, often aiding students during exams or professionals needing to be 'on their game' for critical presentations. It's also touted as an effective tool for improving memory recall. Alpha Brain comprises 3 proprietary blends designed to promote Alpha wave synthesis, stimulate Acetylcholine production, and balance neurotransmitters, which are all crucial for cognitive function.

NooCube's Claimed Benefits

NooCube, on the other hand, is a potent, all-natural nootropic blend designed to dramatically boost memory power and focus over time. It operates by increasing the secretion of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin, thereby enhancing focus, concentration, and mood. It also sparks the release of neurotransmitters that allow your brain to absorb and retain more information, consequently improving memory and general cognition[10]. Additionally, NooCube can improve mood by boosting serotonin levels in the brain and inducing dopamine release, which increases motivation11. NooCube's effects usually kick in after 2 hours of ingestion and can last up to 24 hours, with the recommendation of a 6-week daily intake to fully experience all the benefits. It consists of 12 effective ingredients that work together to enhance cognitive function without causing any unwanted side effects. People who take NooCube daily generally see benefits such as enhanced concentration levels, focus, memory and cognitive ability, improved multitasking capabilities, increased learning capacity, boosted brain energy, and an enhanced mood. The latest iteration of NooCube's formulation adds new ingredients and has removed those that some individuals may have some sensitivity to, namely oat straw and huperzine A.

Research And Evidence

Alpha Brain and NooCube, offer unique blends of ingredients aimed at optimizing mental acuity. However, a closer examination of their research and ingredient lists reveals some interesting contrasts.

Alpha Brain, developed by Onnit, includes a combination of vitamins, minerals, and herbs designed to enhance cognitive function, memory recall, focus, and concentration. The supplement aims to increase acetylcholine levels, a neurotransmitter involved in learning and memory, and support alpha brain waves associated with mental clarity and focus. However, the credibility of Alpha Brain's research methodologies has been questioned. Much of the research supporting its ingredients has been conducted on animals or in vitro, which doesn't necessarily translate to the same effects in humans. Furthermore, Alpha Brain obscures many of its ingredients within proprietary blends, making it difficult to assess their individual effectiveness. This lack of transparency raises questions about the validity of Alpha Brain's cognitive enhancement claims.

A 2016 randomized controlled trial sponsored by Onnit reported that Alpha Brain significantly improved verbal memory in healthy adults after six weeks. However, this finding has been criticized on several fronts. Firstly, the trial was funded by Onnit, potentially introducing bias. Secondly, no other trials or scientific papers have corroborated these results. Repeatability is a cornerstone of scientific discovery, and the lack of replication raises questions about the trial's findings. Lastly, the conclusion of the study itself emphasized the need for additional research, implying that the findings were not definitive.

On the other hand, NooCube offers a blend of nine natural ingredients, designed to enhance cognitive function, memory, concentration, and motivation. It works by increasing the secretion of neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, which can enhance focus, mood, and motivation. The supplement also improves memory by stimulating the production of acetylcholine in the brain. NooCube's effects usually kick in after about 2 hours and can last up to 24 hours. It is designed to be taken daily, with full effects typically experienced after 6 weeks of daily use.

Unlike Alpha Brain, NooCube discloses the individual ingredients in its blend, which consist of clinically proven nootropic components. This transparency allows for a better understanding of the effects and potential benefits of NooCube. However, while NooCube uses established nootropic ingredients, comprehensive scientific studies directly assessing the blend as a whole are still needed to fully validate its claims.

While both Alpha Brain and NooCube offer potential cognitive benefits, they differ in terms of research transparency and ingredient disclosure. This examination underscores the importance of critical evaluation when considering nootropic supplements.

When considering the possible side effects of Alpha Brain and NooCube, it is important to note that both products are generally well-tolerated, and any side effects reported are rare and mild in nature. However, it is still crucial to be aware of the potential effects to make an informed decision.

Alpha Brain contains various ingredients, such as Bacopa Monniera, Huperzia Serrata, and Vinpocetine. While these ingredients have been generally regarded as safe, some individuals may experience mild gastrointestinal discomfort, such as nausea or stomach upset, when taking Bacopa Monniera(6). Huperzia Serrata, another component of Alpha Brain, has been associated with mild digestive issues and potential allergic reactions in rare cases(7). Vinpocetine, found in the Onnit Fuel Blend, may rarely cause mild side effects such as headaches, dizziness, or gastrointestinal disturbances(8).

On the other hand, NooCube incorporates ingredients like Bacopa Monnieri and Panax Ginseng. Similar to Alpha Brain, Bacopa Monnieri may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort in some individuals(9).

Both products also contain L-Theanine and L-Tyrosine. These ingredients are considered safe, with minimal reported side effects. L-Theanine, an amino acid commonly found in tea, is generally well-tolerated, and any side effects are infrequent and mild(10). L-Tyrosine is also well-tolerated, with rare reports of gastrointestinal issues or headaches(11). Alpha GPC is present in Alpha Brain - it's a precursor to acetylcholine, has demonstrated good tolerability, with occasional reports of mild side effects like digestive discomfort or skin rash(12).

If you're interested in nootropics that provide brain health support, greater mood enhancement properties and memory support there are better options than Alpha Brain. The best overall nootropic in our view is ThinkEase.

After testing both NooCube and Alpha Brain over a 12-month period, we found NooCube to be the slightly more reliable of the two. The ingredients are generally well-tolerated, and side effects are uncommon and mild when they do occur. But while NooCube outperforms Alpha Brain in most areas, it doesn't match the top performing nootropic supplement in our tests, ThinkEase.

ThinkEase offers everything NooCube does—but with an even more advanced and well-rounded formula. It includes key cognitive enhancers that NooCube leaves out, such as Citicoline and Acetyl L-Carnitine, all dosed effectively and supported by strong clinical evidence. In our experience, ThinkEase provided sharper focus, faster recall, and better mental stamina—with consistent results over time.

If you're serious about improving your cognitive performance and want the most value for your investment, ThinkEase is the smarter, more complete choice.

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