If it’s difficult to turn your brain off after a long day of brainstorming, meetings, or work travel, take a look at our below list of the best magnesium supplements. We often recommend magnesium to busy professionals as a way of getting better sleep.
But how exactly does it work? Well, magnesium (and in particular, magnesium glycinate) can help calm your nervous system, relax your muscles, and reduce cortisol levels—all crucial steps for getting a good night’s rest.
Read on to learn more about our five best magnesium supplements of the year, most of which are available as a capsule or powdered drink mix. You can also check out our list of the best multivitamins for some additional options that may contain magnesium.
Why Trust Fortune
Our team of expert testers has tried over 120 of the most popular supplements on the market today, using our comprehensive supplements testing methodology to find the best magnesium supplements and give you our informed recommendations.
Best Magnesium Supplements of 2026
- Best Magnesium Supplement Overall: Transparent Labs MAG
- Best Magnesium Supplement for Stress: Innerbody Sleep Support
- Best Magnesium Supplement for Muscle Recovery: Ritual Magnesium+
- Best Value Magnesium Supplement: Nutricost Magnesium
- Best Magnesium Glycinate Supplement: PartiQlar Magnesium Glycinate
- Best Powder Magnesium Supplement: Mellö Magnesium Superblend
- Best Budget Magnesium Supplement: Luma Nutrition Magnesium Glycinate Sleep & Calm
- Best Magnesium Supplement for Pregnancy: Needed Sleep Relaxation + Support
- Best Magnesium Supplement for Sleep: AGZ
Best Magnesium Supplement Comparison Table
Best Overall Magnesium Supplement: Transparent Labs MAG
Transparent Labs MAG
Formula
Cost per serving
Third party testing
Form
We like that it’s suitable for long-term use
Folks who want a solid dose of magnesium
- Third-party tested, COAs available
- No artificial ingredients
- Gentle on digestion
- Capsules are large
- Serving size is three capsules
- Full dose may be too much for beginners
Our Thoughts on Transparent Labs MAG
Transparent Labs MAG is our pick for the best magnesium supplement overall for several reasons—one of them being that It contains 300 milligrams of chelated magnesium per serving. It’s delivered as magnesium bisglycinate chelate, which is a well-absorbed form of magnesium that won’t have the common laxative effects of cheaper forms of magnesium like magnesium citrate or magnesium oxide.
Magnesium bisglycinate is typically easier on the stomach and better suited for long-term use. The tolerable upper intake level of magnesium is 350 milligram for adults, so this is a clinically effective serving. Potential benefits include better sleep, stress reduction, and overall health.
Pete tested Transparent Labs MAG, rating his first impression a 5 out of 5. Transparent Labs’ Mag Bisglycinate comes in a white plastic container with a screw top lid that opens and closes easily. He noted that the container is roughly the size of his palm and should fit relatively easily in a purse or small backpack. Our tester thought the label looked high-quality and found it easy to read.
“The label shows that the product is Informed Choice certified, which confirms third-party testing,” Pete added.
Of the supplements themselves, the magnesium comes in a clear capsule and the powder inside is white. The recommended serving size is three capsules, which folks will likely want to divvy up into multiple swallows.
“The capsules are larger than average, over 1-inch in length and slightly over 1 cm in diameter. They are big and taking all three capsules at once would be a challenge,” says Pete.
The price per serving is affordable at 57 cents per three capsules. This supplement contains 300 milligrams of Magnesium as Magnesium bisglycinate chelate. “This isn’t a product where you would notice any immediate effects,” said Pete. He didn’t notice any negative side effects or digestive issues, rating this category a 5 out of 5.
Best Magnesium Supplement for Stress: Innerbody Sleep Support
Ritual Magnesium+
Formula
Cost per serving
Third party testing
Form
A trustworthy magnesium supplement combined with ashwagandha
Folks look for a supplement with added anxiety management effects
- Combined with powerful supplements like ashwagandha, l-theanine, and and lemon balm extract
- Gluten-free and vegetarian-friendly
- Promotes restful sleep without melatonin
- Serving size is 3 capsules
- Lower dose of magnesium
- More expensive than other options on our list
Our Thoughts on Innerbody Sleep Support
Innerbody Sleep Support is our pick for the best magnesium supplement for stress because it combines a magnesium bisglycinate with calming herbal ingredients, including lemon balm extract, ashwagandha, L-Theanine, and lactium. This magnesium sleep support is a lower dose of 127 milligrams per serving, making it suitable for beginners or those who have more sensitive stomachs.
We also love that this supplement is third-party tested, guaranteeing the safety and quality of the ingredients used.
“The COA is clearly displayed at the top of the website and the link sends you right to a 4-page PDF laying out the test results,” said one of our testers. “You can see that it’s cGMP-certified, non-GMO, vegetarian friendly, gluten-free, and melatonin-free. I think this product would be great for someone looking to get into a better sleep routine without introducing sedatives. The ingredient list is very transparent, using natural ingredients that promote relaxation and cortisol regulation.”
Our tester did have sone critiques, though. While they gave the capsules a perfect 5 out of 5 on taste for having no flavor (a trait that usually makes a magnesium capsule easier to ingest), they gave it a 3 out of 5 in swallowability since a single dose is three capsules. She said each one is about the size of a piece of Mike and Ike candy, which is something to keep in mind if you have a hard time swallowing pills. Innerbody is also a bit more expensive than some of the other options on our list.
Best Magnesium Supplement for Muscle Recovery: Ritual Magnesium+
Ritual Magnesium+
Formula
Cost per serving
Third party testing
Form
Great mixability, dissolved completely
Vegans, athletes and gym-goers
- Vegan
- Sugar-free
- Pleasant berry taste
- Expensive
- Stevia aftertaste may be present
- Sold as monthly subscription, not as a one off
Our Thoughts on Ritual Magnesium+
Ritual Magnesium+ is our pick for the best magnesium supplement for muscle recovery because it includes both magnesium bisglycinate and tart cherry juice from Montmorency cherries. Tart cherry juice has been studied and found to be clinically effective in muscle recovery and for reducing oxidative stress caused by exercise.
Grant tested this magnesium, rating his first impression of the product a 5 out of 5. “The packaging is very clean-looking and not oversized,” he said. “It’s a standard screw-top supplement bottle–easy to store, pack, take on the go, and simple to open and close.”
According to Grant, the instructions were extremely easy to follow, as all you need to do is mix two teaspoons with eight ounces of water. “The only downside is that a scoop is not included,” Grant added, rating the instructions a 5 out of 5.
He rated mixability a 5 out of 5 as well. “The powder dissolved very easily. There were no visible chunks or undissolved bits remaining after 60 seconds of shaking,” he described. Keep in mind that the powder is very fine, so be careful when shaking or swirling without a tight lid; the powder could get everywhere.
Grant didn’t care for the flavor or sweetness of Ritual’s Magnesium+. “The flavor was berry, but the taste was not great,” he said. “I found the drink difficult to drink on its own, and found myself mixing it with electrolytes to mask the taste better.” He found the taste to be a little on the bitter side, and only a hint of berry.
Aside from the taste, Grant had a good experience testing this magnesium for sleep. “I frequently have trouble staying asleep throughout the night, and wanted to try this as a solution,” he said. “My Oura ring recorded my three best nights of sleep in the past three months after taking Ritual’s Magnesium+ 60 minutes before bed. The only downside was that I had some slight digestive issues for a few days after taking it. I think this would likely level out after getting used to the product.”
Best Value Magnesium Supplement: Nutricost Magnesium
Nutricost Magnesium
Formula
Cost per serving
Third party testing
Form
An affordable, trustworthy magnesium supplement
Folks who want a mid-range dose of magnesium
- Non-GMO, gluten-free, and vegetarian
- Cost-effective
- Moderate dose
- Serving size is 3 capsules
- May cause GI upset
- Capsules are large
Our Thoughts on Nutricost Magnesium
Nutricost’s Magnesium is our pick for the best overall magnesium because it is dosed at 210 milligrams per serving, a good middle-range serving suitable for beginners and advanced users alike. It’s also made in an NSF-certified, GMP-compliant facility and is third-party tested. The cost is also easy to budget for: each serving costs only 39 cents, and you can buy 30, 60, or 120 servings at one time, so you’ll shop less frequently.
Pete tested this magnesium, rating his first impression of the product a 5 out of 5. “Nutricost’s Magnesium Glycinate comes in a small plastic container with a blue screw top lid that opens and closes easily. The container is travel-friendly and would be easy to fit in a backpack or purse,” Pete said. He added that the label design is simple and easy to read, and fits Nutricost’s recognizable, budget-friendly aesthetic.
Our tester rated ease of reading and following the instructions a 5 out of 5. “This magnesium supplement comes in capsules and the powder inside is white in color,” Pete noted. The recommended serving size is three capsules per day. In terms of size, Pete thought the capsules were a little larger than average at just over 1 inch in length and roughly ¾ of a centimeter in diameter.
It was easy for Pete to take this magnesium, and he rated it a 3 out of 5 for both taste and swallowability. The capsules were tasteless. He didn’t experience any side effects or digestive issues after taking this supplement, rating his experience a 5 out of 5.
Magnesium bisglycinate is one of the most popular supplemental forms of magnesium. Most people use it as a sleep aid, taking it around an hour or so before bed to help relax the body and improve overall sleep quality. “This is because magnesium plays a role in regulating GABA receptors and melatonin pathways,” Pete wrote. “Magnesium glycinate is also easier on the stomach than magnesium oxide or magnesium citrate and is much less likely to cause a laxative effect.”
Best Magnesium Glycinate Supplement: PartiQlar Magnesium Glycinate
PartiQlar Magnesium Glycinate
Formula
Cost per serving
Third party testing
Form
Affordable, single capsule magnesium for stress relief
Folks looking to reduce stress and improve mental clarity
- Single-capsule serving
- Low cost
- Promotes calm by reducing stress response
- May take up to three weeks to notice difference
- Doesn’t include additional ingredients for well-rounded approach to sleep
Our Thoughts on PartiQlar Magnesium Glycinate
PartiQlar Magnesium Glycinate is our pick for the best magnesium glycinate supplement because it’s a single-ingredient supplement that contains 200 milligrams of magnesium glycinate. This specific formula of magnesium is well-loved because it is bioavailable, meaning that it’s easily absorbed by the body.
When we asked our registered dietitian Pete to elaborate on this, he said , “PartiQlar uses a straightforward and science-backed approach with this single-ingredient magnesium glycinate formula. Magnesium bisglycinate is one of the most bioavailable and stomach-friendly forms of magnesium, commonly used to support sleep quality, muscle relaxation, and stress management. The 200 mg dose per capsule sits right in the clinically effective range.”
The magnesium glycinate from PartiQlar is a single-capsule serving that is both gluten-free and vegan. Pete gave it a perfect 5 out of 5 on first impression, noting that the bottle is easy top open and small enough to be travel-friendly. Another thing he loved about this option is its affordability. At $0.39 cents per serving, it’s already less expensive than many of the other options on this list, and is available at an even deeper discount when purchased in larger quantities.
Best Powder Magnesium Supplement: Mellö Magnesium Superblend
Mellö Magnesium Superblend
Formula
Cost per serving
Third party testing
Form
Quick-dissolving powder that packs a punch
Anyone looking for a blend of magnesium formulas
- Quick-dissolving, flavored powder
- Sweetened with monk fruit
- Combined with GABA and L-theanine
- Reviews note poor customer service and slow response time
- Strong flavor may be unpleasant for some
Our Thoughts on Mellö Magnesium Superblend
Mellö Magnesium Superblend is our pick for the best powder magnesium supplement because it’s a quick-dissolving option that uses a combination of magnesium (300 mg per serving), lactate gluconate, aquamin magnesium, and magnesium glycinate for stress-relieving results. To further promote the calming benefits of this powder, Mellö also includes GABA and L-theanine. We love that users have three flavor options to choose from: lavenderberry, pomegranate, or an unflavored mix. This mix is sugar-free.
Users are encouraged to mix up this magnesium drink at the end of a long day as a way to reduce stress and achieve a calm state of mind before climbing into bed for sleep. When our tester Paige opened the box, she said, “I love the blue color scheme on the packaging. It definitely gives me calm, sleepy vibes. I also appreciate how the packing gives you an option to tear off the top portion so you can grab the packets more easily.” Thanks to this convenience, Paige gave Mellö a perfect 5 out of 5 in the category of first impression.
When Paige poured the Mellö into a glass of water, she noted that the powder dissolved after 60 seconds of stirring. The water got cloudy, but never chunky, and took on a slightly sweet taste, even though she was sampling the unflavored variety. While Paige didn’t love the taste, she didn’t report any grittiness. She ultimately gave it a 3 out of 5 in this category. Her only other real criticism was that it’s more expensive than some other magnesium supplements on the market.
Paige got to use Mellö for three nights in a row. In terms of its effects, she said “I do feel like I slept well and experienced deep sleep,” she said. “I did not have any GI disturbances, and I would definitely use this product in the long term.” The powder earned a perfect 5 out of 5 in effects.
Best Budget Magnesium Supplement: Luma Nutrition Magnesium Glycinate Sleep & Calm
Luma Nutrition Magnesium Glycinate Sleep & Calm
Formula
Cost per serving
Third party testing
Form
The 200 mg dose will help support improved sleep
Budget-conscious shoppers
- HSA/FSA eligible
- GMP-compliant
- 90-day money-back guarantee
- To get free shipping, you must spend over $65
- Health claims seem exaggerated
- COAs/third-party testing info not available on site
Our Thoughts on Luma Nutrition Magnesium Glycinate Sleep & Calm
Luma Nutrition’s Magnesium Glycinate Sleep & Calm is our pick for the best budget magnesium supplement–it costs 99 cents per serving, and you can save even more by participating in the subscribe and save option (25% off as of this writing). It’s a single ingredient formula containing 1,000 milligrams of magnesium glycinate, which equates to 200 milligrams of elemental magnesium per serving.
Pete tested Luma Nutrition’s Magnesium Glycinate Sleep & Calm, rating his first impression a 5 out of 5. “Luma Nutrition’s Magnesium Glycinate supplement comes in a dark amber plastic container with a screw top lid that opens and closes easily,” he wrote. “The label has a glossy finish that looks nice, and the on-label text is easy to read.”
Our tester compared the container to about the size of his palm, noting that it should fit without difficulty into a small purse or backpack.
The product is intended to support better sleep, stress management, and overall health. “This chelated form of magnesium is typically gentle on the stomach and doesn’t have the laxative effect often seen with other magnesium supplements like magnesium citrate or magnesium oxide,” said Pete. “The 200 milligrams is an effective dose and should help support a calm and restful night’s sleep.”
The instructions were easy to read and follow; Pete rated them a 5 out of 5. When it comes to swallowability, he rated it a 3 out of 5. This magnesium supplement comes in a clear capsule and the powder inside is off-white in color. The capsule is larger than what may be considered average at about 1 inch in length and 1 centimeter in diameter. The recommended serving size is two capsules per day.
The capsules were tasteless and odorless, and Pete did not experience any side effects or digestive distress after taking Luma Nutrition’s Magnesium Glycinate Sleep & Calm.
Best Magnesium Supplement for Pregnancy: Needed Sleep Relaxation + Support
Needed Sleep Relaxation + Support
Formula
Cost per serving
Third party testing
Form
High-quality, calming sleep supplement
Expecting and breastfeeding mothers
- Melatonin-free sleep supplement
- High-dose formula at 320 mg per serving
- Added chamomile further supports sleep and relaxation
- Floral taste may be too harsh for some
- Chamomile and L-Theanine safety is understudied for safe use during pregnancy
Our Thoughts on Needed Sleep Relaxation + Support
Needed Sleep Relaxation + Support supplement is our pick for best supplement for pregnancy because this high-dosage magnesium powder was created to promote more restful nights for expecting moms. In addition to a powerful blend of magnesium gluconate, magnesium citrate, and magnesium taurate, Needed uses chamomile and L-theanine as calming ingredients in this quick-dissolving, drink mix. A single serving of this supplement contains 320 mg of magnesium, making it one of the higher-dosage options on this list.
One of our registered dietitians also noted that the supplement is free of melatonin. “That means you should wake up feeling completely normal in the morning and not groggy,” they said.
When our tester mixed in a scoop of the powder with a glass of water, they found it dissolved easily within 60 seconds and gave it a perfect 5 out of 5 for mixability. They also enjoyed the taste, saying, “The flavor is similar to a lightly sweetened chamomile tea, with a moderate sweetness coming from monk fruit extract. The mouthfeel is smooth with no noticeable grit, which makes it easy to drink. It’s intended to be mixed with hot or warm water, but it still mixed well and tasted good in room temperature water.”
It is worth noting that some of the ingredients in the Needed Sleep Relaxation + Support supplement have undergone limited testing for use during pregnancy. As with any medication or supplement, we suggest discussing it with your doctor before you add it to your daily routine.
Best Magnesium Supplement for Sleep: AGZ
AGZ
Formula
Cost per serving
Third party testing
Form
We love the individual packets, which are easy to dose and take on-the-go
Athletes, folks looking to improve sleep
- Easy to take on-the-go
- Travel-friendly
- Includes other sleep-encouraging nutrients
- Includes a proprietary blend
- Expensive
- Ashwagandha and valerian may cause medication interactions
Our Thoughts on AGZ
AGZ is our pick for the best magnesium supplement for sleep because it’s a melatonin-free nighttime sleep aid. It’s designed to support a restful night’s sleep by helping your body wind down in the evening and improve your sleep quality. The main ingredients in the formula include Magtein (magnesium L-Threonate), magnesium bisglycinate, glycine, myo-inositol, ashwagandha leaf extract, L-theanine, saffron stigma extract, and a calming herbs and antioxidant blend.
Pete tested AGZ, rating his first impression a 5 out of 5. AGZ is AG1’s nighttime sleep support supplement. “It comes in convenient, travel-friendly stick packs that are roughly six inches long and about an inch wide. The packaging is a bit tough to actually tear open, so I used a pair of scissors to open the packets to avoid spilling any powder. The pre-portioned stick packs eliminate the need for a scoop and ensure you get an exact serving every time,” Pete said.
He rated mixability a 5 out of 5: the product dissolved completely during the 60-second shake. “There were no chunks or clumps, and the texture was completely smooth,” Pete said.
The taste and sweetness were both pleasant; Pete rated them at a moderate 3 out of 5 (not too sweet). “I tested the chocolate mint flavor and it was definitely an interesting taste. I tasted the mint but really wasn’t getting any chocolate flavor. In fact, if I didn’t know the flavor was Chocolate Mint, I would have guessed a Chai Tea flavor. I kept getting a very warm, spice-like flavor with each sip. I wouldn’t say the flavor was bad, but I probably wouldn’t look forward to drinking it on a nightly basis. I would be interested in trying their other flavors, Chocolate or Mixed Berry,” Pete said.
He added: “The product really wasn’t sweet at all which was perfect before bed, I don’t think I’d want something super sweet before settling down for the night. The powder dissolved extremely well in water and the texture was totally smooth.”
Of his experience, Pete said he felt nice and relaxed after taking AGZ. He followed the directions and took it about 90 minutes before bed. He noticed that he felt a bit more relaxed than usual after taking the supplement. He started feeling the effects after 30 minutes. Pete noted later that he fell asleep pretty quickly after getting into bed and shutting his eyes.
How We Tested and Selected the Best Magnesium Supplements
We tested and chose the best magnesium supplements for you by evaluating formulations, taste, swallowability, third-party testing, value, and more. Here’s more about our testing.
Formula
We work with a registered dietitian during testing to find the most effective and safest magnesium formulations. The recommended daily value for adults is 310 to 420 milligrams per day, with higher amounts for men.
Taste and Swallowability
When testing magnesium supplements, we consider the taste of the capsules (if any). Our testers also report on ease of swallowing the supplements, number of capsules to swallow, and other details such as any bitterness or aftertaste.
Third-Party Testing
Our team places a strong emphasis on products that undergo third‑party testing. This typically means an independent lab has verified that what’s on the label matches what’s in the container and has checked for certain contaminants.
Dietary supplements are not regulated by the FDA in the same way as drugs or many conventional foods, so quality can vary widely from brand to brand. When possible, we favor options that clearly disclose reputable third‑party certifications, such as Informed Choice or NSF-certified.
Value
We weigh all factors against the cost per serving rather than just looking for the cheapest option. A product that’s a bit more expensive but offers a stronger formula, better taste, and robust quality testing may earn a higher spot than a budget pick that cuts corners.
How to Find the Best Magnesium Supplements for You
The best magnesium for you will depend on your health goals, budget, and how your body tolerates it. Here are some aspects to consider when shopping for the best magnesium supplement for you.
Your Personal Needs
Consider why you want to take magnesium–is it for sleep, stress reduction, migraines, or something else? This can play into what type of magnesium you purchase, and how much you take.
Form
Magnesium comes in several different forms and is frequently available as capsules or as a powder you’ll mix with liquid. Consider what will work best for your lifestyle before purchasing.
Formula
Check the supplement label on the product page or back of the magnesium bottle. Consider if you’d like to take magnesium by itself, or if you’d like to stack it with other ingredients (such as vitamin D or other vitamins).
Cost
Calculate the price per serving, and how often you’ll be buying your magnesium supplement. Supplements can be pricey–keep in mind that cleaner supplements that are third-party tested may cost a little more, though we think the cost is worth it for safety and efficacy.
Third-Party Testing
Look for supplements that are third‑party tested, so you know they contain what the label claims and are screened for common contaminants. Independent testing is especially important for athletes, because it lowers the risk of inadvertent exposure to banned substances.
Benefits of Magnesium Supplements
Magnesium helps many aspects of your body–optimizing your levels can help support whole body health.
- Muscle and nerve function: Magnesium supports muscle contraction and relaxation, and helps nerves send signals properly
- Sleep benefits: Magnesium can aid relaxation and improve sleep
- Constipation relief: Magnesium citrate and oxide can draw water into your intestines, easing constipation
Types of Magnesium Supplements
While magnesium supplements all obviously contain magnesium, you may see some other words listed in the product name. These usually refer to the different salts that can develop when magnesium is paired with other substances. Here are a few of the most common and who they might be good for.
- Magnesium citrate: This functions as a laxative and could be a good match for anyone struggling with constipation.
- Magnesium glycinate: Alternatively, magnesium glycinate can firm up bowel movements and could be a sensible match for anyone dealing with diarrhea or a sensitive stomach.
- Chelated magnesium: This refers to magnesium bonded with amino acids and is easily absorbed, though it tends to be more costly than other types of magnesium.
- Magnesium oxide: This one is less expensive, but takes a longer time to be absorbed by the body.
How to Take Magnesium Supplements
When taking a magnesium supplement, we recommend following the manufacturer’s instructions on the label as directed. Most of them are going to be consumed as a capsule you take with food, a powder that you stir into a drink, or a powder that creates its own drink.
It’s also good to discuss taking any new supplements with your doctor ahead of starting, in case they’d recommend a suitable starting dose or brand for you.
What to Avoid in Magnesium Supplements
Some ingredients or manufacturing practices can make a magnesium supplement less ideal for everyday use. Here’s what to avoid when shopping for a magnesium supplement:
- Proprietary blends that aren’t clear about how much magnesium is in each serving
- Formulas made with high‑dose magnesium, which can cause diarrhea and issues in folks who manage kidney problems
Frequently asked questions
What is the best form of magnesium to take?
Nutricost’s Magnesium is our pick for the best overall magnesium because it is dosed at 210 milligrams per serving, a good middle-range serving suitable for beginners and advanced users alike.
Magnesium in the form of magnesium bisglycinate chelate is a well-absorbed form of magnesium that won’t have the common laxative effects of cheaper forms of magnesium like magnesium citrate or magnesium oxide. Magnesium bisglycinate is typically easier on the stomach and better suited for long-term use, too.
Is magnesium good for sleep?
Yes, supplementing with magnesium has been shown to help improve sleep and mood in some cases.
How often should I take magnesium?
Magnesium can be taken once a day. If you are using it for sleep, we recommend taking your dose about an hour or so before bedtime.
