Best Male Enhancement Pills
It can be tricky knowing which male enhancement pills are safe and appropriate for your needs. Our team breaks it all down so you can perform at your best.
In this Review
A majority of men will deal with some kind of sexual performance issue in their lifetimes. Anything from performance anxiety and erectile dysfunction to the simple fear that you aren't big enough can sneak up on you quickly.
But male enhancement pills — once considered size-increasing gimmicks — offer a viable, non-prescription way to address several sexual health dilemmas. Some can help with fertility and semen volume, while others can improve stamina and create a larger, harder erection.
There are a lot of dangerous supplements out there claiming to have scientific backing. We've narrowed down this immense field to a handful of the best male enhancement pills you can find, so you can figure out which one might be right for you.
Summary of recommendations
- Best overall: Performer 8
- Best budget pick: ExtenZe
- Best bulk value: Performer 8
- Best for semen volume: Semenax
- Best for low testosterone: Performer 8
- Best for fertility: Semenax
- Best for erectile strength: Volume Pills
Performer 8 includes nine powerful ingredients proven to increase sexual stamina, erection strength, and semen volume.
Performer 8 is a safe and natural way to revitalize your sexual vitality. Ingredient effectiveness is supported by clinical studies, and all purchases are backed by a lifetime guarantee.
Why you should trust us
At Innerbody Research, we extensively test each health service we review, including those dedicated to male enhancement. All told, our team has spent over 165 hours testing and researching the products and services of these companies to provide an accurate, unbiased analysis of how the products and services compare, free of marketing jargon and gimmicks.
Over the past two decades, Innerbody Research has helped tens of millions of readers make more informed decisions to live healthier lifestyles. We evaluate the service based on adherence to quality, the latest medical evidence and health standards, and a simple question: would we buy the product or service ourselves if it weren't part of our job, and would we recommend it to family and friends?
Additionally, like all health-related content on this website, this guide was thoroughly vetted by one or more members of our Medical Review Board for accuracy.
How we evaluated male enhancement pills
Effectiveness
Winner: Performer 8
With different men turning to male enhancement pills for their own reasons, one remedy might not be as effective for one man as it is for another. But we don't think the answer is to cram a bunch of ingredients into a pill and hope it pleases everybody. That's how Performer 8 won this category. They have ingredients with specific targets, but their inclusion of ashwagandha allows their formula to address testosterone levels. That can yield positive results in fertility, erectile strength, and more.
Safety
Winner: Performer 8
We're looking to find the enhancement pill with the least possible side effects for safety. This is an area where having fewer ingredients can be helpful, but our most important consideration was the volume of available research. We considered ingredients with known, mild side effects but with a lot of research behind them to be safer than ingredients that still need a lot of testing. Performer 8 winds up ticking both boxes with a streamlined set of extremely well-researched ingredients.
Ingredient quality
Winner: Performer 8
There are a lot of supplements in this guide that rely on lab-engineered ingredients like L-arginine hydrochloride or methyl sulfonyl methane. We don't dispute the effectiveness of these ingredients, but if you're looking for something with the highest-quality blend of components, the naturally sourced ingredients in Performer 8 will impress. Volume pills are a close runner-up in this regard. Their long list of botanicals has roots in ancient Chinese and Ayurvedic medicines.
Customer service
Winner: Performer 8
If you're keeping up, you'll notice that this has been a clean sweep for Performer 8. In the customer service department, they're the only company offering a lifetime guarantee on their product. Others among our top picks offer 67- or 100-day guarantees, which are nothing to sneeze at either.
Performer 8 is also the only company with a fully functioning live chat feature that provides interaction with real humans on the other end. This is an undeniable convenience for products where nutritional questions can get complicated and require a back-and-forth.
How do male enhancement pills work?
Male enhancement pills combine various ingredients to improve sexual function, virility, and libido. They don't all work quite the same way because their ingredient lists can differ in subtle and dramatic ways. The best way to understand how a male enhancement pill might work is to look at its ingredients and consider how they might work together.
Here's a look at some key ingredients you'll find in many male enhancement pills:
This amino acid is a popular ingredient in male enhancement pills to help men get and maintain firm erections. It enables the body to produce nitric oxide, which increases blood flow to the penis. Some studies indicate that it can also improve libido and semen quality, at least in boars.
This ingredient is also called barrenwort or horny goat weed. Studies link it with improvements in testosterone levels, but it mainly increases libido. It also can act as a modest phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor — the same essential function as Viagra and Cialis.
Ginseng works on the body in several ways, modulating neuronal and hormonal systems and even increasing spermatogenesis. Studies show improvements in erectile strength and maintenance and overall libido.
Many studies link zinc with increased testosterone levels. Since men lose testosterone production as they age, supplementing with zinc and other testosterone-boosting ingredients can improve various sexual functions. It can also directly improve fertility.
Maca is a potent root that has ties to both sexual desire and stamina. But in addition to potentially boosting libido and fertility, it can also positively affect mood and blood pressure.
There is evidence that this botanical extract can relax the corpus cavernosum — the chambers that fill with blood during an erection. That relaxation allows for better blood flow, resulting in more reliable, stronger erections. It also contains sterols, which are the building blocks of our sex hormones, so it may increase testosterone production.
You'll find this ingredient in many male enhancement pills and testosterone supplements. Research into it can be contradictory, with some studies purporting considerable benefits to blood sugar and sexual health and others coming up inconclusive. At this point, we can't recommend a pill that revolves around it as a primary ingredient, but its presence shouldn't necessarily be a detriment.
This is one of the most reliable testosterone-boosting ingredients you'll find in men's supplements. It isn't in enough male enhancement pills, but you should take note when it is. Ashwagandha has significant effects on testosterone production, but it's also remarkably good at regulating stress and anxiety. So, if your performance issues have you feeling tense, this could play two essential roles in fixing the problem.
Claims around MSM's ability to grow your penis or cure erectile dysfunction are significantly overblown. There is little clinical evidence to support it, though there is some oblique evidence linking sulfur (which you can derive from MSM) to the relaxation of the corpus cavernosum.
Some companies include a black pepper extract, sometimes labeled under the brand name Bioperine. Studies show it can increase your body's ability to take in more nutrients from a given supplement. It doesn't have direct benefits to male sexual health, but it may increase the degree to which a given pill works.
As you can see, several ingredients in male enhancement pills are there to address low testosterone directly. If you have any reason to belive that your problems in the bedroom are related to low T, we recommend taking a testosterone test. Fortunately, they are easier to take than ever, with inexpeneive and accurate at-home tests available from a number of reputable companies.
You can find the best test to fit your needs by visiting our guide to the best at-home testosterone test.
Are male enhancement pills safe?
Some male enhancement pills are perfectly safe. We've done our best to bring you a collection that meets a high bar for safety and minimal adverse effects. But not all male enhancement pills are safe, and there are ingredients in some of the safest options that might pose a danger to you. Take a close look at the ingredients in the pills you have your eye on, and talk to your doctor first to make sure there are no unexpected risks to your health or potential contraindications with any of your current medications.
Performer 8
After thoroughly testing and researching available products, we found that the best male enhancement pills in 2022 are Performer 8. Performer 8 has a clean, effective suite of nine ingredients, each boasting clinical studies supporting their efficacy. It has an outstanding safety profile even as these ingredients treat male sexual performance issues from multiple angles. It's the only supplement in our guide containing ashwagandha, an extract that studies show can significantly increase testosterone levels. Performer 8 also boasts the highest doses of ginseng and muira puama of any pills that made our cut.
The company prices pills fairly, is ready to help you at the drop of a hat, and offers the most extended money-back guarantee of anything in its class.
Performer 8 complete ingredients list:
- Ashwagandha 500 mg
- Maca root extract 30 mg
- Muira puama 3,000 mg
- Ferrous bisglycinate 12 mg
- Panax ginseng 6,000 mg
- Barrenwort 1,000 mg
- Pine bark extract 300 mg
- Glucuronolactone 600 mg
- Grape seed extract 30 mg
Performer 8 pricing
You can purchase Performer 8 in 1-, 3-, and 6-month supplies.
- One-month supply: $64.99
- Three-month supply: $129.99
- Six-month supply: $194.99
The monthly cost at the highest subscription level is $32.50.
Shipping from Performer 8 is free and takes about a week.
Money-back guarantee
Performer 8 has the best guarantee among its peers. If you're unsatisfied at any point in the process, you can return it for a full refund. You'll be responsible for return shipping.
Male Extra
One of Male Extra's most important ingredients is vitamin B3, also known as niacin. This ingredient has a litany of health benefits, many of which begin with its ability to provide cellular energy. Combined with zinc and L-arginine for a hearty boost in testosterone, you've got a daily pill that can improve your overall well-being as well as your sexual health.
One controversial ingredient in Male Extra is methyl sulfonyl methane. Simply put, this provides the body with sulfur, which some people proclaim has multiple sexual benefits. Our research team couldn't find enough information to substantiate this claim, at least not until more research goes into it.
Male Extra complete ingredient list:
- Vitamin B3 18 mg
- Zinc 14 mg
- L-arginine hydrochloride 600 mg
- Pomegranate extract 500 mg
- Methyl sulfonyl methane 100 mg
- L-Methionine 100 mg
- Cordyceps mushroom powder 25 mg
Male Extra pricing
Male Extra is available in 1-, 3-, 5-, and 12-month supplies. Any shipment of three or more months comes with increasing amounts of the company's Pro Erection gel.
- One-month supply: $59.95
- Three-month supply: $119.95
- Five-month supply: $179.95
- Twelve-month supply: $359.95
At the highest bulk quantity, the cost for one month is $30.
Shipping from Male Extra is free at any level. Learn more about the product in our full review.
Male Extra money-back guarantee
Male Extra offers a 100-day money-back guarantee. This allows you to try the product for up to three months and still have over a week to get your refund request in. It's one of the more generous guarantees out there. Our testers found that the maximum benefits of some of these products could take several weeks to kick in, so having that extra time to get a good sense of its efficacy is nice.
Max Performer
Equal parts of horny goat weed, maca, cordyceps, and ginseng make Max Performer an intelligent choice for a broad demographic. It can address issues with testosterone, erectile strength, and fertility. But it falls a little short on the overall quantity of several ingredients, especially its zinc. They also offer the same money-back guarantee you see from Male Extra: 100 days.
Max Performer complete ingredient list:
- Horny Goat Weed 1,000 mg
- Maca 1,000 mg
- Cordyceps 1,000 mg
- Korean Red Ginseng 1,000 mg
- Bioperine 15 mg
- Selenium 120 mcg
- Zinc 24 mg
- Pantothenic Acid 40 mg
- Pyridoxine HCl 10 mg
- Iron 14 mg
- Niacin 32 mg
- Riboflavin 10 mg
- Cyanocobalamin 10 mg
Max Performer pricing
You can purchase Max Performer in 1-, 3-, 6-, and 12-month supplies.
- One-month supply: $69
- Three-month supply: $138
- Six-month supply: $200
- Twelve-month supply: $360
For a 12-month supply, the cost per month is $30.
Shipping with Max Performer is fast and free. You can learn more about the experience by visiting our full review.
Leading Edge Health
Leading Edge Health isn't a branded male enhancement pill, but it's the parent company behind four of the pills on our list: Semenax, Volume Pills, VigRX Plus, and ExtenZe.
This is no indictment of the products. If anything, the opposite is true. These are all great performers in their own right, and their respective ingredients lists show that each is designed with a particular goal or type of man in mind.
We'll get into each in a moment, but first, you should know that all four supplements have the same 67-day money-back guarantee. The idea is to give you one week past the two-month point to see whether the supplement works for you and initiate a refund if it doesn't. You'll pay return shipping, but your entire purchase price will come back to you.
Each site runs one the same inconsistently attended chat server. If you get through to an agent, it would be wise to let them know which product you're asking about, as they might give you an answer for the wrong one.
Semenax
Semenax has one of the most comprehensive ingredients lists in our guide. Some of these ingredients offer benefits for erectile strength and maintenance, but the formula does particularly well at increasing the quantity and fertility of semen. The zinc should also work to raise testosterone levels, which can have a positive ripple effect throughout your sexual health.
Semenax complete ingredients list:
- Swedish pollen flower 50 mg
- L-arginine HCL 250 mg
- L-lysine 250 mg
- Epimedium leaf 150 mg
- L-carnitine 500 mg
- Zinc 30 mg
- Catuaba bark 200 mg
- Maca 400 mg
- Pumpkin seed 30 mg
- Vitamin E 60 IU
- Pine bark extract 300 mg
- Muira puama 100 mg
- Hawthorn berry 50 mg
- Cranberry 50 mg
- Avena sativa extract 50 mg
- Sarsaparilla 50 mg
- Butea superba 500 mg
- Tribulus terrestris 50 mg
Semenax pricing
You can purchase Semenax in 1-, 3-, 6-, and 12-month supplies for the following prices:
- 1-month supply (normally $80): $60 using INNERBODY35, reducing your cost by 35%.
- 3-month supply (normally $240): $132 using INNERBODY45, lowering your cost by 45%.
- 6-month supply (normally 480): $264 using INNERBODY45 – a 45% discount.
- 12-month supply (normally $960): $384 using INNERBODY60 – you save 60%.
The cost per month at the highest shipping tier is $33.33.
Shipping from Semenax is not free.
- 7-10-day: $7.99
- 2-3-day: $14.99
- Overnight: $36.99
For more information, check out our comprehensive review.
VigRX Plus
VigRX Plus comes from a brand that offers a slew of male sexual health products, including pills designed exclusively for fertility and sprays and wipes to help men overcome premature ejaculation. Their VigRX Plus is a well-rounded supplement with unique ingredients like Cuscuta extract.
VigRX Plus is one of just three formulas in our guide to employ Bioperine, a black pepper extract that can increase your uptake of the supplement's other ingredients.
VigRX Plus complete ingredients list:
- Damiana 200 mg
- Epimedium leaf extract 15 mg
- Asian red ginseng 100 mg
- Muira pauma bark extract 50 mg
- Tribulus terrestris 150 mg
- Cuscuta extract 50 mg
- Hawthorne berry 100 mg
- Catuaba bark extract 25 mg
- Saw palmetto 100 mg
- Ginkgo Biloba 100 mg
- Bioperine 10 mg
VigRX Plus pricing
VigRX is available in 1-, 3-, 5-, and 12-month supplies.
- 1-month supply (normally $90): $59 using INNERBODY35, saving you 35%.
- 3-month supply (normally $270): $149 using INNERBODY45, a 45% discount.
- 5-month supply (normally $450): $248 using INNERBODY45 - you save 45%.
- 12-month supply (normally $1,070): $428 using INNERBODY60 - you save 60%.
The cost per month at the highest shipping tier is $45.
Shipping from VigRX costs the following:
- 7-10-day: $5.99
- 2-3-day: $14.99
- Overnight: $36.99
We’ve got a full review of VigRX Plus where you can learn more.
Volume Pills
There's already a fair amount of crossover between eastern medicine and the ingredients in many male enhancement products. But Volume Pills take this approach to the next level, loading their supplement with some well-known and lesser-known botanicals from China, Korea, and other parts of the East.
Other than zinc, none of the ingredients in Volume Pills found their way into our earlier breakdown of common male enhancement components. Still, they're worth exploring. Solidin, for example, is a dopamine precursor that may increase your pleasure during sexual activity. Dong chong xia cao is a mushroom with numerous health benefits similar to cordyceps seen in other pills. And emblica officinalis is an Indian fruit from ayurvedic medicine that can boost nitric oxide production.
Volume Pills complete ingredients list:
- Solidin
- Rou Gui
- Ku Gua
- 4, 5, 7 Trihydroxyflavone
- Arjuna
- Dong Chong Xia Cao
- Zinc gluconate
- Ling Zhi
- Xian Mao
- Tian Men Dong
- Drilizen
- Fucus Vesiculosus
- Hong Hua Fen
- Emblica Officinalis
Volume Pills pricing
You can purchase Volume Pills in 1-, 2-, 3-, 6-, and 12-month supplies for the following prices:
- 1-month supply (normally $80): $56 using INNERBODY30 – you save 30%.
- 2-month supply (normally $160): $96 using INNERBODY40 – you save 40%.
- 3-month supply (normally $240): $144 using INNERBODY40 – you save 40%.
- 6-month supply (normally $480): $216 using INNERBODY55 – a 55% discount.
- 12-month supply (normally $960): $288 using code INNERBODY70 – a 70% discount!
At the highest level, the monthly cost of Volume Pills is $29.08.
Shipping costs for Volume Pills are as follows:
- 7-10-day: $5.99
- 2-3-day: $14.99
- Overnight: $36.99
Check out our comprehensive review of Volume Pills.
ExtenZe
ExtenZe was one of the first male enhancement pills to gain national attention. That was thanks in large part to a television ad campaign that featured some not-so-subtle references to the size of a man's golf club.
ExtenZe was at the heart of some controversy through the FDA. This was due to low levels of sildenafil, the generic form of viagra, showing up in tested samples. The cause of this was simple: The FDA had gotten a hold of counterfeit ExtenZe. The real thing does not contain anything other than what it clearly states on its ingredients list.
Unfortunately, the quantities of those clearly stated ingredients remain a mystery. Leading Edge Health withholds the exact ratio of ingredients in ExtenZe for what they claim are proprietary reasons. That makes it difficult to measure its efficacy and safety against other offerings on the market. Still, it's been around long enough without too much controversy, so if certain of its components speak to you, it may be worth a try.
ExtenZe complete ingredients list:
- Tribulus Terrestris
- DHEA (98%)
- Yohimbe Extract
- Pregnenolone
- Korean Ginseng Extract
- L-Arginine Hydrochloride
- Velvet Bean Extract
- Chrysin
- Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid - GABA
- Niacin
- Cnidium Extract
- Tongkat Ali Extract
- Damiana
- Barrenwort Extract
- Licorice Extract
- Muira Puama Extract
- Astragalus Extract
- Black Pepper
ExtenZe pricing
ExtenZe is available in a 1-, 2-, 3-, or 6-month supply:
- For a 1-month supply, use INNERBODY15 to get 15% off.
- For a 2-month supply, use INNERBODY25 and enjoy a 25% discount.
- For a 3- or 6-month supply, use INNERBODY30 to reduce your price by 30%.
At the highest level, the monthly cost of ExtenZe is $41.66.
Shipping costs for ExtenZe are as follows:
- 7-10-day: $5.99
- 2-3-day: $14.99
- Overnight: $36.99
For more about ExtenZe, visit our full review.
Frequently asked questions about male enhancement
Alternatives to male enhancement pills
If the ingredients lists for the products above don’t thrill you or you’re interested in finding non-medicinal means to improve your sexual performance, there are reliable alternatives out there. Here’s a brief look at some of your best alternative options.
Testosterone boosters
Male enhancement pills and testosterone boosters share a lot of ingredients. But testosterone boosters often contain fewer components that target erection strength and semen quality. They also tend to center on one or two testosterone-specific ingredients you won't often find in male enhancement products such as D-Aspartic acid.
For a thorough look, consult our comprehensive guide to the best testosterone boosters on the market.
Penis extenders
If you're looking to male enhancement products to increase the size of your penis, a penis extender would be an option with fewer potential side effects. Admittedly, they're a lot more tedious to use than popping a couple of pills in the morning, but the results are impressive.
Penis extenders gradually create microtears in the penile tissue, not unlike the muscular tears you create by lifting weights. Over time, those tears heal and add tissue to the penis. But with penis extension (unlike time at the gym) gains can be permanent.
Penis extender studies also show that participants experience an easier time attaining and maintaining erections and that those erections are harder. You won't see the ancillary benefits of boosted semen levels or increased energy and mental focus like you might with male enhancement pills. Still, if the other results are what you're after, these might be a great choice.
Check out our guide to the best penis extender for more information.
