Monster Ultra (Zero Ultra) vs 5-hour Energy (regular): which has more caffeine?

5-hour Energy (regular) has more caffeine than Monster Ultra (Zero Ultra) on both counts: 200mg per 1.93 oz shot against 150mg per 16 oz can, and about 104mg per fluid ounce against 9. The serving sizes differ, so the table below shows both ways of counting.

Monster Ultra (Zero Ultra) vs 5-hour Energy (regular): the numbers

Sources: Monster Ultra (Zero Ultra)'s figure is verified in our Monster Ultra (Zero Ultra) caffeine guide against Caffeine Informer (source); 5-hour Energy (regular)'s figure is verified in our 5-hour Energy (regular) guide against 5-hour Energy facts page (source).

The concentration gap is the striking part: 5-hour Energy (regular) packs roughly 11 times the caffeine per ounce. Sipping speed matters at that density; a 1.93 oz shot finished in minutes hits differently than the same milligrams spread over a slow cup.

Which one should you pick?

Pick Monster Ultra (Zero Ultra) when you want the lighter dose or a slower ramp, and 5-hour Energy (regular) when you actually need the bigger hit and know your tolerance. If you are stacking either with other caffeinated drinks through the day, run the math against the 400mg reference rather than guessing.

For context, the FDA cites 400mg of caffeine a day as an amount generally not associated with negative effects in healthy adults. Tolerance and health vary, so treat these numbers as information, not advice.

Related reading

• Monster Ultra (Zero Ultra): the full caffeine guide
• 5-hour Energy (regular): the full caffeine guide
• The verified caffeine database
• Every drink compared: the comparisons index
• Compare any two of 120+ drinks

FAQ

Does Monster Ultra (Zero Ultra) or 5-hour Energy (regular) have more caffeine? 5-hour Energy (regular): 200mg per 1.93 oz shot versus 150mg per 16 oz can for Monster Ultra (Zero Ultra).

Which is stronger per ounce? 5-hour Energy (regular), at about 103.6mg per fluid ounce versus 9.4mg for Monster Ultra (Zero Ultra).