Monster vs 5-hour Energy Extra Strength: which has more caffeine?

5-hour Energy Extra Strength has more caffeine than Monster on both counts: 230mg per 1.93 oz shot against 160mg per 16 oz can, and about 119mg per fluid ounce against 10. The serving sizes differ, so the table below shows both ways of counting.

Monster vs 5-hour Energy Extra Strength: the numbers

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

The concentration gap is the striking part: 5-hour Energy Extra Strength packs roughly 12 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 when you want the lighter dose or a slower ramp, and 5-hour Energy Extra Strength 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: the full caffeine guide
• 5-hour Energy Extra Strength: the full caffeine guide
• The verified caffeine database
• Every drink compared: the comparisons index

FAQ

Does Monster or 5-hour Energy Extra Strength have more caffeine? 5-hour Energy Extra Strength: 230mg per 1.93 oz shot versus 160mg per 16 oz can for Monster.

Which is stronger per ounce? 5-hour Energy Extra Strength, at about 119.2mg per fluid ounce versus 10.0mg for Monster.