5-hour Energy Extra Strength has more caffeine than Red Bull on both counts: 230mg per 1.93 oz shot against 80mg per 8.4 oz can, and about 119mg per fluid ounce against 10. The serving sizes differ, so the table below shows both ways of counting.
Red Bull vs 5-hour Energy Extra Strength: the numbers
| Red Bull | 5-hour Energy Extra Strength | |
|---|---|---|
| Caffeine per serving | 80mg per 8.4 oz can | 230mg per 1.93 oz shot |
| Caffeine per fl oz | 9.5mg | 119.2mg |
| Servings to reach 400mg (FDA context) | 5.0 | 1.7 |
Sources: Red Bull's figure is verified in our Red Bull caffeine guide against Red Bull label / 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 13 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 Red Bull 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
- Red Bull: 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 Red Bull or 5-hour Energy Extra Strength have more caffeine? 5-hour Energy Extra Strength: 230mg per 1.93 oz shot versus 80mg per 8.4 oz can for Red Bull.
Which is stronger per ounce? 5-hour Energy Extra Strength, at about 119.2mg per fluid ounce versus 9.5mg for Red Bull.
Comparing caffeine? The caffeine comparison tool puts hundreds of drinks side by side, and the caffeine curfew calculator can check your cutoff time for tonight.