C4 vs. Monster
C4 wins clearly: an average Shark Score of 84 to 75 across the 8 and 35 drinks we've rated. The best C4 we've had is C4 Black Cherry (92); the best Monster is Monster Ultra Gold (91). C4 hits harder: a typical can has 200 mg of caffeine to 160 mg.
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C4 vs. Monster by the numbers
| Measure | C4 | Monster |
|---|---|---|
| Average Shark Score | 84Edge | 75 |
| Drinks rated | 8 | 35 |
| Scored 80 or higher | 7 (88%)Edge | 12 (34%) |
| Best drink | C4 Black Cherry (92)Edge | Monster Ultra Gold (91) |
| Average taste0–10 | 8.4Edge | 7.6 |
| Average kick0–10 | 8.4Edge | 5.9 |
| Average look0–10 | 6.9 | 7.5Edge |
| Caffeine per canmedian (range) | 200 mg (200–200) | 160 mg (137–200) |
| Caffeine per fl ozmedian | 12.5 mg | 9.6 mg |
| Zero-sugar drinks | 8 of 8 | 11 of 35 |
Brand numbers cover only the drinks we've rated, so they can shift as we review more. “Edge” marks the better number where higher is better; caffeine is a preference, not a score.
Best vs. best
The top-rated C4 against the top-rated Monster.
| Measure |  C4 Black Cherry |  Monster Ultra Gold |
|---|---|---|
| Shark Score | 92Edge | 91 |
| Look | 7.8/10 | 9.6/10Edge |
| Taste | 9.4/10Edge | 9.2/10 |
| Kick | 7.9/10Edge | 6.5/10 |
| Caffeine | 200 mg | 150 mg |
| Can size | 16 fl oz | 16 fl oz |
| Caffeine per fl oz | 12.5 mg | 9.4 mg |
| Zero sugar | Yes | Yes |
| Buy | Price for C4 Black Cherry | Price for Monster Ultra Gold |
Top 5 of each
C4 Energy
-
C4 Black CherryC4 · 200 mg
Shark Score 92
-
C4 Twisted LimeadeC4 · 200 mg
Shark Score 91
-
C4 Frozen BombsicleC4 · 200 mg
Shark Score 89
-
C4 STARBURST StrawberryC4 · 200 mg
Shark Score 84
-
C4 Watermelon BurstC4 · 200 mg
Shark Score 83
Monster Energy
-
Monster Ultra GoldMonster · 150 mg
Shark Score 91
-
Monster Zero UltraMonster · 140 mg
Shark Score 90
-
Java Monster Cold Brew Sweet BlackMonster · 200 mg
Shark Score 88
-
Monster Rehab Tea RaspberryMonster · 160 mg
Shark Score 88
-
Monster Hydro Blue StreakMonster · 200 mg
Shark Score 87
C4 vs. Monster questions
Is C4 better than Monster?
C4 wins clearly: an average Shark Score of 84 to 75 across the 8 and 35 drinks we've rated. The best C4 we've had is C4 Black Cherry (92); the best Monster is Monster Ultra Gold (91). C4 hits harder: a typical can has 200 mg of caffeine to 160 mg.
Which has more caffeine, C4 or Monster?
C4 does, on average: a median of 200 mg per can to 160 mg for Monster. The strongest C4 we've rated is C4 Black Cherry (200 mg in 16 fl oz); the strongest Monster is Java Monster Cold Brew Sweet Black (200 mg in 16 fl oz). Can sizes differ, so compare caffeine per fluid ounce too: 12.5 mg vs. 9.6 mg (median).
What's the best C4 flavor? And the best Monster?
By Shark Score, the best C4 is C4 Black Cherry (92) and the best Monster is Monster Ultra Gold (91). See every C4 drink ranked and every Monster drink ranked.
Which has more sugar-free options, C4 or Monster?
Of the drinks we've rated, 8 of 8 C4 drinks and 11 of 35 Monster drinks are zero sugar. Formulas change, so check the can.