Monster vs. NOS
Monster wins clearly: an average Shark Score of 75 to 67 across the 35 and 4 drinks we've rated. Small sample alert: we've rated only 4 NOS drinks so far. The best Monster we've had is Monster Ultra Gold (91); the best NOS is NOS Nitro Mango (80).
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Monster vs. NOS by the numbers
| Measure | Monster | NOS |
|---|---|---|
| Average Shark Score | 75Edge | 67 |
| Drinks rated | 35 | 4 |
| Scored 80 or higher | 12 (34%)Edge | 1 (25%) |
| Best drink | Monster Ultra Gold (91)Edge | NOS Nitro Mango (80) |
| Average taste0–10 | 7.6Edge | 6.6 |
| Average kick0–10 | 5.9Edge | 3.5 |
| Average look0–10 | 7.5Edge | 6.2 |
| Caffeine per canmedian (range) | 160 mg (137–200) | 160 mg (145–160) |
| Caffeine per fl ozmedian | 9.6 mg | 10 mg |
| Zero-sugar drinks | 11 of 35 | 0 of 4 |
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 Monster against the top-rated NOS.
| Measure |  Monster Ultra Gold |  NOS Nitro Mango |
|---|---|---|
| Shark Score | 91Edge | 80 |
| Look | 9.6/10Edge | 5.3/10 |
| Taste | 9.2/10Edge | 8.5/10 |
| Kick | 6.5/10Edge | 4.3/10 |
| Caffeine | 150 mg | 145 mg |
| Can size | 16 fl oz | 16 fl oz |
| Caffeine per fl oz | 9.4 mg | 9.1 mg |
| Zero sugar | Yes | No |
| Buy | Price for Monster Ultra Gold | Price for NOS Nitro Mango |
The originals
Monster Energy Drink vs. NOS Original: the cans most people mean when they say “Monster or NOS.”
| Measure |  Monster Energy Drink |  NOS Original |
|---|---|---|
| Shark Score | 70 | 74Edge |
| Look | 7.7/10 | 9/10Edge |
| Taste | 7.1/10Edge | 5.4/10 |
| Kick | 5.9/10Edge | 2.7/10 |
| Caffeine | 160 mg | 160 mg |
| Can size | 16 fl oz | 16 fl oz |
| Caffeine per fl oz | 10 mg | 10 mg |
| Zero sugar | No | No |
| Buy | Price for Monster Energy Drink | Price for NOS Original |
Top 5 of each
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
Monster vs. NOS questions
Is Monster better than NOS?
Monster wins clearly: an average Shark Score of 75 to 67 across the 35 and 4 drinks we've rated. Small sample alert: we've rated only 4 NOS drinks so far. The best Monster we've had is Monster Ultra Gold (91); the best NOS is NOS Nitro Mango (80).
Which has more caffeine, Monster or NOS?
A typical Monster and a typical NOS both have 160 mg of caffeine per can. The strongest Monster we've rated is Java Monster Cold Brew Sweet Black (200 mg in 16 fl oz); the strongest NOS is NOS Original (160 mg in 16 fl oz). Can sizes differ, so compare caffeine per fluid ounce too: 9.6 mg vs. 10 mg (median).
What's the best Monster flavor? And the best NOS?
By Shark Score, the best Monster is Monster Ultra Gold (91) and the best NOS is NOS Nitro Mango (80). See every Monster drink ranked and every NOS drink ranked.
Which has more sugar-free options, Monster or NOS?
Of the drinks we've rated, 11 of 35 Monster drinks and 0 of 4 NOS drinks are zero sugar. Formulas change, so check the can.
Original Monster or original NOS: which is better?
Monster Energy Drink scores 70 and NOS Original scores 74, so the original NOS wins. Caffeine: 160 mg in 16 fl oz vs. 160 mg in 16 fl oz.