Prime vs. Monster
Prime wins clearly: an average Shark Score of 83 to 75 across the 5 and 35 drinks we've rated. Small sample alert: we've rated only 5 Prime drinks so far. The best Prime we've had is PRIME Energy Drink Lemon Lime (90); the best Monster is Monster Ultra Gold (91). Prime hits harder: a typical can has 200 mg of caffeine to 160 mg.
No brand pays for placement. Links to retailers may earn us a commission. Learn more
Prime vs. Monster by the numbers
| Measure | Prime | Monster |
|---|---|---|
| Average Shark Score | 83Edge | 75 |
| Drinks rated | 5 | 35 |
| Scored 80 or higher | 3 (60%)Edge | 12 (34%) |
| Best drink | PRIME Energy Drink Lemon Lime (90) | Monster Ultra Gold (91)Edge |
| Average taste0–10 | 8Edge | 7.6 |
| Average kick0–10 | 8.8Edge | 5.9 |
| Average look0–10 | 6.5 | 7.5Edge |
| Caffeine per canmedian (range) | 200 mg (200–200) | 160 mg (137–200) |
| Caffeine per fl ozmedian | 16.7 mg | 9.6 mg |
| Zero-sugar drinks | 5 of 5 | 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 Prime against the top-rated Monster.
| Measure |  PRIME Energy Drink Lemon Lime |  Monster Ultra Gold |
|---|---|---|
| Shark Score | 90 | 91Edge |
| Look | 7.6/10 | 9.6/10Edge |
| Taste | 9.1/10 | 9.2/10Edge |
| Kick | 8/10Edge | 6.5/10 |
| Caffeine | 200 mg | 150 mg |
| Can size | 12 fl oz | 16 fl oz |
| Caffeine per fl oz | 16.7 mg | 9.4 mg |
| Zero sugar | Yes | Yes |
| Buy | Price for PRIME Energy Drink Lemon Lime | Price for Monster Ultra Gold |
Top 5 of each
Prime Energy
-
PRIME Energy Drink Lemon LimePRIME · 200 mg
Shark Score 90
-
PRIME Energy Drink Strawberry WatermelonPRIME · 200 mg
Shark Score 90
-
PRIME Energy Drink Tropical PunchPRIME · 200 mg
Shark Score 85
-
PRIME Energy Drink Blue RaspberryPRIME · 200 mg
Shark Score 75
-
PRIME Energy Drink Orange MangoPRIME · 200 mg
Shark Score 73
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
Prime vs. Monster questions
Is Prime better than Monster?
Prime wins clearly: an average Shark Score of 83 to 75 across the 5 and 35 drinks we've rated. Small sample alert: we've rated only 5 Prime drinks so far. The best Prime we've had is PRIME Energy Drink Lemon Lime (90); the best Monster is Monster Ultra Gold (91). Prime hits harder: a typical can has 200 mg of caffeine to 160 mg.
Which has more caffeine, Prime or Monster?
Prime does, on average: a median of 200 mg per can to 160 mg for Monster. The strongest Prime we've rated is PRIME Energy Drink Lemon Lime (200 mg in 12 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: 16.7 mg vs. 9.6 mg (median).
What's the best Prime flavor? And the best Monster?
By Shark Score, the best Prime is PRIME Energy Drink Lemon Lime (90) and the best Monster is Monster Ultra Gold (91). See every Prime drink ranked and every Monster drink ranked.
Which has more sugar-free options, Prime or Monster?
Of the drinks we've rated, 5 of 5 Prime drinks and 11 of 35 Monster drinks are zero sugar. Formulas change, so check the can.