IM8 vs AG1: the no-drama comparison (from someone who’s used both)

If you’re deciding between IM8 Daily Ultimate Essentials (full review) and AG1 Next Gen (full review), you’re basically choosing between two different philosophies.

On the one hand, IM8 is trying to be the “one scoop replaces a lot” option (more “stack replacement” energy).

And on the other hand, AG1 is trying to be the “foundational nutrition base” you build around (and it’s very explicit that some nutrients like D3+K2 live better as separate add-ons).

Here’s how I’d pick in 10 seconds:

• Pick IM8 Daily Ultimate Essentials if you want one daily drink that leans harder into “covers everything” convenience (and you like the idea of joint/hydration-style extras).
• Pick AG1 Next Gen if you want a more affordable route, with the most established routine fit, and with a longer money-back window.

What they are (and what they aren’t)

Both are daily powdered supplements designed to support “baseline” health: micronutrients, gut support, and generally feeling more consistent day to day. Neither is a meal replacement, and neither cancels out the basics (sleep, food quality, training load, sunlight, etc.). AG1 positions itself as a daily drink that can replace a multivitamin + probiotics + adaptogens “and more.”

Ingredient approach: stack replacement vs foundation base

IM8’s angle

IM8 markets 92 ingredients and frames it as a more “complete” all-in-one (greens, vitamins/minerals, gut support, plus extra functional bits like CoQ10/MSM).

They also highlight shelf-stable (no-fridge) probiotics, which matters if you travel or you’re just not the “I refrigerate powders” type.

AG1’s angle

AG1 talks less about “ingredient count” and more about 75+ ingredients and being a Foundational Nutrition habit.

AG1 also clearly states you should refrigerate the pouch/canister after opening because of live probiotics.

What I noticed after 30 days on each (real-life, not lab-life)

From my own use:

• With AG1 Next Gen, I noticed better digestion, more consistent energy, and fewer “low-energy slumps” when life got hectic.
• With IM8 Daily Ultimate Essentials, I noticed a steady lift in energy and focus, better digestion, and faster-feeling recovery during training.

If you’re reading this hoping for “instant rocket fuel,” neither feels like that.

For me it’s more about consistency: fewer off-days, less fog, less “why do I feel weird today?”

Taste and mixability (because if it tastes bad, you won’t stick with it)

IM8: more of an açaí/berry profile (very enjoyable to drink daily). IM8 also sells it hard on mixability and routine simplicity although i find both mix with water about the same.

AG1: subtle fruity/earthy vibe, mixes easily in cold water, and although it’s a “greens drink”, it tastes really nice. Not all greens powders are created equally, here are my favorites.

Digestion and stomach-friendliness

This is the big one for a lot of people.

• AG1 explicitly leans into gut support in its positioning, and it’s studied for gut outcomes.
• IM8 includes pre/pro/post-biotic messaging and positions itself as gut + whole body support (and again, no fridge needed makes it easier to stay consistent).

My practical tip either way: start with ½ serving for 3–4 days if you’ve got a sensitive stomach, then ramp up.

Evidence, quality testing, and “how much do I trust this?”

AG1

AG1 states the formula is backed by multiple clinical trials, and it markets clinically shown outcomes like nutrient gap closure and gut health support.

AG1 also offers a 90-day money-back guarantee, which is unusually generous in supplement land.

IM8

IM8 highlights third-party testing, and it prominently advertises a 30-day money-back guarantee.

They also position Essentials as “comprehensive daily nutrition” with 92 ingredients (their claim), which is the core pitch.

Storage and travel (this matters more than people admit)

• AG1: refrigerate after opening. Travel packs don’t need refrigeration, but the main pouch/canister does.
• IM8: designed around probiotics that don’t require refrigeration, which makes the routine simpler if you’re on the move.

If you’re traveling often, or you just want zero friction, this point alone pushes a lot of people toward IM8 but both offer travel pouches to solve this issue.

Price, subscriptions, and guarantees (actual numbers)

AG1 (official site pricing)

• $79/month subscription, $99 one-time
• 90-day money-back guarantee

IM8 Essentials (official site pricing)

• $89 every 4 weeks on subscription, and shows $112 as the non-sub price
• 30-day money-back guarantee
• IM8 also notes HSA/FSA purchasing options via Truemed-style reimbursement flow.

Price per serving (subscription):

• AG1: $79 / 30 ≈ $2.63
• IM8: $89 / 30 ≈ $2.97

So AG1 is usually a bit cheaper month to month, IM8 is usually a bit more “all-in-one” in its pitch.

How to choose (my simple decision guide)

Choose AG1 if:

• You want the longest risk-free trial window (90 days).
• You’re happy treating it like a foundational base (and possibly adding specific extras later).
• Refrigerating a pouch won’t annoy you.

Choose IM8 if:

• You want the most “one scoop replaces the stack” feel.
• You travel a lot and want no fridge logistics.
• You like the idea of a formula that’s trying to cover more bases in one go (including CoQ10/MSM positioning).

And if you’re the kind of person specifically chasing “longevity” pathways (NMN/senolytics etc.), that’s where IM8 Daily Ultimate Longevity comes in, because it’s a different product with a different goal.

Final verdict

If you want the most frictionless daily habit, IM8 often wins on routine simplicity (especially storage and the “all-in-one” feel).

BUT if you want the safest trial runway with a longer guarantee and a long-running foundational approach, AG1 is easier to recommend for most people.