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Liquid IV vs C4 Performance Energy at CVS: Which Electrolyte Is Better?

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SLF Electrolyte Comparison · 2026

Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier

Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier

★★★★★4.6/5

Hot-Weather Endurance · Everyday Hydration · Exercise & Workouts

Check Price at CVSRead full review ↗
VS
C4 Performance Energy

C4 Performance Energy

★★★★☆4.0/5

Everyday Hydration · Exercise & Workouts · Keto & Low-Carb

Check Price at CVSRead full review ↗
🏆 Overall Winner

Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier

Best overall data score for this matchup based on formula, value, rating, and intended use.

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Explore Both Brands

Continue to the full Brand Hubs for products, flavors, buying guides, and every published comparison.

🏆Overall WinnerLiquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier
💧Highest SodiumLiquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier
◆Lowest SugarLiquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier
🏷Best ValueLiquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier
🏃Best for EnduranceLiquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier
★Top RatedLiquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier
▤

At a Glance

A quick side-by-side look at nutrition, value, and overall performance.

FeatureLiquid I.V. Hydration MultiplierC4 Performance Energy🏆 Edge
💧Sodium500 mg40 mgLiquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier
🌿Potassium350 mg20 mgLiquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier
MgMagnesiumNot listedNot listedTie
◆Sugar11.0 g0.0 gLiquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier
🔥Calories4510C4 Performance Energy
🍃SweetenerCane SugarSucralose; Acesulfame PotassiumPreference
🏷Cost per serving$0.96$3.19Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier
★SLF rating★★★★★4.6/5★★★★☆4.0/5Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier
🌿

Functional Ingredients

Additional active or performance-oriented ingredients recorded in the SLF database.

Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier

  • Cellular Transport Technology® (CTT®)DextroseVitamin CB VitaminsAllantoin

Liquid IV is a strong performance-ready, clean-label choice for travel, exercise, heat, general hydration, but it is less compelling for strict keto diets or…

C4 Performance Energy

  • Caffeine 200 mg
  • CarnoSyn beta-alanine
  • BetaPower betaine anhydrous
  • Vitamin B12 6 mcg

Good performance-energy option; weak choice for electrolyte replacement.

Key Differences

The most meaningful data-backed differences in this matchup.

Higher SodiumMajor difference

Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier

500 mg+460 mg40 mg

Why it matters: Higher sodium can better replace larger sweat losses during prolonged exercise or heat.

Lower SugarMajor difference

C4 Performance Energy

11.0 g−11.0 g0.0 g

Why it matters: Lower sugar may suit people prioritizing reduced-sugar hydration.

Better ValueMajor difference

Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier

$0.96−$2.23$3.19

Why it matters: A lower cost per serving can make frequent use more practical.

More PotassiumMajor difference

Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier

350 mg+330 mg20 mg

Why it matters: Potassium supports fluid balance and normal muscle function.

Broader Functional ProfileMajor difference

C4 Performance Energy

1 listed+3 ingredients4 listed

Why it matters: A broader functional-ingredient profile may appeal to users seeking vitamins or carbohydrate-assisted hydration.

◉

Who Should Choose Each Product?

Use these guidelines to find the best fit for your hydration needs and lifestyle.

Choose Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier if…

  • Hot-Weather Endurance
  • Everyday Hydration
  • Exercise & Workouts
  • Recovery
  • Travel
  • Heat & Outdoor Work

Liquid IV is a strong performance-ready, clean-label choice for travel, exercise, heat, general hydration, but it is less compelling for strict keto diets or those avoiding added sugar.

Choose C4 Performance Energy if…

  • Everyday Hydration
  • Exercise & Workouts
  • Keto & Low-Carb
  • Pre Workout Energy
  • Gym Sessions
  • Active Adults
  • And Shoppers Wanting A Zero Sugar Energy Drink.
  • Energy

Good performance-energy option; weak choice for electrolyte replacement.

Pros and Considerations

Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier

✓ Strengths

  • Substantial sodium supports exercise and hot-weather hydration
  • Provides meaningful potassium
  • Competitive cost per serving

● Keep in Mind

  • Contains 11.0 g sugar per serving
  • Magnesium amount is not disclosed in the current SLF record

C4 Performance Energy

✓ Strengths

  • Moderate sodium level suits everyday hydration needs
  • Sugar-free formula
  • Third-party sport certification is reported
  • Fits keto and low-carbohydrate lifestyles

● Keep in Mind

  • Magnesium amount is not disclosed in the current SLF record
  • Premium cost per serving
🎯 SLF Recommendation
Overall Winner

Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier

SLF scoring considers nutrition, formula, price, certifications, intended use, and value.

Why it earns the edge

  • Substantial sodium supports exercise and hot-weather hydration
  • Provides meaningful potassium
  • Competitive cost per serving

Choose C4 Performance Energy instead if you:

  • Everyday Hydration
  • Exercise & Workouts
  • Keto & Low-Carb
  • Pre Workout Energy
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Choose Your Electrolyte

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Frequently Asked Questions

Data-backed answers based on the current SLF product records.

Which has more sodium?

Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier contains 500 mg of sodium per serving, compared with 40 mg. Higher sodium may be more useful when replacing larger sweat losses during prolonged exercise or hot conditions.

Which has less sugar?

Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier has less sugar at 11.0 g per serving, versus 0.0 g. This may matter for people limiting added sugar.

Which is less expensive per serving?

Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier is currently less expensive at $0.96 per serving, compared with $3.19. Pricing can change by retailer and package size.

What functional ingredients does each product include?

Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier lists Cellular Transport Technology® (CTT®)DextroseVitamin CB VitaminsAllantoin. C4 Performance Energy lists Caffeine 200 mg, CarnoSyn beta-alanine, BetaPower betaine anhydrous, Vitamin B12 6 mcg. Functional ingredients supplement the core electrolyte profile but do not automatically make one product better for every use.

Which product is better overall?

Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier earns the higher SLF comparison score based on the available formula, value, rating, and intended-use data. C4 Performance Energy may still be the better fit when its specific use cases align more closely with your needs.

Nutrition facts, pricing, and availability can change. Verify the current label before purchasing. This comparison is informational and is not medical advice.

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