Omega-3 supplements are an easy way to get essential fatty acids like eicosapentaenoic acid, commonly known as EPA, and docosahexaenoic acid, which is typically referred to as DHA. Why are these fatty acids so important? They can help support heart and brain health, and reduce inflammation.
The American Heart Association recommends eating two servings of fatty fish (like anchovies, mackerel, salmon, or sardines) each week, but for people who don’t get enough omega-3s from food, a supplement can be useful. And let’s face it: Sometimes during busy work weeks, cooking can fall by the wayside. So we set out to find the best omega-3 supplement for people who could use the shortcut.
Best Omega-3 Supplements of 2026
- Best Omega-3 Supplement Overall: Ritual Omega-3
- Best Omega-3 Supplement for Women: Needed Prenatal Omega-3
- Best Omega-3 Supplement for Brain Support: Transparent Labs Omega-3
- Best Affordable Omega-3 Supplement: Nutricost Omega-3
- Best Omega-3 for Inflammation: Luma Nutrition Omega-3
Best Omega-3 Supplement Comparison Table
Ritual Omega-3
Price
$33.00Form
CapsuleQuantity
30Serving Size
1 capsuleOmega-3 Source
Microalgae
An excellent overall omega-3 supplement sourced from microalgae
A vegan option with no fishy taste
- No fishy taste
- Vegan option
- Easy instructions
- Translucent packaging
- Lower dosage
- Some may not like the citrus scent
Our Thoughts on Ritual Omega-3
Ritual’s omega-3 supplement is sourced from microalgea, making it an excellent vegan option. And its 500-milligram dose offers a 2:1 ratio of DHA to EPA with “minimal burp-back.”
Our tester, Pete, tried this supplement and had positive feedback overall. He did first note that the supplement container is clear plastic, not a non-translucent option. Pete explained, “From a practical standpoint, fish oil is sensitive to light, and prolonged exposure can cause oxidation and rancidity—which is why most fish oils come in an amber or non-translucent container.”
When it came time to actually take the supplement, Pete did so as instructed without issue. He gave the product a 5 out of 5 for its easy-to-follow instructions, and a 3 out of 5 for how easy the capsules were to swallow.
He also said there was a “strong citrus scent” when he opened the container and a potential fishy smell. Pete said, “As far as taste, you do get a hint of that citrus flavor but overall it’s fairly tasteless and definitely no fishy taste or aftertaste.” He gave a 3 out of 5 for how it tasted.
Pete thought this was a great overall supplement, saying, “Ritual’s omega-3 supplement stands out from many others on the market because it’s not a fish oil. It’s a vegan, algae-derived omega-3,” though he notes that the dosage “is on the lower end of the spectrum compared to other omega-3 supplements.” But he liked that this product is third-party tested, is sourced from microalgae, and uses patented technology to reduce oxidation and fishiness in taste and smell.
Best Omega-3 Supplement for Women: Needed Prenatal Omega-3
Needed Prenatal Omega-3
Price
$29.99Form
SoftgelQuantity
60Serving Size
2 softgelsOmega-3 Source
Fish
Our tester appreciated the neutral flavor and clear instructions
A third-party tested omega-3 supplement for pregnant women
- Clear instructions
- No fishy flavor
- Third-party tested
- Thin film on supplements
- Not the easiest to swallow
- Slight odor
Our Thoughts on Needed Prenatal Omega-3
Needed’s omega-3 includes 1,000 mg of DHA and EPA per serving, which the company says is two times more than most prenatal omega-3s. This prenatal omega-3 supplement is designed to both maternal mood and a baby’s brain development.
Ann, our tester, tried Needed’s omega-3 prenatal supplement. She first noted that everything on the label was easy to read. “When I took the protective seal off the bottle, it felt a little slimy,” she said. “Plus, inside the bottle doesn’t smell the best.”
The instructions said to take four soft gels with a meal. Ann said, “I like that the pills are softgels, but I think they are pretty big.” Ann gave the instructions themselves a 5 out of 5, but rated the product a 1 out of 5 for how easy the pillows were to swallow. Besides the large serving size, Ann also said there was a thin film around each of the pills.
Ann said the pills didn’t have any taste, which she appreciated, and rated this supplement a 3 out of 5 for taste.
Overall, this tester had a positive experience taking these supplements, though she noted that she personally likes to store fish oil supplements in the refrigerator. And we’ve also reviewed general prenatal vitamins, if you’re looking for something that goes beyond omega-3s.
Best Omega-3 Supplement for Brain Support: Transparent Labs Omega-3
Transparent Labs Omega-3
Price
$39.99Form
SoftgelQuantity
120Serving Size
4 softgelsOmega-3 Source
Fish
Our tested like the DHA-heavy ratio, which is thought to be good for cognitive health
A high-potency fish oil with a neutral flavor
- High potency
- No fishy aftertaste
- Third-party tested
- Four soft gel serving size
- Formulation has more DHA than standard, which some may not prefer
- Not many online reviews yet
Our Thoughts on Transparent Labs Omega-3
Transparent Labs Omega‑3 fish oil has 3,000 milligrams of omega‑3 fatty acids (both EPA and DHA), which the company says helps support heart, brain, and joint health. The company also highlights that it includes no artificial additives.
Pete, our tester, tried this fish oil supplement. The instructions say adults should take four soft gels daily with a meal, and Pete reported that the soft gels “are your typical size for a fish oil supplement, roughly 1 inch in length and one-quarter of an inch wide.” Pete said he didn’t take all four capsules at once, however, instead taking two at one time and then two later. “I broke it up into two sets of two capsules to make swallowing them a bit easier,” he explained. The product earned a 5 out of 5 for its instructions, and a 1 out of 5 for how easy they were to swallow.
The softgels didn’t have any specific flavor and Pete called them “pretty tasteless,” with no fishy aftertaste. Pete rated them a 3 out of 5 for taste.
Pete called this product a “premium high-potency fish oil supplement,” noting that the dosage was “actually well above what you’d find in most standard fish oil supplements.” He did say the formula’s DHA-heavy ratio makes it well suited for those focusing on brain and cognitive health. Pete also said the VivoMega fish oil used in Transparent Lab’s omega-3 supplement is considered high quality, and that the “Friend of the Sea” certification means its tested for heavy metals and oxidation.
Best Affordable Omega-3 Supplement: Nutricost Omega-3
Nutricost Omega-3
Price
$26.97Form
SoftgelQuantity
120Serving Size
3 softgelsOmega-3 Source
Wild-caught fish
Our tester had nothing but praise for this budget pick
An effective dosage at a great price
- Lowest price in the lineup
- Effective dosage
- No fishy aftertaste
- Three-capsule serving size
- Not vegan-friendly
- Some reviewers mentioned fishy-tasting burps
Our Thoughts on Nutricost Omega-3
Nutricost says their omega-3 supplement is sourced from wild-caught fish, and delivers 2,500 milligrams of omega-3 fatty acids per serving. This supplement is also listed as being non-GMO, gluten-free, and third-party tested.
Our tester, Gwen, tried Nutricost’s omega-3 supplement and reported that the instructions were “very easy to read.” She noted that product comes in soft gel capsules, much like our other fish oil supplements. “You need to take three of them per serving, which is a lot for me. I already take other supplements, so adding three more pills is a little inconvenient,” she explained She rated this product a 5 out of 5 for its instructions, and a 3 out of 5 for how easy they were to swallow.
Gwen also added, “There’s no taste and I actually did not notice a strong fishy aftertaste, which is great!” She gave the product a 5 out of 5 for taste.
She said she started taking fish oil both for heart and skin health and has definitely noticed a difference in her skin. Gwen said, “Granted, I’ve implemented other new healthy habits recently, however I feel like my skin looks more elastic and fresher.” Overall, while she’d prefer that the serving size be fewer than three capsules, she appreciated that this product offers clinically backed dosage and is budget friendly.
Best Omega-3 for Inflammation: Luma Nutrition Omega-3
Luma Nutrition Omega-3
Price
$39.99Form
SoftgelQuantity
60Serving Size
2 softgelsOmega-3 Source
Purified deep-sea fish
Our tester commented on the impressive formulation
A solid fish oil supplement with an impressive potency
- High potency
- No fishy taste
- Reasonable cost
- Not the easiest to swallow
- $65 free shipping minimum
- Ingredient label also includes “highly refined soy”
Our Thoughts on Luma Nutrition Omega-3
Luma Nutrition’s omega-3 fish oil is marketed as a “high-potency EPA and DHA” supplement designed to support heart, brain, joint, and immune health. Each serving contains 2,000 milligrams of EPA and DHA combined, according to the company’s website, and the fish oil is sourced from purified deep-sea fish.
Pete, our tester, tried this fish oil. He first noted that the label was easy to read, with instructions to take two softgels daily with food. He gave a 5 out of 5 for the instructions.
The capsules were tasteless, and Pete said, “I didn’t notice any fishy smell or aftertaste.” He gave a 3 out of 5 for how easy they were to swallow, and a 3 out of 5 for taste as well.
Pete, a certified nutritionist, also examined the label and noted, “Luma Nutrition’s fish oil supplement delivers 2,500 mg of fish oil per serving with a combined 2,000 mg of EPA and DHA—this is an 80 percent concentration ratio, which is impressive and puts it ahead of a lot of competitors in terms of potency.” Overall, Pete said, this supplement offers a “meaningful daily dose” of omega-3s at a reasonable price point.
How We Tested and Selected the Best Omega-3 Supplements
No matter the supplement—whether multivitamins or collagen—there can be wide variation in supplement quality. Additionally, price isn’t necessarily an indicator of product quality. Here are the factors we paid attention to when testing omega-3 supplements.
Taste
Unlike vitamin D supplements, for instance, omega-3 supplements can have a distinct flavor (usually an unpleasant one). We looked at whether the supplements had a certain taste, especially any kind of fishy flavor.
Formula
As part of our testing process, we work with a registered dietitian to find the safest formulas. This ensures that product dosages are clinically supported and support the recommended daily values, and that products don’t contain any undesirable ingredients.
Potency
We looked at the quantity of omega-3 fatty acids in each product, examining each one to analyze the dose potency. We prioritized supplements that offered at least about 1.6 grams of total omega-3s per serving, which is the general recommended daily dose for adult men.
Third-Party Testing
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not approve dietary supplements for safety or efficacy, so ingredients and their amounts may be different from what’s on the label. For that reason, we look for products that have been third-party tested to confirm safety and accuracy.
Value
When examining products, we considered many different factors, but these were some of the most important for determining overall value.
How to Find the Best Omega-3 Supplements for You
When looking for an omega-3 supplement, here are some factors to think about.
Your Wellness Goals
Consider your own health goals as you choose a supplement. Why are you interested in starting an omega-3 supplement, and what benefits are you hoping to see? Make sure you have a clear idea of what you’re hoping for so you can choose the product best designed to support those goals.
Form
Everyone has different preferences, so make sure you choose a supplement that suits you, whether a capsule, soft gel, or something else.
Source
Different individuals have different dietary needs and preferences, so when shopping for an omega-3 supplement look at the source of the fatty acids. If you’re vegan, for example, you may prefer a supplement sourced from algae rather than fish or krill.
Cost
Supplements can be expensive, so think about your budget before buying. With so many omega-3 supplements on the market today, most people can find something in their preferred price range.
Benefits of Fish Oil
Here are some of the benefits of taking a high-quality fish oil supplement.
- May improve heart health: According to the National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements, research shows that eating fish and other types of seafood as part of a balanced diet promotes heart health, especially when it replaces less nutritious foods Additionally, fish oil and other omega-3 supplements may lower triglyceride levels and reduce the risk of some cardiovascular endpoints.
- May help with depression: A 2019 study showed that healthy dietary changes combined with fish oil supplements might help improve mental health in people with depression.
How to Take Fish Oil
The omega-3 supplements we tested for this article were all capsules or softgels, but fish oil can come in other forms, too, including liquids. Make sure to carefully read the instructions on the supplement container before consuming, and we also recommend checking with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.
What to Avoid in Fish Oil Supplements
We recommend ensuring any omega-3 supplement you’re considering includes only the ingredients you want, and not additional fillers or additives that may not be beneficial. We generally recommend avoiding:
- Unnecessary fillers like artificial colors or excessive binding ingredients
- Products that haven’t been third-party tested for safety or efficacy.
Frequently asked questions
Which brand of omega-3 is best?
The best omega-3 supplement depends on your own individual needs and preferences. However, we can say that you definitely want to choose one that’s third-party tested, and you want to make sure that the dosage offers the benefits you’re looking for. Finally, you also want to make sure the supplement source fits your dietary needs and preferences, including choosing a vegan source if you prefer a vegan diet.
Should you take fish oil with a statin?
While some sources say combining fish oil with a statin can be an effective combo, we always recommend consulting a healthcare professional before starting a new supplement. You want to make sure that a supplement is the right fit for you, but you also need to make sure any new supplement won’t interact with your existing supplements and medications.
What fish oil is good for autoimmune disease?
A 2024 review suggested that omega-3 fatty acids may be an effective adjunctive therapy for autoimmune disorders, especially in rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus, though further research is needed.
What should you not mix omega-3 with?
According to some sources, fish oil should not be taken with blood-thinning medications, NSAIDs like ibuprofen or aspirin, and certain supplements like ginkgo biloba. Fish oil supplements may also interact with blood pressure drugs. Make sure to check with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.
