Advertising Sponsored by the sellers of MoveMD and MoveWell+
Your Guide To 2025's Highly Rated Joint Health Supplements
What you need to know about joint supplements + the best ingredients to look for + what to steer clear of
Advertiser Disclosure
As we age, it's not uncommon to feel increased discomfort in our joints. Rest, ice, and compression aren't cutting it anymore. If you’re one of the 55 million Americans dealing with ongoing, everyday stiffness and joint pain, you could be facing a deeper problem: bone-on-bone friction.
Here's what's happening inside your body:
Without enough protective cartilage, your joints are grinding together with every stride, and your body fights back with inflammation, leaving you with swelling and limited mobility that can hold you back from running, training, or doing what you love.
But there's hope—and it's more accessible than you think.
The right combination of smart nutrition, gentle movement, and targeted supplementation can provide the foundation your body needs to support cartilage restoration.
This means you can strengthen your joints, reclaim your mobility, and get back to living life on your terms—without the constant reminder of everyday pain.
.
A Quality Joint Supplement Can:
Reduce Everyday Joint Aches & Pains
Alleviate Stiffness & Achiness
Ease Exercise-Induced Joint Inflammation
Promote Cartilage Health
Increase Range of Motion
Improve Mobility & Flexibility
What To Expect From Quality Joint Supplements
Most quality joint supplements deliver initial relief within 30 days, but real transformation takes time. Studies show more than 30 days of consistent use is key to rebuilding cartilage and achieving lasting results. Here's what to expect:
Week One
Within just one week, you may notice less joint discomfort when you get up in the morning and go about your day. Your everyday joint aches and pains are less likely to hold you back.
Month One
As you continue to nourish your joints, you can expect a big improvement in your mobility, flexibility, and range of motion. You’ll also feel a greater reduction in your everyday joint pain.
Month Two and Beyond
This is when small shifts start adding up. As your flexibility and endurance return, you'll rediscover the freedom to enjoy your favorite activities without second-guessing every movement.
With so many joint health supplements crowding the market, how do you know which one will deliver results?
Smarter Reviews has compiled months of research about this emerging category. We’ll show you what to look for and what to avoid in a joint health supplement, and how it can help transform your health.
Why Do We Need Quality Ingredients?
The reality is, most joint supplements make big promises but deliver little relief. Finding a supplement that delivers results comes down to three key indicators: quality, clinically studied ingredients, and doctor-formulated.
Without these three critical factors, you're likely throwing money away.
Our research uncovered the most critical ingredients for real joint health results. Studies show that these nutrients reduce everyday joint pain, improve mobility, restore cartilage, promote cognitive health, enhance athletic performance, and support overall health.
Top Joint-Boosting Ingredients
Rich in collagen, the building block for healthy new joints.
The thin lining or membrane of the eggshell is loaded with naturally occurring collagen. While not all collagen works the same within the body, the collagen in eggshells— Types I, V, and X — is a safe, powerful option for joint discomfort and inflexibility.
Superior joint protection -- beats Glucosamine & Chondroitin.
Astaxanthin is a naturally occurring carotenoid commonly found in shellfish and red-colored vegetables. 2 Boasting powerful antioxidant abilities, it can help reduce oxidative stress and it’s clinically shown to aid joints. 3 Clinical tests show formulations that include astaxanthin may outperform Glucosamine and Chondroitin.4
Superior joint protection -- beats Glucosamine & Chondroitin.
Used in traditional remedies for thousands of years, this tree extract helps curb discomfort by moderating our bodies' natural inflammatory responses from exercise. Clinical studies show that certain types of boswellia can start significantly easing joint discomfort as early as 5 days. 5
Superior joint protection -- beats Glucosamine & Chondroitin.
Naturally produced by your body, hyaluronic acid is found in the synovial fluid of your joints. This fluid plays a vital role in joint health by lubricating the joints and decreasing friction during movement, which minimizes the likelihood of bone grinding and causing discomfort. Research shows that this ingredient is also effective in easing joint discomfort by helping to regulate inflammation within the joint space. 6
Superior joint protection -- beats Glucosamine & Chondroitin.
Containing the building blocks of joint cartilage, Type II Collagen helps reduce swelling, discomfort, and degradation in joints. It has been shown to aid connective tissue health, as well as improve comfort, mobility, and ease of motion. 7
Watch Out For
Extra Strength Vitamin D
Too much Vitamin D can lead to bone loss.
Vitamin D is a popular addition to joint supplements. While vitamin D is essential for various functions, including joint health, taking too much can lead to bone loss. It may not be a suitable addition for people already taking a multivitamin.
Chondroitin Sulfate
Safety and effectiveness can range from good to bad.
The quality, safety, and effectiveness of this common joint ingredient can vary greatly. That’s because there is no way to measure its quality and according to a report, its one of the most adulterated supplement ingredients on the market.
Unnecessary Fillers
These add-ons provide zero nutritional value.
Even when a joint supplement contains great ingredients, it’s also important to check the “other ingredients” within a formula. These add-ons can include artificial sweeteners, colors, preservatives, and other unnecessary additives that provide no nutritional value.
What Else To Consider
Only Researched Ingredients
So it can actually reduce joint discomfort and more.
It's the golden rule. Look for well-researched ingredients that can deliver powerful results
GMP Quality
Strict standards for purity, potency, and consistency.
Choosing a supplement manufactured under Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) guidelines is essential for ensuring safety, quality, and efficacy. GMP-manufactured supplements adhere to strict regulatory standards, guaranteeing that they are produced in a controlled environment with rigorous quality control measures. By selecting a supplement manufactured with GMP certification, you can have confidence in its purity, potency, and consistency, ultimately supporting your health and wellness goals with peace of mind.
Money-Back Guarantee
Shows a brand's confidence and faith in its health formula.
The best brands believe in their products and will allow you to try them completely risk-free with a comprehensive return policy.
Top 5 Joint Health Supplements Of 2025
Based on our own extensive research, the metrics provided by our Smarter Reviews Ranking System, and consideration of numerous reviews by Smarter Shoppers just like you, we've compiled a list of what we've found to be the top five products in this category, on the market today.
1. MoveMD®
.png)
Total Ranking
9.7/10
A+
Overall Grade
PROS
- Proud Partner of the Arthritis Foundation
- Zanthin® Natural Astaxanthin
- AprèsFlex® Boswellia serrata
- Type XIV Eggshell Membrane Collagen
- Type II Collagen
- Hyaluronic Acid
- No binders, fillers, or synthetic ingredients
- Formulated by a respected medical doctor
- Formulated with a lipid layer
- 90-day, risk-free, money-back, product guarantee
CONS
- Sold only in the U.S. and Canada
- Online only — not available in stores
The Bottom Line
MoveMD® by 1MD Nutrition® contains both powerful antioxidant Zanthin® Natural Astaxanthin and AprèsFlex® Boswellia serrata. This combination had 62% of users experiencing dramatic relief in just 12 weeks or less.^ Unlike most products containing these ingredients, both of these key ingredients are coated in lipids, providing maximum bioavailability, so they will make it into your bloodstream to support those seeking relief from everyday joint pain and overall joint health.
This supplement also contains eggshell membrane, type II collagens, and hyaluronic acid —strong ingredients known to nourish joints and support joint relief from stiffness and discomfort. There are no fillers, with ingredients that are 100% naturally sourced. It's also formulated by a doctor who specializes in joint health.
In addition, 1MD Nutirtion® is a proud partner of the Arthritis Foundation.
MoveMD comes with a 90-day, risk-free, money-back guarantee, which shows they truly stand behind their products.
^Based on a 2022 survey of 89 MoveMD repeat customers. Customers were compensated for their survey participation.
*Results are based on the Smarter Reviews Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.
2. MoveWell Plus
Total Ranking
9.2/10
A-
Overall Grade
PROS
- Zanthin® Natural Astaxanthin
- Hyaluronic Acid
- Antarctic Krill
- Extremely popular, with positive reviews
CONS
- Not backed by an MD
- New to the market
The Bottom Line
MoveWell Plus by Live Conscious ranks #2 on our list for its clinically proven joint relief formula. This joint health supplement is formulated with Antarctic Krill Oil, Hyaluronic Acid and highly bioavailable Zanthin® Natural Astaxanthin. MoveWell Plus contains no fillers or additives.
MoveWell Plus is your best bet if you're looking for relief from joint pain & greater mobility at a great price.
MoveWell Plus is also backed by a risk-free 365-day return policy. So if you're not happy with your purchase, you can return it for a full refund -- making them the obvious choice for our #2 pick.
*Results are based on the Smarter Reviews Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.
Learn More3. Move Free
By Schiff
Total Ranking
8.9/10
B+
Overall Grade
PROS
- Includes potent serving
- Backed by scientists
- 30-day return policy
CONS
- Lacks some important ingredients
- Contains Chondroitin Sulfate
- Contains shellfish
The Bottom Line
Move Free is our #3 joint health supplement. It contains Uniflex, a clinically tested mineral complex which supports joint health, as well as hyaluronic acid. This said, Move Free contains some ingredients we caution against: Glucosamine and Chondroitin. Move Free also fails to include Type II collagen, Type X.I.V. collagen, Boswellia, or astaxanthin.
Move Free contains a 30-day money-back guarantee, earning it a top spot on our list.
*Results are based on the Smarter Reviews Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.
4. EASE
Total Ranking
7.9/10
B-
Overall Grade
PROS
- Standard 1000 mg daily serving of pure extract
- Collagen UC-II®
- Gluten and GMO-free
- Extremely popular, with positive reviews
CONS
- Contains titanium dioxide
- Low potency per serving
The Bottom Line
Osteobiflex Ease secures the #4 spot in our top five list. This joint health supplement contains natural boswellia extract and type II collagen. It gets high marks in both product safety and overall effectiveness. Unfortunately, the amount per serving of each of these ingredients wasn't as potent as some of our other picks and didn't include any of the other ingredients we recommend on its list of ingredients. Of more concern is the fact that it contains titanium dioxide, a filler with potentially harmful side effects.
Regardless, our Smarter Shoppers loved this product, and the customer service that went along with it. Ease by Osteobiflex truly delivered.
*Results are based on the Smarter Reviews Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.
Learn More5. Instaflex Advanced Joint Support
Total Ranking
7.7/10
C+
Overall Grade
PROS
- Includes full suite of potent joint health ingredients
- Contains Boswellia Serrata & Hyaluronic acid.
CONS
- Some customers dissatisfied
- Lacks some important ingredients
The Bottom Line
Instaflex Advanced Joint Support includes essential ingredients such as boswellia serratta, turmeric, and hyaluronic acid.
Unfortunately, Instaflex doesn't contain collagen, a necessary component for any joint health supplement. Instaflex also contains Glucosamine, an ingredient that's never been proven to provide any real benefit to joints.
Many customers have reported feeling adequate support in overall joint health and mobility upon taking Instaflex. However, several reviews also state that they experienced stomach issues after one week.
Still, all in all, we found this product to be effective enough to earn a spot on our top 5 list.
*Results are based on the Smarter Reviews Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.
Learn MoreDisclaimer:
Smarter Reviews is owned and operated by the same company that owns certain products featured on this website, including the products ranked number one.
In addition, we receive compensation from certain companies whose products are featured on this website when you purchase a product using the links on this website.
Go back to pageOur Main Sources
Sources used for research purposes. Smarter-Reviews.com are not officially affiliated with these sites.
CITATIONS
- https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/data_statistics/arthritis-related-stats.htm
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16562856
- https://supplementsinreview.com/brand/zanthin/
- http://valensa.com/vproducts/astaxanthin/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4175880/
- Sengupta, Krishanu. “Comparative Efficacy and Tolerability of 5-Loxin ® and Aflapin ® Against Osteoarthritis of the Knee: A Double Blind, Randomized, Placebo Controlled Clinical Study.” International Journal of Medical Sciences Int. J. Med. Sci. (2010): 366.
- Vishal, Amar A. “A Double Blind, Randomized, Placebo Controlled Clinical Study Evaluates the Early Efficacy of Aflapin® in Subjects with Osteoarthritis of Knee.” International Journal of Medical Sciences Int. J. Med. Sci. (2011): 615.
- https://www.arthritis.org/living-with-arthritis/treatments/medication/drug-types/other/hyaluronic-acid-injections.php
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3967437/
- http://infinitinutraceuticals.com/clinically-proven-effective-kollagen-ii-xs/
- https://www.insidershealth.com/rare-membrane-rebuilds-cartilage/
- Marinho A, Nunes C, Reis S. Biomolecules. 2021 Oct 15;11(10):1518. doi: 10.3390/biom11101518. PMID: 34680150; PMCID: PMC8533685.