Modalert vs Modvigil: Which Generic Should You Choose?
Modalert and Modvigil are the two dominant modafinil generics sold through international online vendors. Both contain 200 mg of modafinil as the active ingredient. On paper, they should be identical. In practice, a significant portion of experienced users consistently report different subjective experiences between them. Here's what's behind that discrepancy and how to choose.
The Manufacturers
Modalert — Sun Pharma
Modalert is manufactured by Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, one of India's largest pharmaceutical companies and a globally recognised generic drug producer. Sun Pharma is among the most reputable generic manufacturers worldwide, supplying branded generics to pharmacies in the US, UK, and Europe. Their quality controls are well-documented and subject to regulatory audit.
Modvigil — HAB Pharma
Modvigil is produced by HAB Pharmaceuticals & Research, a smaller Indian pharmaceutical manufacturer. HAB Pharma is significantly less prominent than Sun Pharma on the international stage, though they produce generic medications sold across several countries. Their products are considered legitimate pharmaceuticals, not counterfeit goods.
Why They Might Feel Different
Both tablets contain the same active molecule at the same dose. The differences — where they exist — likely come from:
- Excipients and binders: The inactive ingredients (fillers, binders, coatings) differ between manufacturers and can affect dissolution rate and absorption
- Manufacturing tolerances: Generic approvals allow bioequivalence within a range (typically ±20%), not exact equivalence
- Quality consistency: Batch variation is more likely in less tightly controlled manufacturing environments
- Placebo and expectation effects: Users who've read comparisons inevitably bring expectations that shape their experience
What Users Consistently Report
Across online communities and user surveys, a clear pattern emerges:
Modalert
- Described as "stronger" or more pronounced in effect
- Faster and more definitive onset
- Longer perceived duration
- Slightly higher incidence of side effects (headache, nausea) reported at full dose
- More consistent from order to order — quality variation is less commonly reported
Modvigil
- Described as "milder" or "cleaner"
- Somewhat shorter duration in many user reports
- Lower incidence of side effects
- Occasionally described as less effective — though this may reflect batch variation
- Lower price point (typically 10-20% cheaper)
Which Should You Choose?
The choice depends on what you're optimising for:
- Maximum reliable effect: Modalert. If you want the strongest, most consistent modafinil experience, Modalert from Sun Pharma is the benchmark generic
- Milder or first-time use: Modvigil. The reportedly milder effect and lower side effect profile makes it a reasonable starting point if you're new or sensitive
- Budget: Modvigil. The price difference is small in absolute terms but meaningful if you're ordering in quantity
- Sleep sensitivity: Modvigil's potentially shorter duration may be preferable if you need to sleep at a reasonable hour after an afternoon dose
A Note on Armodafinil Generics
Waklert (Sun Pharma) and Artvigil (HAB Pharma) are the armodafinil equivalents of Modalert and Modvigil respectively. The same manufacturer pattern applies. If you find Modalert stronger than Modvigil, you'll likely find Waklert stronger than Artvigil.
Quality Assurance
Both generics are real pharmaceutical products, not counterfeits. However, the online market for modafinil generics has some variability in supply chain integrity. Buying from a vendor with a verified track record matters more than which brand you choose. We recommend Modafinil360 — their supply chain for both Modalert and Modvigil has been consistently reliable across our orders.
Quick Comparison
- Modalert: Sun Pharma, stronger/more pronounced, longer duration, more consistent, slightly more side effects, higher price
- Modvigil: HAB Pharma, milder effect, potentially shorter duration, fewer side effects, lower price, slightly more batch variation
- Recommendation: Modalert for maximum effect; Modvigil for milder experience or budget