Kratom Strain Chart: A Real Guide to Kratom Strain Comparison

Learning about and choosing the right kratom strain can be both overwhelming and confusing. There are so many different types of kratom strains to compare. There are names like “Maeng Da,” “Bali,” and “Green Malay”. Despite clear differences between the strains, there are few comparison charts out there. This guide offers a comprehensive kratom strain chart to guide your kratom shopping experience.

We'll lay out the core strain differences for you, and not just the different "personalities" of the strains. We'll also cover common strain names, regions, strain preparation, and separate myths from reality. Around the chart, you’ll also find explanations that put the information in context.

It's time to make sense of the strains so you can pick a morning vs night kratom strain, or one for all-day balance. Whatever your needs, there are kratom strains tailored to your experience level and wellness needs. 

Kratom Strain Chart

Each kratom strain comes in a variety of forms, including kratom capsules vs powder, extracts, tinctures, gummies, and so many more. While the effects are generally tied to the strain, the form can influence potency, onset time, and how the body absorbs the alkaloids. 

The chart below outlines the familiar strains and highlights their typical characteristics across these different forms. These are based on user reporting and commonalities in kratom alkaloid profiles.

How to Read This Chart

All strains come from the same plant: Mitragyna speciosa. The differences come from how the leaves are harvested, dried, and processed, not from different kratom species.

Vein Color

Vein color reflects how the strain was harvested and handled. Post-harvest processing helps to develop and capture the perfect alkaloid profile for the strain. For example, white strains are usually dried indoors with minimal, if any, sun-drying exposure. And some red strains are fermented while others are not. This is how we get the different alkaloid profiles for the strains—offering different kratom experiences for the user. Generally, whites lean toward energy, greens toward balance, and reds toward calm. 

Strain Names

Similarly, strain names can tell us a lot. These are either marketing-driven (Maeng Da) or regional (Borneo, JongKong, Sumatra, etc.). For example, any kratom product labeled "Maeng Da" has a higher natural concentration of alkaloids. These potent strains developed a reputation in their native countries for being "pimp grade," as they called them. The name stuck in Western countries, who appreciate the strains for their potency and vibrancy.

Strain Commonalities

In our kratom strains chart, you'll also see columns for "feel spectrum" and "potentially good for". These are strain-specific suggestions based on user reporting and not meant to be medical direction. See PubMed Central Examining the Psychoactive Differences between Kratom Strains for more information.

The "potency lens" reflects intensity, not quality. A punchy strain may be ideal for some and too strong for others. Suggested times of day show how most users align strains with daily routines. This chart offers a snapshot, but effects can vary from person to person.

Myth Buster: Maeng Da is a kratom strain. FALSE.
Maeng Da strains are blends of two different color veins, providing their unique blended effects. You can learn more about the alkaloid profiles that shape each strain into its own wellness tool by visiting our Kratom Alkaloids Comparison page. 

Alkaloid Profiles by Color

Each kratom leaf contains dozens of alkaloids in specific ratios. This creates the alkaloid profile, which determines how a strain behaves in the body. The color venations follow specific trends in alkaloid makeup. This is why we often use them as a quick way to identify strains with certain characteristics.

It's the unique ratios of these alkaloids that create what we call the "alkaloid profile". Essentially, the color is an indicator, but the alkaloid information of a strain (found in the Certificate of Analysis) tells the whole story.

• White: Typically higher mitragynine, lower 7-hydroxymitragynine. Often described as energizing and focused.

• Green: Balanced mitragynine content with speciogynine influence. Often described as balanced, versatile effects.

• Red: Higher 7-hydroxymitragynine and speciogynine. Often described as calming, relaxing, and suitable for full-body relief.  

• Yellow/Gold: Moderate mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. Balanced effects between red and green.

• Fermented (e.g., Bentuangie): Cured to emphasize 7-hydroxymitragynine and speciogynine. Can be deeply relaxing.

Have you recently seen the surge in kratom vs 7-hydroxymitragynine comparisons? Learn everything you need to know to make smart, savvy decisions for your well-being. 

Alkaloid Note

Alkaloid content in the strains can vary by region, soil, and harvest, but color categories provide a reliable starting point. Color denotations and regional names can guide you in the right direction when you are shopping for Kratom online or in a store. Just remember that batches, harvests, and years can all vary a bit from what’s normal for a strain—kind of like wines do.

Use Cases in Daily Life

The strain chart isn’t just about names, but about how the strains fit into your daily routine.  

• Morning routines often call for White Maeng Da or White Borneo, for times when you want a sharper focus for work or study.

• Midday balance is where Green Maeng Da or Green Malay shine, for when you want a boost without overstimulation. 

• Evening unwinding pairs well with Red Bali or Bentuangie, supporting relaxation after long days.

• Flexible support is found in Yellow or Gold kratom, which can fit into morning or afternoon use without being too strong.

Framing strains this way makes it easier to select them not only by name but by function. Form, too, is important to how you use kratom for your wellness objectives.

For more information on kratom safety, see NIDA on kratom.

Powder, Capsules, and Extracts

Kratom strains come in multiple forms, and each has its trade-offs:

• Powder is the most traditional. It allows flexible serving sizes but carries a strong taste that some find unpleasant. See how to take kratom powder here. 

• Capsules offer convenience and discretion. They are slower to absorb, but simplify measuring.

• Extracts concentrate the alkaloids for fast onset and strong effects. Due to their potency, they are best for experienced users. For best use and general guidance, check out our article detailing kratom extract vs powder dosage. 

For most, capsules provide the easiest starting point, while extracts should be approached with caution.

From Strains to Potency-Focused Products

Kratom strains are often highlighted in guides, but vein color and strain do not always apply. If you are familiar with the different strains, then consider kratom extract products. These are not strain-specific but alkaloid-specific.

For targeted results, we suggest full-spectrum products like these:

• Kratom Kava shots for balanced, social-enhancing effects. Suitable for beginners and up. See our detailed list of the best kratom shots online. 

• Full-spectrum Kratom Capsules in strengths for beginner, moderate, and experienced users.

• 7-Hydroxymitragynine products for sale (shots and tablets) for high-powered support for moderate to experienced users. 
  
  

Buying and Safety

Because strain names aren’t regulated, it’s essential to verify what you’re getting. A Certificate of Analysis (COA) confirms that the strain you’re buying has been tested for alkaloid content, microbes, heavy metals, and solvents.

• COA – Check for compound names and exact potency.

• GMP standards – The American Kratom Association presses vendors to adopt cGMP standards. Vendors who follow these practices produce more reliable batches.

• Traceability – Every product should carry a lot number linking it to its test report.

• Packaging – Airtight and UV-resistant packaging preserves quality.

Real Botanicals offers all of these safety standards, customer education, and support for all your ordering needs. 

Did you know: flying with kratom comes with its own set of proper rules and regulations. Learn more today and travel with confidence! 

Kratom Strain Chart FAQs

How accurate is a kratom strain chart?

A kratom strain chart should be used as a guide to the strains, not a guarantee of effects.

Which kratom color is strongest?

Kratom strains vary in strength based on their alkaloid content, rather than color. Also, some product types, like extracts, are more potent. In general, the reds are “strongest” when it comes to relaxation and relief. In comparison, the whites are “strongest” in terms of energy support. Greens and yellows fall in between.

Find the best kratom for energy support today!

What do strain names like Maeng Da vs Bali vs Borneo mean?

These are the names of known kratom strains. Some are based on the region of origin, like Borneo, while Bali is a generalized "relaxing" name. Maeng Da is a marketing term for high-alkaloid or premium kratom blends.

Which is better: a single strain vs a blend? 

• Beginners/sensitive users: Start with a single strain to gauge your response.

• Moderate users: Single or simple blends can offer balance and flexibility.

• Experienced users: Blends allow more customized or targeted effects.

Which is better: powder, capsules, or extracts?

• Beginners/sensitive users: Capsules are easiest to dose and gentler on the stomach.

• Moderate users: Powder offers flexible dosing and moderate control over effects.

• Experienced users: Extracts are potent and fast-acting, best for those familiar with kratom’s effects.

Get more detailed information on proper kratom dosage and how to take kratom.

What is a COA?

A Certificate of Analysis (COA) is a lab report that verifies the contents and quality of a kratom product. It is important because it confirms the levels, purity, and safety of alkaloids, ensuring you know what you are taking. Key elements to check include alkaloid content and concentrations. Also look for pass/fail information on microbial contamination, heavy metals, and solvents. For accuracy, make sure the lot number on your product matches the COA.  

Final Thoughts

A kratom strain chart is a tool, not a promise. It helps you understand the logic behind vein colors, names, and processing methods. Your experience may differ depending on how your body responds to kratom's alkaloids. And, by your habits in taking kratom: serving size, frequency, hydration habits, etc.

When you treat the chart as a guide rather than a guarantee, it becomes a valuable resource for making informed choices.

The most reliable way to navigate strains is to learn about them and sample the ones that pique your interest. Use kratom comparison charts to identify strains of interest. Consider lot-specific COAs for more information. Choose only the best kratom and 7-OH vendors who use the AKA's cGMP standards.

Lastly, sample all kratom products mindfully, noting how your body responds to each strain or form. This helps ensure an enjoyable experience by focusing on the best products that work for you!