Algae oil vs fish oil: omega-3 for people who don't eat fish
· 2 min read · By Value Servings
What algae oil is
Most algae omega-3 comes from microalgae such as Schizochytrium, grown in tanks. The oil is extracted and sold in softgels, often with plant-based capsule shells. Because it is farmed in closed tanks, it avoids the ocean contaminants that fish oil makers have to filter out.
Algae oil typically contains a lot of DHA and less EPA. Newer strains provide more EPA. Read the Supplement Facts panel for both numbers, as you would with fish oil.
Compared on the same basis
| Fish oil | Algae oil | |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Fish (anchovy, sardine, mackerel and others) | Microalgae grown in tanks |
| Usual balance | More EPA than DHA | More DHA than EPA |
| Vegan | No | Usually, check the capsule |
| Fishy burps | Common | Less common |
| Cost per 1 g EPA + DHA | Lower | Usually 2–5 times higher |
On our list algae stays on its own tab and is never ranked against fish oil, because it is a different source. Today's algae prices per gram of EPA + DHA:
| Product | Store | Per 1 g EPA+DHA |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Tobias Vegan Omega 3 Algae Oil | Dr. Tobias | $0.85 |
| Doctor's Best Vegan Omega-3 · 60 softgels | Doctor's Best | $0.97 |
Prices checked September 23, 2026. Store prices change; the price at checkout is final. See the full fish oil list
And the cheapest fish oil on the same basis:
| Product | Store | Per 1 g EPA+DHA | vs Nature Made |
|---|---|---|---|
| Piping Rock Triple Strength Omega-3 Fish Oil 1400 mg (850 mg Active Omega-3) · 190 Quick Release Softgels | Piping Rock | $0.15 | 62% less |
| Vitacost Everyday Essentials, Omega-3 Fish Oil, Natural Lemon · 1,000 mg · 150 Softgels | Vitacost | $0.19 | 51% less |
| Micro Ingredients Triple Strength Omega 3 Fish Oil Supplements 4200mg Per Serving · 240-Softgel | Micro Ingredients | $0.21 | 46% less |
| Nature Made Fish Oil 1000 mg Softgels · 250 softgels popular brand | Nature Made | $0.39 | — |
Prices checked September 23, 2026. Store prices change; the price at checkout is final. See the full fish oil list
Is algae as good as fish oil?
For raising DHA levels, studies show algae oil works. Algae oil and cooked salmon raised blood DHA similarly in one trial. For EPA, it depends on how much EPA the product contains. If a product is almost all DHA, you are buying DHA.
There is far less long-term outcome research on algae oil than on fish oil, simply because fish oil has been studied for decades.
What about flax, chia and walnuts?
These contain ALA, a shorter omega-3. The body converts only a small fraction of ALA into EPA and very little into DHA. They are good foods, but they are not a substitute for EPA and DHA.
Frequently asked questions
Is algae oil better than fish oil?
Not better, but different in source and balance. It is usually higher in DHA, lower in EPA, vegan, and more expensive per gram of EPA + DHA.
Does algae oil have EPA?
Some does. Many algae oils are mostly DHA, while newer products include meaningful EPA. Check the Supplement Facts panel.
Why is algae omega-3 more expensive?
Tank-grown algae is more costly to produce at scale than fish oil, which is a by-product of large fisheries.
Is algae oil safe during pregnancy?
DHA is commonly recommended during pregnancy, and algae oil is one source. Ask your doctor or midwife which product and dose to use.
Sources
Compare fish oil per 1 g EPA+DHAEvery price on the list is worked out the same way, and checked daily.
This is general information about prices and labels, not medical advice. Ask a doctor or pharmacist before starting a supplement, especially if you are pregnant, take medication, or have a health condition. We don't sell the products; how we make money.