16 Best Creatine Supplements of 2023 for Muscle Growth

Creatine may be one of the most popular supplements in a gymgoer’s pantry — and for good reason. Creatine is an amino acid that is known as a “muscle energizer” and is mostly stored in our muscles and brain. (1) Most supplements will have a handful of studies supporting their use, but creatine has hundreds of them, suggesting a strong effect on performance and body composition. Specifically, creatine monohydrate is one of the most studied supplements if not the most studied one of the many options on the market.

Creatine mainly works by increasing one’s ability to improve power output in the gym. As a result, you may get stronger more quickly and build more muscle. Of course, it’s more nuanced than that. There are numerous types of creatine on the market, with the most common and well-researched one being creatine monohydrate. As for which product you should buy, we tried and reviewed dozens of top brands to land the best creatine supplements that serve a number of fitness needs and goals. Below our picks, we discuss the benefits of creatine and answer common questions related to this popular supplement.

Our Top Picks of the Best Creatine of 2023

• Best Creatine Overall: Transparent Labs Creatine HMB
• Best Creatine Monohydrate: Jacked Factory Creatine Monohydrate
• Best Creatine for Muscle Growth: Transparent Labs Creatine HMB
• Best Creatine for Bodybuilders: Huge Supplements Creatine
• Best Tasting Creatine: Transparent Labs Creatine HMB
• Best for the Money: Jacked Factory Creatine Monohydrate
• Best Creatine for Mixing: Xwerks Lift
• Best Pre-Workout with Creatine: Kaged Pre-Kaged Elite with Creatine
• Best Post-Workout Creatine: Huge Supplements Formula XII
• Best Creatine for Men: Swolverine Kre-Alkalyn
• Best Creatine HCl: Kaged Creatine HCl
• Best Creatine for Bulking: Transparent Labs Creatine HMB
• Best Creatine for Cutting: Swolverine Kre-Alkalyn
• Best Creatine Pills: Huge Supplements Creatine
• Best Creatine for Beginners: Bulk Supplements Creatine
• Best Creatine for Women: Legion Recharge

Editor’s note: The content on BarBend is meant to be informative in nature, but it should not be taken as medical advice. The opinions and articles on this site are not intended to diagnose, prevent, and/or treat health problems. It’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor before beginning a new fitness, nutritional, and/or supplement routine.

Best Creatine Video Review

Check out our best creatine round-up video for an up-close and personal look at some of the picks on our list. BarBend’s Nick English walks you through the formulations of our favorite creatine supplements, and offers some expert insight on what you may like or dislike about them depending on your lifestyle.

Best Creatine Overall

Some creatine supplements have many unnecessary ingredients, but the best creatine product on the market should probably have one or two useful additions. We think Transparent Labs strikes this balance perfectly for high-quality creatine.

Transparent Labs Creatine HMB

The HMB, which stands for hydroxymethyl butyrate, is the main metabolite in the branched-chain amino acid leucine that prevents muscle protein breakdown. So, it may help you retain muscle, and it appears to do so more effectively than leucine alone. One bonus is that combining HMB with creatine also appears to increase strength better than taking either supplement alone. Transparent Labs Creatine HMB packs 5,000mg of creatine monohydrate per serving, which is ideal, as one study found that a 5,000mg supplementation of creatine achieved better ATP turnover during muscle contractions. (2) 

We also like that this product comes in 11 different flavor options, none of which contain any artificial sweeteners. The zero-flavoring option is perfect for stacking with other supplements, but if you’re looking for a solid flavor, we highly recommend blue raspberry.

• Creatine per serving: 5,000mg
• Type of Creatine: Creatine Monohydrate
• Flavors: Unflavored, Blue Raspberry, Sour Grape, Tropical Punch, Fruit Punch, Watermelon, Black Cherry, Orange Hawaiian Splash, Peach Mango, Strawberry Lemonade
• Total Price: $49.99
• Servings per container: 30

Pros

• Athletes who are looking for the right amount of creatine for increasing ATP turnover will appreciate the 5,000mg of creatine monohydrate per serving. 
• This product may provide a little extra help retaining muscle, the 1,500mg of HMB here may be the right call.
• People who want a variety of flavors to choose from will appreciate the 11 different flavor options: Hawaiian Splash, Watermelon, Sour Grape, Blue Raspberry, Black Cherry, Orange, Strawberry Lemonade, Peach Mango, Fruit Punch, Tropical Punch, and an Unflavored powder.

Cons

• Anyone who’s allergic to black pepper should go with another option, since there is five milligrams of black pepper per serving here.
• If you’re looking for a type of creatine other than monohydrate, this isn’t the one for you. 
• Athletes who want a creatine with a stimulant effect will be disappointed since this one contains no stimulants whatsoever. 

Thanks to a high creatine volume, HMB to potentially prevent protein breakdown, and all-natural ingredients, this creatine from Transparent Labs is a hard one to beat. 

Read our full review of Transparent Labs Creatine HMB.

Best Creatine Monohydrate

Creatine can come in many forms, but the one with the most scientific backing behind it is the creatine monohydrate form with decades of research showing that it may be effective for helping muscle growth and strength increases. Many companies try their hand at making a creatine monohydrate supplement, but we think this one is top-notch.

Jacked Factory Creatine Monohydrate

If you’re looking for a straightforward creatine delivery system without any extra fluff, Jacked Factory’s Creatine Monohydrate is the way to go. It delivers 5,000mg of creatine monohydrate in a powder that mixes easily and seamlessly into any liquid. Plus, it’s unflavored, so you can mix it with any beverage or stack it with other supplements without messing up the flavor. 

You can take this creatine 30 to 45 minutes before and/or after your workout mixed with juice or a high-carb beverage for best results. Plus, this product is dairy free, made in the USA, and non-GMO, so if you’re picky about your ingredients and where they come from, this is a great option. 

• Creatine per serving: 5,000mg
• Type of Creatine: Creatine Monohydrate
• Flavors: Unflavored
• Total Price: $35.99
• Servings per container: 85

Pros

• Those who are looking for a creatine without any artificial flavors or additional ingredients will love this one-item ingredients list. 
• Anyone who doesn’t want a gritty drink will appreciate the fact that this fast-dissolving creatine mixes well into liquid. 
• This tub offers 85 servings of creatine monohydrate for a lower price per serving (about 41 cents) than many other brands.

Cons

• Consumers who want flavors or add-ons like amino acids or HMB in their creatine should look elsewhere, as there are no additions here. 
• This only comes in powdered form and isn’t available in capsules.
• The lack of flavoring in this creatine can be pretty bland if you’re planning to mix it with just water. 

Basic yet effective, this formula delivers unflavored, soluble creatine without anything artificial. Plus, it comes with 85 servings per container, so you can focus more on improving your home gym and less on restocking your supp pantry.

Best Creatine For Muscle Growth

Putting on muscle and decreasing fat can be one of the primary motivations for working out, and the supplements you take should support that goal — we think this one does it best. 

Transparent Labs Creatine HMB

The HMB in Transparent Labs Creatine HMB (which stands for β-Hydroxy β-Methylbutyrate) is a metabolite in the branched-chain amino acid leucine that can help prevent muscles from breaking down, so you may retain more of the muscle you build in the gym. Plus, combined with creatine, this product can help increase strength and size better than an individual creatine or HMB product can on its own. 

The included Bioperine (a version of black pepper extract) can potentially help with the product’s overall absorption, which would help you put more of the creatine and HMB to use. Plus, it comes in 11 different flavors, so it’s likely that you’ll find one that you enjoy. There’s even an unflavored option if you want to stack it with other supplements.

• Creatine per serving: 5,000mg
• Type of Creatine: Creatine Monohydrate
• Flavors: Unflavored, Blue Raspberry, Sour Grape, Tropical Punch, Fruit Punch, Watermelon, Black Cherry, Orange Hawaiian Splash, Peach Mango, Strawberry Lemonade
• Total Price: $49.99
• Servings per container: 30

Pros

• Athletes who are looking to increase their muscle mass will appreciate that the HMB is intended to help prevent muscle breakdown.
• There are 11 tasty flavor options here for a good variety of options.
• The black pepper extract may be useful for people who are concerned with absorption. 

Cons

• Anyone who’s allergic to black pepper should go with another option since there are no options without black pepper extract.
• If you’re looking for the convenience of creatine in tablet form, this isn’t the one for you since this only comes as a powder. 
• Athletes who want a creatine that comes with other pre-workout ingredients will be disappointed as this one contains no stimulants. 

Though this product is a little more expensive than some others, the combination of creatine and HMB can be particularly effective in helping users retain and build muscle mass — plus, the tasty Blue Raspberry flavor doesn’t hurt. 

[Related: The Lifter’s Guide To Magnesium: What This Nutrient Does For Strength]

Best Creatine for Bodybuilders

Since bodybuilders are generally looking to enhance strength and gain muscle, creatine is a solid supplement (one could argue it’s a staple) to add to their regimen. This pick is about as simple as it gets, which makes it super easy to add to any bodybuilder’s likely already-robust regimen.

Huge Supplements Creatine

Huge Supplements Creatine contains 5g of creatine monohydrate — it’s straightforward and comes in convenient capsules. Since the key to gaining the benefits from creatine is consistency, it’s ideal for athletes — especially dedicated bodybuilders — to have a supplement that’s easy to stick to.

With this one, you need only take five tablets in the morning or evening each day, and you’re good to go. It’s worth noting though that these capsules are made with gelatin, so if you’re a vegan you’re going to want to stick to another powder or vegan capsule. 

• Creatine per serving: 5,000mg
• Type of Creatine: Creatine Monohydrate
• Flavors: Unflavored, Orange, Mango Lemonade
• Total Price: $29.95
• Servings per container: 30

Pros

• This creatine might be good for people who are looking to put on muscle mass, preserve gains during a cut, or decrease their body fat.
• Anyone looking for a product that is convenient and easy to take will appreciate that these come in capsule form.
• Huge Supplements included a scientifically backed dose of creatine monohydrate — this 5g dose is the way to go. 

Cons

• This creatine is very straightforward and basic while some people may want some extras like pre- or post-workout ingredients.
• This version is only pills rather than powdered though Huge does offer powdered creatine.
• Vegans and vegetarians should opt for a different pick on this list, as this one contains gelatin in the capsules. 

Huge Supplements Creatine comes in a convenient capsule form. For bodybuilders who want something that’s easy to work into their already demanding schedule, this product is simple and straightforward. 

Best Tasting Creatine

Sometimes all you need to stay hooked on a supplement is a great-tasting product. We think this pick takes the cake in that department. 

Transparent Labs Creatine HMB

This product contains no added sugars and comes in 10 delicious flavors — Hawaiian Splash, Watermelon, Sour Grape, Blue Raspberry, Black Cherry, Orange, Strawberry Lemonade, Peach Mango, Fruit Punch, Tropical Punch, plus an Unflavored powder — which is one of its biggest selling points. Oftentimes, it’s difficult to find a great-tasting product without artificial sweeteners, but Transparent Labs Creatine HMB is tasty, naturally flavored, and sweetened with Stevia.

Transparent Labs Creatine HMB may be a bit pricier than some other creatine supplements — like a simple creatine monohydrate — but it’s still fairly reasonable for its ingredient inclusions. You’re not only getting 5,000mg of creatine monohydrate, but you’re also getting 1,500mg of hydroxymethyl butyrate (HMB), which may help increase strength and lean body mass. Plus, there’s 5mg of black pepper extract as well, which can help with the absorption of all of these ingredients.

• Creatine per serving: 5,000mg
• Type of Creatine: Creatine Monohydrate
• Flavors: Unflavored, Blue Raspberry, Sour Grape, Tropical Punch, Fruit Punch, Watermelon, Black Cherry, Orange Hawaiian Splash, Peach Mango, Strawberry Lemonade
• Total Price: $49.99
• Servings per container: 30

Pros

• Users who want a product that tastes great to help them stay committed to (and dare we say excited about) their supplement regimen will like this creatine’s variety of flavors. 
• This creatine is naturally flavored and sweetened with no artificial sweeteners.
• If you’re looking for a creatine that may help even further with strength gains than most creatine supplements, you’ll like the HMB here.

Cons

• Some people may prefer a product that only has creatine without any other extra ingredients.
• Folks who are looking for a cost-effective creatine supplement may want to find a plain monohydrate.

This creatine not only tastes great, but it may also be particularly helpful in your quest for gains thanks to the HMB. The extra money you’re paying per serving here may just be worth your while, in our opinion.

Best Creatine For The Money

You already know that supplements can put a big dent in your bank account. But there’s no need to shortchange your gains in the interest of saving a buck. This creatine not only has plenty of research suggesting that it may be useful for growing muscle and increasing strength, but it is also one of the more affordable ones you’ll find.

Jacked Factory Creatine Monohydrate

If all you want is a good creatine that won’t break the bank, Jacked Factory’s Creatine Monohydrate is a great choice — at 41 cents a serving, it’s well below the $1 to $2 per serving cost you’ll find with other creatines on the market. It delivers 5g of creatine monohydrate per serving, and its powder mixes easily in liquid. Plus, its lack of flavoring means you can mix it with other supplements or bland it with any drink without off-putting flavor combinations. 

You’re not going to find any stimulants, flavors, or other add-ons in this creatine — if you’re looking for something plain and simple that will get the job done, this is the one. This product is also dairy free, non-GMO, and made in the USA, so you know exactly what you’re putting into your body. 

• Creatine per serving: 5,000mg
• Type of Creatine: Creatine Monohydrate
• Flavors: Unflavored
• Total Price: $35.99
• Servings per container: 85

Pros

• This is a creatine monohydrate that doesn’t have any bells and whistles that may jack up the price. 
• Jacked Factory’s creatine dissolves quickly into any liquid for a smooth drink a smooth drink without any gritty aftertaste. 
• Each of the 85 servings of creatine monohydrate in the tub costs 41 cents, less than many other brands. 

Cons

• Consumers who don’t mind spending more on a creatine monohydrate with extras (like beta-alanine or fancy flavors) will be disappointed with this creatine’s one-item ingredients list. 
• Athletes who prefer to take a tablet instead of mixing a powder will want to try another creatine. 
• People who want tasty flavors with their creatine will want to look elsewhere since this one only comes unflavored.

This product is packed with creatine monohydrate and devoid of artificial ingredients for just 41 cents per serving. You’d be hard-pressed to find a better creatine for a lower price than Jacked Factory’s Creatine Monohydrate.

Best Creatine For Mixing

This is one of the best micronized creatines on the market, which makes it a solid pick for mixing. Since it’s processed to assume smaller granule sizes, it can dissolve more easily in your fluid of choice.

Xwerks Lift Creatine Monohydrate

This pure creatine monohydrate from Xwerks is micronized, so it mixes nearly instantly in water without clumping. The price point is also quite fair at under $0.50 cents per serving (though you can find cheaper options out there). 

What makes it great for mixing is the simplicity of the product — it’s just creatine monohydrate and nothing else which means you can mix it with any other shake or drink without issue. This comes in an unflavored option, making it extra accessible for mixing in with any beverage of choice.

• Creatine per serving: 5,000mg
• Type of Creatine: Creatine Monohydrate
• Flavors: Unflavored
• Total Price: $49.00
• Servings per container: 80

Pros

• Xwerks doesn’t include any additional ingredients — only creatine monohydrate.
• This is a small-granule, micronized creatine that mixes well into liquids.
• This unflavored option makes it easy to mix with anything like protein shakes and smoothies.

Cons

• This is creatine monohydrate while some folks may prefer other types of creatine. 
• There may be more comprehensive creatine supplements out there for you in smaller packages if you don’t prefer to buy in bulk. Just be sure to check the price point.
• This option is unflavored, so anyone who prefers flavored creatine or a pill form rather than a powder might want to look elsewhere.

This creatine is simple, and mixes like a charm. You can buy one bag of 80 servings of creatine, which is more than the standard 60 servings we’ve seen per tub from other brands, but it’s not overkill compared to the bulk bags of creatine you can buy by the kilogram.

Read our full review of Xwerks Lift Creatine Monohydrate.

Best Pre-Workout with Creatine

With creatine, consistency is key, so it doesn’t particularly matter what time of day you take it. But sometimes, it’s easiest to stick to a supplement if you do have a specific time of day you take it — this pre-workout can help with that. 

Kaged Pre-Kaged Elite with Creatine

It’s not necessary to take creatine right before your workout in order for it to be effective, but if you already take a pre-workout, taking one with creatine can be a great way to combine the two supplements and simplify your regimen. Kaged Pre-Kaged Elite with Creatine contains 3,000mg of creatine monohydrate, 2,000mg of creatine nitrate (a potentially more soluble form of creatine monohydrate), 10,000mg of citrulline, 3,200mg of beta-alanine, 2,500mg of betaine, and 1,500mg of carnitine. 

Kaged Pre-Kaged Elite is a strong pre-workout on the whole, but especially with caffeine. You’ll find a high 388mg dose of caffeine (that’s about as much as you’ll get in two cups of coffee), and 500mg of coconut water powder, which can help with hydration. This blend comes in Fruit Punch, Grape, Berry Blast, Krisp Apple, Orange Crush, Cherry Bomb, and Pink Lemonade, but there are only 20 servings per container, and at $49.99 per jug, this comes out to be $2.49 a serving making it one of our more expensive picks. It’s great to note that this is a vegan-friendly supplement, as well.

• Creatine per serving: 5,000mg
• Type of Creatine: Creatine Monohydrate, Creatine Nitrate
• Flavors: Fruit Punch, Glacier Grape, Caribbean Sunrise, Orange Mango, Strawberry Lemonade
• Total Price: $44.99
• Servings per container: 28

Pros

• This is a pre-workout blend contains a solid dose of creatine in a couple of different forms. 
• This pick contains 10,000mg per serving — a high dose of citrulline.
• The 388mg of caffeine here is great for people who need an extra kick of energy. 

Cons

• It may be more effective to take one form of creatine rather than multiple forms.
• Buyers on a budget will want to look for a less expensive formula. 
• If you’re looking for creatine on its own, this is not the product for you since it’s a pre-workout with creatine in it. 

This pre-workout formula is extensive and offers not only creatine but an array of helpful pre-workout ingredients, as well — including a high dose of both citrulline and caffeine. It’s a bit pricey, but if it’s an effective pre-workout you’re after, this is a great option. 

Read our full review of Kaged Pre-Kaged Elite.

Best Post-Workout with Creatine

For our post-workout pick, we picked a creatine supplement containing 5,000mg of creatine monohydrate, which may aid in muscle recovery and support serious gains. Plus, this supplement contains various other ingredients that may help you recover from DOMS.

Huge Supplements Formula XII

This product includes 5,000mg of creatine monohydrate, as well as 3,200mg of beta-alanine, 3,000mg of betaine anhydrous, and 5mg of Bioperine, which may help with the absorption of the big-hitting ingredients here. The betaine and beta-alanine can help refuel after intense workouts thanks to betaine’s potential to protect protein cells from environmental stress and beta-alanine’s potential to increase carnosine in the body, which may help reduce delayed onset muscle soreness. (5)(6)

The creatine monohydrate in here could boost muscle hypertrophy due to its potential to reduce muscle breakdown (7). This post-workout formula comes in two delicious flavors — Candy Apple and Tropical Blast — and costs $2.16 per serving. 

• Creatine per serving: 5,000mg
• Type of Creatine: Creatine Monohydrate
• Flavors: Candy Apple, Tropical Blast
• Total Price: $64.95
• Servings per container: 30

Pros

• If you want creatine with other helpful post-workout muscle-building ingredients, you’ll appreciate the addition of beta-alanine, betaine, and Bioperine in this formula.
• Anyone who is looking for a high dose of creatine monohydrate will like that this supplement contains 5,000mg.
• Folks who are interested in a creatine they can take intra or post-workout for potential results will like the versatility of this supplement.

Cons

• This product includes more ingredients than other more straightforward creatine supplements on the market.
• If you’re looking to save cash, you can find basic creatine monohydrate for cheaper than this formula. 
• Anyone who prefers an unflavored supplement or a variety of flavors to choose from as this is only available in Candy Apple and Tropical Blast.

This creatine formula from Huge Supplements is geared toward potentially building muscle and helping you recover, making it an excellent supplement to take after a tough training session. 

[Related: I’m A Professional Powerlifter. Here’s What I Think About Bodybuilding]

Best Creatine for Men

We think this creatine is particularly great for men who are in a bulking phase or who want a solid supplement to take after their intense gym sessions to potentially help with strength and muscle growth. 

Swolverine Kre-Alkalyn

It’s no secret that many men focus on packing on muscle mass in the gym. Even if your goal isn’t muscle mass, creatine may be helpful for overall strength and performance benefits. (6) Swolverine Kre-Alkalyn comes at about mid-range for an effective clinical dose for creatine — 3,000mg. 

This means that Swolverine’s creatine phosphate may be well-suited for men trying to pair their hard resistance training with proper creatine supplementation, which can result in better strength and performance. And it does this without any added sugars or additives. It also doesn’t come with any flavoring, which makes it ideal for stacking with other supplements. 

What makes this creatine stand out is that it’s pH-corrected (or buffered), which is intended to prevent it from degrading to creatinine (a waste product that comes from wear and tear on muscles) in your stomach. This means that more of the creatine you ingest can potentially be absorbed into your body. At $1.16 per serving, it’s on the higher end of the price spectrum, but since it may be less likely to degrade before you digest it, you may still be getting more bang for your buck. 

• Creatine per serving: 3,000mg
• Type of Creatine: Kre-Alkalyn
• Flavors: Unflavored
• Total Price: $59.99
• Servings per container: 60

Pros

• Men who push hard during intense workouts may feel more strength and power output, since this pH-adjusted creatine may be more potent than regular creatine.
• Customers who usually mix creatine with a flavored beverage or stack with other supplements will like that this unflavored mix won’t create weird flavor blends.
• Men who are tracking strict macros for potential gains will be happy to know this formula is straight creatine and has no sugars added.

Cons

• We love the straightforward supplementation of this creatine, but some men may prefer a creatine with added ingredients, or one that is wrapped within a pre- or post-workout supplement.
• Men who want creatine that has macros (like added carbohydrates) included to help them hit their macro goals may want a more fully stacked creatine supplement.
• This creatine costs about $1.16 a serving which is more expensive than some other products on this list.

Swolverine Kre-Alkalyn contains 60 servings of 3,000mg of straight creatine phosphate and is best taken before or during training sessions for most optimal results. This creatine stands out for its pH adjustment, which may help you absorb this creatine better without having it degrade into creatinine.

Read our full review of Swolverine Kre-Alkalyn.

Best Creatine HCl

Some prefer creatine hydrochloride, a more acidic form of creatine that may actually be easier on sensitive stomachs, as it’s closer to the pH of our stomach acid. Not all creatine hydrochloride is created equal, and we think Kaged Muscle’s C-HCl sits above the rest. 

Kaged Creatine HCl

Kaged Muscle’s C-HCl hits all the right notes. While it’s pricier than monohydrate, it’s a pretty reasonable cost for creatine HCl at about $0.40 cents per gram. Hydrochloride varies between 20 and 60 cents per gram, so Kaged Muscle’s product is right in the middle, and it has two big advantages: It’s naturally flavored with a tasty lemon-lime zest, or you can opt for an unflavored powder. 

Vegetarians and vegans rejoice as Kaged Muscle also gives you the choice between a vegetarian capsule or a gelatin one. Most importantly, it’s third-party tested for banned substances by Informed-Sport, which makes it a great pick for athletes. This is also one of our cheaper options at $0.40 per scoop, and each tub comes with 75 servings. If you’re a BodyFit member, you’ll also save on your purchase and spend just $0.36 per serving. 

• Creatine per serving: 750mg
• Type of Creatine: Creatine HCl
• Flavors: Unflavored, Lemon Lime, Vegetable Caps
• Total Price: $24.99
• Servings per container: 30, 75

Pros

• If creatine monohydrate gives you digestive discomfort, there’s anecdotal evidence that this form may digest more easily.
• This product is Informed-Sport Certified and tested. 
• If you like the taste of Lemon Lime, you’ll like this product’s flavor.

Cons

• There’s no specific evidence that hydrochloride is a better overall supplement than monohydrate. It’s simply easier to digest. 
• Creatine HCl can be more expensive than other forms of creatine.

This creatine may digest more effectively than other formulas for better overall absorption. Also, it doesn’t hurt that the Lemon Lime flavor tastes great. 

Read our full review of Kaged Creatine HCl.

Best Creatine For Bulking

If you’ve been training for years, then you know that every ounce of muscle added to your frame is a major milestone. Creatine with muscle-building benefits can help you make the most out of your bulk.

Transparent Labs Creatine HMB

What sets this creatine apart from others is the inclusion of HMB, a chemical that studies suggest is highly linked to fat loss and strength-building benefits. (9) Most lifters push heavier weights when they’re bulking (mass does move mass, after all), so this formula may help you gain more strength in addition to the common endurance-boosting benefits of creatine. It’s a win-win for lifters looking to bulk up big time. 

This creatine HMB powder comes in a wide variety of flavor choices. Transparent Labs offers this product in Hawaiian Splash, Watermelon, Sour Grape, Blue Raspberry, Black Cherry, Orange, Strawberry Lemonade, Peach Mango, Fruit Punch, Tropical Punch, and an Unflavored powder. This creatine is a bit on the pricier side costing $1.66 per serving, but the HMB formula is what sets it apart from the others. 

• Creatine per serving: 5,000mg
• Type of Creatine: Creatine Monohydrate
• Flavors: Unflavored, Blue Raspberry, Sour Grape, Tropical Punch, Fruit Punch, Watermelon, Black Cherry, Orange Hawaiian Splash, Peach Mango, Strawberry Lemonade
• Total Price: $49.99
• Servings per container: 30

Pros

• Lifters in a bulking phase who want to increase strength to build more mass will appreciate the HMB in this product.
• This creatine can potentially be helpful for people who are focused on strength training and building muscle.
• There are a plethora of flavors to choose from.

Cons

• Micronized creatine or creatine HCl may absorb faster and more easily.
• This product is slightly more expensive than others on the market, though one can argue that the addition of HMB makes it a more robust supplement.

If you’re looking to build muscle and bulk up, then you’ll need to push yourself. Creatine may allow you to eke out an extra rep, and this formula can help you build and hang onto muscle mass as a nice bonus. 

[Related: The Real Pros And Cons Of The Bodybuilding Lifestyle]

Best Creatine for Cutting

If you are working on cutting, whether it be for a weight class sport, to feel better, or just to look your best, creatine supplements can help you push harder in the gym. This particular creatine supplement from Swolverine is great because it is just creatine monohydrate with no additional ingredients. 

Swolverine Kre-Alkalyn

This creatine supplement is a simple 3,000mg dose of creatine phosphate and nothing else. For anyone who has ever cut, you know how important your calories in versus calories out can be when considering your goals. 

With a still potent 3,000mg dose of creatine phosphate, this supplement contains no fillers or added ingredients, making sure you can get your macronutrient supplementation through food rather than your supplements — likely the preferred method for those who are working within a caloric deficit. At $1.16 per serving, Swolverine’s creatine phosphate formula is on the higher end of the price range, but it’s a high-quality product that won’t get in the way of you reaching your cutting goals.

• Creatine per serving: 3,000mg
• Type of Creatine: Kre-Alkalyn
• Flavors: Unflavored
• Total Price: $59.99
• Servings per container: 60

Pros

• This is a simple and straightforward creatine with no artificial ingredients or sugars added. This product is just 3,000mg of creatine phosphate.
• Those who prefer an unflavored powder that they can mix into anything they like (including water) rather than taking multiple tablets. 
• Swolverine Kre-Alkalyn won’t affect your macronutrient intake — this contains no carbs or fats.

Cons

• If you want the convenience of taking a few capsules or tablets rather than mixing up a creatine drink, you’ll want to opt for another product on this list. 
• Those who want a more robust supplement, such as a pre-workout that includes BCAAs or beta-alanine, will want to look elsewhere.
• Athletes who want some flavor options will be disappointed in the unflavored nature of this creatine.

The creatine phosphate in this formula is potent and has no macronutrient content, making it the perfect pick for someone who is cutting and would prefer to get their calories from food sources.

[Related: Best Macros Calculator For Tracking Muscle Gain and Fat Loss]

Best Creatine Pills

Pills are generally more convenient to carry around than powders, making them a great choice for travel and people who are always on the go. 

Huge Supplements Creatine

Huge Supplements Creatine comes in easy-to-take capsules. This pill form is a breeze to travel with, or throw into your gym bag. Each serving contains 5g of creatine monohydrate and nothing else, which makes it a solid pick for athletes who want a straightforward creatine supplement that they can easily stack with other supplements, or that they can easily use for a successful loading phase. 

There are a few noteworthy factors to consider. Each serving is five capsules, which could be a lot for some people who may be pill averse. The second thing worth noting is that the capsules do contain gelatin, which means this product is not vegan- or vegetarian-friendly. This creatine supplement is $1.00 per serving, which is a bit higher compared to some others on the list — but it does contain a high dose per serving and makes for a mess-free way to dose your creatine.

• Creatine per serving: 5,000mg
• Type of Creatine: Creatine Monohydrate
• Flavors: Gelatin Capsules
• Total Price: $29.95
• Servings per container: 30

Pros

• These capsules are convenient for travel or throwing in a gym bag to take with you on the go.
• This product is ideal for folks who would rather take a pill than go through the rigamarole of mixing a powder to consume their supplement.
• If you’re looking for a monohydrate creatine supplement, this is a great option.

Cons

• You have to take five pills per serving to have a full dose of creatine. 
• If you want creatine hydrochloride or another form of creatine other than monohydrate, this pick is not for you. 

If you’re always running around town or traveling, pills may be more convenient since you don’t need to haul a shaker bottle around. Also, each five-pill dose of this pick ensures you’re receiving 5g of pure creatine monohydrate.

Best Creatine for Beginners

If you’re a beginner looking for a product that can potentially help boost your athletic performance, this pick is simple and — we think — a great starting point.

Bulk Supplements Creatine

This is 100 percent pure creatine monohydrate and includes no other ingredients. This can be a great option for beginners because it allows you to see how that ingredient alone may affect your recovery without the guess-and-check of a more robust formula. With 5,000mg of creatine monohydrate, this straightforward formula may help you unlock some muscle mass and lead to better performance for high-intensity training (10). 

This formula is free of sugar, soy, dairy, yeast, gluten, and additives, which may make it a great option for those who have intolerances or dietary allergies. It also comes in six powder buying options from three and a half ounces all the way up to 55 pounds to make it a little easier on the wallet. If a powder isn’t your thing, you can purchase one of four capsule options, including either vegetarian or gelatin capsules at either 100 or 300 capsules per bottle. 

• Creatine per serving: 5,000mg
• Type of Creatine: Creatine Monohydrate
• Flavors: Unflavored
• Total Price: $14.96
• Servings per container: 20

Pros

• This formula contains just 5,000mg of creatine so anyone just starting out on creatine who wants to know how strictly creatine can potentially change their performance or recovery can monitor it easier. 
• Those who want to bulk buy their creatine will love all the various buying options for powder that range from three and a half ounces to 55 pounds.
• Folks who prefer a pill supplement will appreciate that Bulk Supplements also has four buying options for pills with 100 or 300 pills that come in both vegetarian or gelatin capsules.

Cons

• This product is only creatine and nothing else. Some people may be interested in a more stacked creatine. 
• Athletes who prefer flavored creatine will want to look elsewhere. 

Bulk Supplements offers a plain creatine monohydrate packing 5,000mg of creatine. This formula is free of many allergens and comes in a multitude of buying options, making it a great option for beginners to test it out or bulk buy.

Read our full review of Bulk Supplements Creatine.

Best Creatine For Women

A recurring theme when we talk to female athletes is a desire for supplements that improve performance without adding unnecessary bulk. So when looking for the best creatine for women, we sought one with ingredients that could help with this. 

Legion Recharge

Creatine, for the most part, is creatine, so there aren’t many women-specific features in most plain creatine supplements. That said, this particular creatine supplement is a full post-workout supplement, and comes with a dose of carnitine, as well — this ingredient can be helpful with lean muscle growth as it may help with fat burn. 

You’ll also find corosolic acid along with the high 5g dose of micronized creatine (which may be easier on the stomach than other forms of creatine). Additionally, this product is naturally flavored and sweetened, which may be appealing to women who want to avoid artificial ingredients. It comes in five fruity flavors as well as an unflavored option, and while it’s not the cheapest option on the market, it’s also not the most expensive you’ll find out there. 

• Creatine per serving: 5,000mg
• Type of Creatine: Micronized Creatine
• Flavors: Grape, Fruit Punch, Blue Raspberry, Strawberry Kiwi, Unflavored, Watermelon, Strawberry Lemonade
• Total Price: $53.99
• Servings per container: 60

Pros

• Women who want a product that can help with lean muscle growth will appreciate the creatine and carnitine here. 
• This product contains micronized creatine form of creatine that may be easier to digest. 
• This is a full post-workout supplement rather than just a creatine supplement. 

Cons

• This product only comes in powder form so anyone who prefers capsules will have to look for other options.
• Those who are looking for a more straightforward creatine supplement should opt for a basic creatine powder or capsule.

To be clear: Any option on this list will suit a woman just fine. That said, some women may prefer the added carnitine, digestibility, and natural flavors here. 

Read our full review of Legion Recharge.

The Benefits of Creatine

Creatine is one of the few supplements on the market with a whole bevy of studies supporting its effects on exercise performance and muscle growth. It may also have some serious benefits when it comes to energy and power for your workouts. Read a more in-depth analysis of each below.

More Energy for Exercise

When you exercise, your body produces and uses what’s called ATP (adenosine triphosphate) — a molecule that is a key energy source for many functions. To create ATP, the body needs to tap into phosphocreatine. Utilizing a creatine supplement can help to increase your phosphocreatine stores, thus providing the body with more ATP for more energy. 

A review of creatine for exercise performance found that creatine seems to pose no health risks and may boost performance in those who are performing max reps or sprints. (11)

[Related: The 3 Most Effective Workouts Splits For Strength Training]

More Power

Because of its ability to help the body produce more ATP, which is at-the-ready energy, creatine has been shown to directly improve power output by anywhere from five to 15 percent. (12) This implies that creatine can help you eke out another extra rep or two of moves that require full effort — for example, the bench press, medicine ball slams, and box jumps. 

More Muscle Growth

While creatine has been strongly linked to improved performance, some studies show that it can also help with muscle growth. This is in part due to creatine’s ability to help the body crank out extra reps, which, over time, will lead to more growth. But some studies have also found creatine to be linked to lean muscle gains. (13) 

Other Uses for Creatine

Creatine isn’t only for people engaged in strength training and it may be able to help in a variety of other areas. Creatine plays a role in cellular and protein metabolism and has been linked to potentially protecting against age-related neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease. (14) The research on creatine’s link to depression still needs to be developed more, but early results suggest that supplementing with creatine may improve symptoms of depressive disorders — especially resistant symptoms — which might help you get to the gym more regularly. (15)(16) Creatine has also been suggested to be conditionally essential for people with chronic kidney disease and supplementation may be helpful in keeping the kidneys working properly. (17) 

How We Chose The Best Creatine

When we build our best lists, there are several factors we consider before making our selections. For creatine, we took into consideration the supplement type, prices, and research behind the products to make sure there was something that could work for a wide variety of customers. But, more on that below.

Supplement Type

There are pills, powders — both flavored and unflavored. Some supplements aren’t even pure creatine supplements, but rather intra-workout supplements that include creatine. We have included a variety of creatine types on this list so you can choose the supplement and delivery mechanism that best suits your needs. 

Price

Depending on what supplement type you choose, the price will vary. An intra-workout supplement that includes carbs, protein, and creatine will be more expensive than a pure monohydrate. That said, the products we picked float right around the market price. Supplements are nice to have, but they shouldn’t break the bank. Luckily, creatine is one of the most affordable supplements on the market.

What Is Creatine and How Does It Work?

As creatine is absorbed by the body, it draws water into the muscles, and as muscles become more saturated, can potentially help improve power output in the gym. It is generally thought that creatine supplementation may promote a faster rebuilding of adenosine triphosphate (ATP — an energy molecule in the body’s cells) in between workouts. With more energy for your next session, creatine may help increase performance in resistance training and high-intensity work. (18)

While creatine may seem straightforward, there are actually many different types on the market. We’ve double-checked that each supplement uses a science-backed creatine variety and — just as important — that it’s dosed correctly. 

[Related: How To Do The Romanian Deadlift For Lower-Body Size And Strength]

Before You Buy

If creatine is a brand new supplement to you, or even if it isn’t, there’s some info you should know before you add it to your daily routine. Read on for a few pro tips on this well-researched, yet sometimes misunderstood product.

Some People Don’t Respond To Creatine

A small percentage of people, perhaps twenty percent, are called creatine non-responders: Their bodies don’t uptake creatine the same way most people do. (19) It’s hard to know if you’re one of them until you start taking it. This is one of the reasons it’s great that creatine is so inexpensive: You’re not down too much money if you’re a non-responder. 

You Can Have Creatine With Caffeine

Following on from the previous point, one study published in 1996 found that creatine didn’t increase power output when combined with caffeine. (20) However, many other, higher-quality studies (like double-blind, randomized trials) haven’t found this to be the case. If you have some with your morning eggs and coffee, it’s no big deal.

Potential Risk and Side Effects

Creatine is widely seen as safe, but it’s always smart to chat with your doctor before making any new additions to your supplement routine. This is especially true if your doctor is monitoring your creatinine levels, for instance, as taking creatine can throw them off a little. This doesn’t mean creatine harms your kidneys; rather, your doctor should simply know about the supplements you’re taking.

Do I Need to Load Creatine?

In short, the answer to this is no. It used to be fashionable to “load” creatine, taking 20 to 25 grams per day for the first week, then dropping down to five or 10 grams for a few weeks, taking one or two weeks off, and repeating. The goal of this method was that taking a lot for a week or two would increase muscle stores quickly, then by significantly decreasing the amount you’re taking, you’d maintain the high levels you built up, and then do it all over again. (21)

The idea with creatine is to take it every day until your muscles are “saturated,” and you’ll enjoy the ergogenic effects. Loading may saturate the muscles a little more quickly, but it’s not necessary at all. You can take the standard five to 10 grams per day. If you are consistent with your supplementation, this saturation will build up naturally over time — there’s no need to rush it with loading. (22)

How to Choose the Best Creatine for You

When you’re ready to buy a creatine supplement, you may be overwhelmed by the supplements available and what types of creatine you have to choose between. Some of the main factors to consider are price, dosage, type of creatine, and formulation. We break down each below to help guide your decision-making process, so it feels exciting rather than overwhelming.

Price

The price of a supplement can be one of the most influential components of your decision. We provide a pretty serious price range on this list, from around $0.39 to $2.24 per serving. These prices fluctuate depending on the formulation, ingredient list, dosage, and type of creatine that the supplement offers. If you opt for creatine monohydrate over other types, you can expect to pay less as monohydrate tends to be the least expensive form of creatine available. 

A basic supplement that doesn’t have a ton of other ingredients may be less expensive than a fully stacked supplement that includes creatine in the lineup. The best choice will be whatever makes the most sense for your needs and your budget.

Dosage

The correct dosage will vary depending on how you want to approach your creatine intake. If you’re going to jump in with a loading phase (which is not necessary, but many choose to go this route) it is suggested that the most effective way to load is to take 0.3 grams per kilogram of body weight daily for the first five to seven days of loading. (23)

Once you finish the creatine loading phase you can decrease to 0.03 grams per kilogram of body weight for the following three weeks. If you’re not cycling, you can stick to the 0.03/kg/day going forward. (15) It is also suggested that those with higher muscle mass and high activity levels may want to take dosages of up to 10g daily, especially if they aren’t noticing much change from the body weight dosing. (15)

Armored with that knowledge, it may be optimal to do a bit of math and figure out what amount of creatine you’d need daily, and what supplement will best fit your needs by its specific dosage or by the ability to break your creatine down into whatever dosages you’d prefer. Some people like taking pills because it’s a mess-free way of dosing out specific amounts, while some prefer powder, so they aren’t tied to dose by the gram.

Type of Creatine

As you may know, there are several types of creatine to choose from, and depending on your needs, one may be better suited than another. If budget and research-backed supplements are what drive you, creatine monohydrate may be your best bet. It is the least expensive and is widely researched. Micronized creatine is a more dissolvable formulation, meaning it has better mixability than other forms. (15) 

If you happen to suffer from digestive side effects when you supplement with creatine, opting for a buffered formula or creatine with a different pH (such as kre-alkalyn) may be more digestible and therefore cause less discomfort. You may also opt to use creatine HMB, which has been linked to potential fat loss and strength gains. (9) Ultimately, the best type of creatine is the type that makes sense for your lifestyle and your goals, but you’ll want to consider which type makes the most sense for your personal needs.

Formulation

This is another important factor to think about when picking the perfect creatine supplement for your stack. There is no wrong formulation when it comes to our picks, but there is likely one that makes more sense for you over the others. Some of the factors when it comes to choosing would be whether you want a pill formulation or a powdered supplement. If you have a hard time swallowing pills, a powder may be your best bet. If you prefer to mix your creatine with your other supplements like beta-alanine or a post-workout supplement you may want to go with an unflavored powder option. Or, if you prefer flavored options, we recommend those, too. 

You’ll also want to think about whether you want a straight supplement that contains no other ingredients. You may prefer a pre-workout where creatine is just one of many ingredients, or a supplement where creatine is the star of the show but still boasts some extra ingredients. This will all be dependent on your goals, your preferences, and your desire to stack your supplement or keep your creatine separate. 

What’s the Best Type of Creatine?

The general sentiment among nutrition experts is that creatine monohydrate is, for most people, the best bet. It’s the cheapest form, and more importantly, it’s the most well-researched. Hundreds of studies have been performed on creatine monohydrate, and there’s no evidence of ill effects, whereas many of the more novel forms of creatine have one or sometimes no studies supporting them.

Some people indeed experience stomach cramps when they consume creatine monohydrate, and it’s possible that taking creatine with a different pH — usually creatine hydrochloride or buffered forms — can have a different effect on stomach acid and make for creatine that digests more easily. As far as we know, easier digestion is a serious perk, but doesn’t necessarily mean it’s more effective or that you need less of it to achieve the desired result.

That’s the long and short of it: monohydrate for almost everyone, hydrochloride if that gives you stomach issues. But if you’re curious about other kinds, check out these 10 kinds of creatine and what they all mean.

How Much Does Creatine Cost?

The price of creatine varies depending on which type of creatine you buy, and what other supplements are included in the product. The good news though? Creatine is a very inexpensive supplement compared to others on the market. 

Creatine monohydrate is the most basic form of creatine and is generally going to be the least expensive. Creatine hydrochloride can potentially absorb better than monohydrate, which can be more desirable for some athletes. It may also be a product that’s easier on the stomach, and may potentially kick in faster. Creatine HCL tends to be a little more expensive than monohydrate for that reason. 

At the top of the charts is creatine that’s enhanced with other supplements (like HMB). These creatines tend to be the priciest because their potential effects can be more powerful and nuanced than those of plain creatine taken on its own.

Best Creatine Overall	Transparent Labs Creatine HMB	$49.99 $1.66 per serving
Best Creatine Monohydrate	Jacked Factory Creatine Monohydrate	$34.99 $0.41 per serving
Best Creatine for Muscle Growth	Transparent Labs Creatine HMB	$49.99 $1.66 per serving
Best Creatine for Bodybuilding	Huge Supplements Creatine Monohydrate	$29.95 $0.99 per serving
Best Tasting Creatine	Transparent Labs Creatine HMB	$49.99 $1.66 per serving
Best for the Money	Jacked Factory Creatine Monohydrate	$34.99 $0.41 per serving
Best Creatine for Mixing	Xwerks Lift	$49.00 $0.61 per serving
Best Pre-Workout with Creatine	KAGED Pre-Kaged Elite with Creatine	$44.95 $2.24 per serving
Best Post-Workout with Creatine	Huge Supplements Formula XII	$64.95  $2.16 per Serving
Best Creatine for Men	Swolverine Kre-Alkalyn	$69.99 $1.16 per serving
Best Creatine for HCI	Kaged Creatine HCI	$29.99 $0.39 per serving
Best Creatine for Bulking	Transparent Labs Creatine HMB	$49.99 $1.66 per serving
Best Creatine for Cutting	Swolverine Kre-Alkalyn	$69.99 $1.16 per serving
Best Creatine Pills	Huge Supplements Creatine Monohydrate	$29.95 $0.99 per serving
Best Creatine for Beginners	Bulk Supplements Creatine (for 3.5 oz)	$14.96 $0.74 per serving
Best Creatine for Women	Legion Recharged	$59.99 $1.00 per serving

 

Though the prices vary, the general price range tends to be anywhere between $0.39 to $2.24 per serving, or $20 to $60 per box or bottle, depending on the number of servings in the container and the type of creatine you’re buying. You can expect to pay $1.11 per serving on average, but know it can fluctuate lower or higher depending on your needs.

When Should I Take Creatine?

Since creatine can help pull water into your muscle cells, taking it with water is the best way to ensure you’re giving the supplement the tools it needs to slay the job. Plus, without water, creatine monohydrate may cause cramping or stomach discomfort. 

The effects of creatine accumulate over time — the longer you consistently take creatine, the more consistently saturated your muscles will be. If you want to have particularly saturated muscles during exercise, creatine can be taken 30 to 45 minutes before or after exercise. However, studies have shown that taking creatine post-workout is better overall for body composition and strength. (23)

Final Word

Creatine works by drawing water into your muscles, and this hydration over time can potentially provide more power to boost athletic performance. You can choose from creatine monohydrate, creatine hydrochloride, or creatine with added supplements — all will generally have the same effects; you just need to decide which one will suit your lifestyle and workout regimen best. 

Once you’ve weighed your options, let this list be your total guide to all things creatine — what it can be used for, what you should consider before buying, what you’re going to pay for it, etc. After all, we’ve already used these best creatine supplements to do the heavy lifting here, so why should you have to?

FAQs

References

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2. Greenhaff PL. Creatine and its application as an ergogenic aid. Int J Sport Nutr. 1995 Jun;5 Suppl:S100-10. doi: 10.1123/ijsn.5.s1.s100. PMID: 7550252.
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