If you want bigger, fuller muscles and already have a regular gym routine, adding in supplements such as creatine powdercan help you make the most of your efforts.
Finding the best creatine powder for your fitness regime means reading reviews, studying product features, and diving into the ins and outs of available flavors and formulas. With the right creatine powder, making the most of your gym sessions can become a quick, over-and-done with task.
We reviewed dozens of creatine powders to identify the best of the best, based on Amazon reviews, how well they performed in tests, cost, and other considerations. We narrowed our search down to 5 of the top-rated creatine powders fitness enthusiasts can purchase to ensure they’re making the most of their gains.
We’ve identified Optimum Nutrition Micronized Creatine Monohydrate Powder as the best creatine powder out there. With 5g of pure creatine per serving that is banned substance tested, this creatine powder is one that will provide the muscle-building support you’re looking for. These benefits allow you to make the most of your workouts, maximizing strength, increasing performance, and improving recovery time.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the drug and food administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
In This Article
The 5 Top-Rated Creatine Powders
| Editor's Picks | Brand | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Optimum Nutrition Micronized Creatine Monohydrate Powder | 4.6 |
| Runner Up | BPI Sports Micronized Creatine | 4.6 |
| Best Budget Buy | BulkSupplements Creatine Monohydrate Powder Micronized | 4.6 |
| Best Flavored Creatine Powder | Beast Sports Nutrition – Creature Creatine Complex | 4.5 |
| Best Unflavored Creatine Powder | MuscleTech Platinum Creatine Monohydrate Powder | 4.6 |
*Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can change
Our Top Pick: Optimum Nutrition Micronized Creatine Monohydrate Powder
Optimum Nutrition Micronized Creatine Monohydrate Powder took the top spot on our list of the best creatine powders and contains 5g of pure creatine per serving. It is banned substance tested for use by competitive bodybuilders and helps to naturally provide muscle building support. It is available in a choice of different sizes to suit different needs and features an unflavored formula that is ideal for stacking with other supplements and mixing in any liquid.
Those who purchased and reviewed this creatine powder appreciated that it dissolved well and found it provided noticeable increases in their gym efforts after just a week of use. Some users expressed frustration with the package design and lack of a scoop.
With a price tag of about $45 for 400 servings, it’s a pretty affordable option, and the quality associated with the brand, as well as the ease of use more than justifies that price. It has a rating of 4.6 on Amazon with more than 21,000 people reviewing it, which we think goes a long way in convincing fitness enthusiasts to make the investment.
Optimum Nutrition Micronized Creatine Monohydrate Powder Key Features:
- Contains 400 servings per container
- Micronized formula for improved absorbency
- Supports muscle size, strength, and power
Runner-Up: BPI Sports Micronized Creatine
BPI Sports Micronized Creatine took the runner-up spot on our list of the best creatine powders and contains 5g of creatine monohydrate per serving. The micronized powder helps to optimize bioavailability and absorption, and is unflavored for easy mixing and stacking with other workout supplements. It has been lab-tested and third party verified for quality and is made in a GMP-compliant facility. It is made in the USA and includes a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Those who purchased and reviewed this creatine powder appreciated that it dissolved easily and had no noticeable flavor. Many people recommended dissolving in a carbohydrate beverage rather than just water, as mixing with just water seemed to cause digestive upset for some. Several users commented that they noticed improvements in strength and endurance fairly quickly, and found it to be a good value for the price.
At a cost of around $15 for 120 servings, it’s not super expensive, and the quality associated with the brand, as well as the ease of use more than justifies that price. It has a rating of 4.6 on Amazon with more than 2300 people reviewing it, which we think goes a long way in convincing fitness enthusiasts to make the investment.
BPI Sports Micronized Creatine Key Features:
- Available in a choice of two sizes
- Contains no artificial colors
- Made in an FDA registered facility
Budget Pick: BulkSupplements Creatine Monohydrate Powder Micronized
BulkSupplements Creatine Monohydrate Powder Micronized is an excellent choice for those looking for a creatine powder that won’t break the bank. It can be used either pre- or post-workout, depending on your preferences. The unflavored formula is ideal for mixing and stacking with other supplements. Each serving contains 2.5g of creatine monohydrate, with 400 servings per package. The resealable bag is convenient for keeping the powder fresh after opening.
Those who purchased and reviewed this creatine powder appreciated that it mixed well and didn’t have any noticeable taste. Some people were upset it didn’t include a scoop, but for the amount of supplement you get for the price, it’s still a really good value.
With a cost of approximately $20 for 400 servings, this creatine powder is a solid choice for those looking for a creatine powder option on a budget. It has a rating of 4.6 on Amazon with more than 18,000 people reviewing it, which we think goes a long way in convincing fitness enthusiasts that this budget-friendly pick is just as good at helping them make the most of their gains as its more expensive counterparts.
BulkSupplements Creatine Monohydrate Powder Micronized Key Features:
- Micronized formula for increased bioavailability and absorption
- Lab-tested, verified, and 99.99% purity guaranteed
- Contains no dairy, sugar, soy, yeast, or gluten
Best Flavored Creatine Powder: Beast Sports Nutrition – Creature Creatine Complex
Beast Sports Nutrition – Creature Creatine Complex is an excellent option for those who prefer a flavored creatine product and is available in a choice of four delicious flavors. Each serving contains 4g of five cutting edge creatines, along with other vitamins. It is routinely tested for raw material identification, bacteria, and mold, as well as heavy metals.
Those who purchased and reviewed this creatine powder appreciated that it tasted great and dissolved really well. Most people said they could notice an improvement in their workouts quickly, and didn’t find it caused any digestive upset. People didn’t find they retained as much water with this supplement as other creatine powders, though they still recommended drinking plenty of water while using it.
With a price tag of about $25 for 60 servings, it doesn’t come cheap, but the quality associated with the brand, as well as the ease of use and tasty flavor options more than justifies that price. It has a rating of 4.5 on Amazon with more than 1,500 people reviewing it, which we think goes a long way in convincing fitness enthusiasts to make the investment.
Beast Sports Nutrition – Creature Creatine Complex Key Features:
- Contains 60 servings per container
- Available in a choice of two different sources
- Quick-dissolving formula
Best Unflavored Creatine Powder: MuscleTech Platinum Creatine Monohydrate Powder
MuscleTech Platinum Creatine Monohydrate Powder is a great option for those who prefer their supplements with no added flavoring. It contains no fillers or added sugars, making it ideal to stack with your other favorite workout supplements. Each serving contains 5g of creatine monohydrate in a micronized formula for improved absorption and bioavailability. It has been clinically-tested, with test subjects increasing their bench press strength by 18.6% in just 10 days of use.
Those who purchased and reviewed this creatine powder appreciated that it provided more noticeable muscle definition in a reasonable amount of time, and felt that it offered good value for the price. Some people found it gave them digestive issues, so be sure you’re drinking plenty of water while consuming it.
At a cost of around $10 for 80 servings, it’s reasonably priced, and the quality associated with the brand, as well as the ease of use more than justifies that price. It has a rating of 4.6 on Amazon with nearly 12,700 people reviewing it, which we think goes a long way in convincing fitness enthusiasts to make the investment.
MuscleTech Platinum Creatine Monohydrate Powder Key Features:
- HPLC-tested and guaranteed banned substance-free
- Contains 80 servings per container
- Suitable for use both pre- and post-workout
Who Should Buy a Creatine Powder
A creatine powder is an ideal choice for those looking to make the most of their time in the gym. Creatine is one of the most studied workout supplements, and has been shown time and again to provide improvements to strength, endurance, and muscle growth. For those looking to maximize their gains, creatine is a well-tolerated, relatively safe supplement option.
It’s also a relatively affordable option as far as workout supplements go, with most containers or packages coming in at less than $20 for a month’s worth of servings. It is also a 100% legal product, which means that even professional bodybuilders can use it without worrying about testing positive for banned substances.
Creatine powder is also an excellent option for supporting quality of life in older adults, as it helps to improve muscle function and brain health. Vegetarians, and people who do not consume a lot of animal products, may also want to consider supplementing with creatine, as animal products in the diet are the main source of this nutrient.
If you’re looking to incorporate a supplement to your workout routine, why not try The Best Post-Workout Supplements.
Important Features to Consider
Not all creatine powders are created equal. A creatine powder should be pure and easy to dose. Here’s what to consider when evaluating the options in search of the best creatine powder for maximizing your fitness gains:
- Form. While there are several different forms of creatine, the most well-researched is called creatine monohydrate. Creatine monohydrate is inexpensive and well supported by hundreds of studies. For those looking for an ultra-pure form of creatine, Creapure is a premium version of creatine monohydrate that is 99.99% pure and made using a unique, patented manufacturing process in an FDA-registered plant in Germany.
- Micronized. For those who experience digestive issues, micronized creatine may be a better option. Micronized creatine has been divided in order to increase the creatine’s surface area roughly by 20 times, which makes it easier for the body to digest and absorb.
- Additives. When shopping for a creatine powder, avoid those that contain added fillers, binders, or preservatives. Ideally, you want a powder that contains no ingredients beyond creatine monohydrate, unless you’re opting for a flavored version or creatine complex.
- Flavor vs unflavored. Another important factor to consider when purchasing a creatine powder is whether or not it is flavored or unflavored. Some people like flavored creatine powders as they find them easier to take, while others prefer unflavored versions in order to stack them with other supplements in their wellness regimen.
- Scoop. While not really a requirement, purchasing a creatine powder with an included scoop can make it easier to measure doses of your supplement.
- Price point. Finally, consider how much you are willing to spend on a creatine powder. Creatine powders vary in price from $10-$40 or more for a month’s worth of doses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is creatine powder and how does it work?
Creatine is an organic acid that is found in meat and fish. It is naturally produced in the liver, kidneys, and pancreas of humans and other animals. It helps muscles produce energy during heavy lifting or high-intensity exercise. Creatine powder is a lab-made form of this compound and works by helping to increase the phosphocreatine stores in your muscles, which in turn boosts ATP levels in the body. ATP is a key energy source for heavy lifting and high-intensity exercise. About 95% of the body’s creatine is stored in skeletal muscle, with the other 5% found in the brain, kidneys, and liver.
What are the benefits of taking creatine?
The benefits of taking creatine include increased short- and long-term muscle growth, as well as improved strength, power, and high-intensity exercise performance. It can also help with endurance, as the body has more stores of ATP to draw on. Creatine also has brain-boosting benefits and is used for treating conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, epilepsy, and stroke. There is also some research that indicates that creatine may Help treat non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, lower blood sugar levels, and improve muscle function in older adults.
How should I take creatine powder?
Each creatine powder will have its own directions for use, which should be followed for the best results. Generally speaking, you’ll want to start with a loading phase in order to rapidly increase muscle stores of creatine. This involves taking about 20g of creatine per day for 5-7 days, split into four 5g servings throughout the day. After that, you can take 3-5g of creatine per day in order to maintain its effectiveness. While the loading phase is not absolutely necessary, it does help to quickly increase stores and therefore provide noticeable results.
What are the side effects of creatine?
Side effects of creatine have not been documented in healthy individuals. However, there is some anecdotal evidence to suggest that creatine can cause digestive upset in some people. Be sure to drink plenty of water while taking creatine to prevent muscle cramps and diarrhea. People who have preexisting liver or kidney problems, are pregnant or nursing, or who are under the age of 18, should consult with a doctor before supplementing with creatine. That said, creatine is one of the most studied supplements and is generally considered safe for use even for extended periods of time. In fact, both the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) allow the use of creatine supplements.
Other Creatine Powders We Reviewed
We looked at 20 other creatine powders. Even though they didn’t make our 5 best creatine powders list, they’re the best of the rest and each is still a great option for helping maximize your fitness gains. The information you’ll need to compare each one is included with the listing.
Micronized Creatine Powder
MP Essentials Micronized Creatine
This micronized creatine powder helps to improve muscle performance and recovery. Its unflavored formula can be stacked with other workout supplements for ease of use.
Key features:
- Contains 60 servings per container
- Available in a choice of sizes
- Includes a money-back guarantee
Cost: $13
NAKED Nutrition Pure Creatine Monohydrate
This micronized creatine powder is 100% pure, and contains no added fillers, colors, or flavors. Its quick-dissolving formula mixes easily into any liquid, and has been independently tested for purity.
Key features:
- Contains 200 servings per container
- Rapid absorption technology
- Gluten-, soy-, and GMO-free
Cost: $21
German Creatine Micronized Creatine
This micronized creatine powder contains 5mg per serving, and is unflavored for easy mixing and stacking with your other favorite supplements. It is considered to be the purest creatine in the world.
Key features:
- Contains 56 servings per container
- BSCG tested
- WNBF-approved
Cost: $15
Nutricost Creatine Monohydrate Micronized Powder
This micronized creatine powder contains 5g of creatine monohydrate per serving, and has been third party tested for safety and quality.
Key features:
- Contains 100 servings per container
- Gluten-free and non-GMO
- Made in a GMP-compliant facility
Cost: $13
Six Star Elite Series 100% Micronized Creatine Monohydrate Powder
This micronized creatine powder contains 5mg of ultra pure creatine monohydrate per serving, and contains no added fillers, artificial flavors, or other ingredients.
Key features:
- Contains 80 servings per container
- Aspartame-free
- Guaranteed banned substance-free
Cost: $10
This micronized creatine powder boasts 5mg of pure, pharmaceutical-grade creatine monohydrate per serving. The unflavored formula mixes easily with water, juice, or protein shakes, and is dye-free.
Key features:
- Contains 200 servings per container
- Gluten-free
- Third party tested for purity
Cost: $19
Bodybuilding Signature Micronized Creatine Monohydrate Powder
This micronized creatine powder easily mixes with 8 oz. of water for use 1 to 2 times daily. It contains 5g of creatine monohydrate per serving, and is prop 65 tested.
Key features:
- Contains 80 servings per container
- No added fillers
- Scoop included
Unflavored Creatine Powder
Muscle Feast Creapure Creatine Monohydrate Powder
This unflavored creatine powder can be used either pre- or post-workout, and is 99.9% pure. It can easily be stacked with your other favorite products.
Key features:
- Contains 55 servings per container
- Available in a choice of sizes
- Available in a selection of flavors
Cost: $16
NOW Sports Nutrition Creatine Monohydrate Powder
This creatine powder contains 5g of creatine monohydrate per serving, and boasts an unflavored formula that is ideal for stacking with other workout supplements.
Key features:
- Contains 200 servings per container
- Informed Sport seal
- Non-GMO, Kosher, vegan formula
Cost: $16
Thorne Research Creatine Powder
This unflavored creatine powder helps to promote lean body mass, muscle endurance and power output, and contains 5g of high-quality Creapure creatine per serving.
Key features:
- Contains 90 servings per container
- NSF Certified for Sport
- Free from gluten, eggs, tree nuts, peanuts, dairy, soy, yeast, fish, and shellfish
Cost: $31
GNC Pro Performance Creatine Monohydrate
This unflavored creatine powder provides 5mg of creatine monohydrate in each serving, with a formula that can be and can be stacked with other supplements and mixed in the beverage of your choosing.
Key features:
- Contains 100 servings per container
- Third party tested to be drug-free
- Sugar- and dairy-free
Cost: $20
This unflavored creatine powder provides 5mg of creatine monohydrate in each serving, and easily mixes in water, juice, or a protein drink.
Key features:
- Contains 60 servings per container
- Made in the USA
- Available in a choice of sizes
Creatine HCl Powder
KAGED MUSCLE Creatine HCl Powder
Each serving of of this patented creatine HCl powder contains 750 mg of ultra-pure, patented creatine hydrochloride to help strengthen your muscles and aid in recovery.
Key features:
- Contains 75 servings per container
- Third party tested for purity
- Can be taken with food or on an empty stomach
Cost: $22
This creatine HCl powder boasts a blend of three different creatine forms, and features a pleasant green apple flavor. It has been third party tested for safety, and is vegan-friendly.
Key features:
- Contains 25 servings per container
- Suitable for use by both men and women
- No added fillers
Cost: $30
This creatine HCl powder provides 2g of lab-grade creatine per serving, and easily mixes with 8 oz. of water or other beverages.
Key features:
- Contains 60 servings per container
- Gluten-free
- Contains no added fillers
Cost: $20
MuscleTech Creactor Creatine and Creatine HCl
This creatine HCl powder provides 750mg of creatine HCl and 750mg of free-acid creatine per serving. It is available in a choice of three flavors or an unflavored formula.
Key features:
- Contains 120 servings per container
- For use post-workout
- Made in the USA
Flavored Creatine Powder
MuscleTech Cell Tech Creatine Monohydrate Formula Powder
This flavored creatine powder provides 5g of creatine monohydrate, 5g of creatine citrate, 2g of BCAAs, 3g of taurine and alanine, and 200mg of ALA per serving.
Key features:
- Contains 56 servings per container
- HPLC tested
- Mixes easily with water
Cost: $37
BPI Sports Best Creatine – Creatine Monohydrate
This flavored creatine powder contains a specialized blend of 6 different creatine formulas to help promote increased muscle strength, growth, and recovery.
Key features:
- Contains 50 servings per container
- Contains no added sugar
- Specially formulated to prevent water bloat
Cost: $13
EFX Kre-Alkalyn | PH Correct Creatine Monohydrate
This flavored creatine powder contains a multi-patented, pH-correct creatine monohydrate that provides clinically-proven results. It is Informed Sport Certified and banned-substance free.
Key features:
- Contains 116 servings per container
- Won’t cause bloating
- Stable in liquids
Cost: $30
Six Star Pro Nutrition Creatine X3 Powder
This flavored creatine powder contains 8 grams of creatine monohydrate and creatine HCl, plus 2.5 grams of BCAA amino acids per serving, making it an ideal post-workout recovery supplement.
Key features:
- Contains 35 servings per container
- Aspartame-free
- Third party tested for purity
Cost: $16
