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After whey protein powder, creatine may be the one of the most popular supplements in a gym-goers’ pantry — and for good reason. Most supplements have a handful of studies supporting their use, but creatine has hundreds of them, suggesting a strong effect on performance and body composition.
Creatine mainly works by increasing one’s ability to improve power output in the gym. As a result, you’ll 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 creatine you should buy, we tried and reviewed dozens of top brands to land on the best creatine supplements that serve a number of needs and preferences. Below our picks, we discuss the benefits of creatine and answer common questions related to this popular supplement.
Best Creatine Supplements
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 Supplements Video Review
Be sure to check out our best creatine video for an up-close and personal look at each of the picks on our list.
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 — plus, the blue raspberry flavor is delicious and contains no artificial sweeteners.
Transparent Labs Creatine HMB
We like that this product includes hydroxymethyl butyrate, the main metabolite in leucine that prevents muscle protein breakdown. Plus, the blue raspberry flavor is tasty, and the blend contains no artificial sweeteners.
Who Should Buy Transparent Labs Creatine HMB
[Related: Could Baking Soda Be The Best Workout Supplement You’ve Never Tried?]
Best Creatine Monohydrate
Creatine monohydrate is far and away the most science-backed form of creatine. If you’re looking for nothing but pure, unflavored creatine at the best price, then look no further than Plantrise Creatine Monohydrate.
Plantrise Creatine Monohydrate
Each two-scoop serving provides five grams of creatine monohydrate that mixes seamlessly into liquid. Plantrise recommends you take this creatine 30 to 45 minutes before and/or after your workout mixed with juice or a high-carb beverage for best results. It’s unflavored, so you don’t have to worry about it disrupting the taste of your beverage. Plus, this product is dairy free and non-GMO for those who value those qualities in their creatine.
Plantrise Creatine Monohydrate
This creatine is dairy free, non-GMO, and made in a lab tested facility. It has a high absorption rate, so it can digest faster than some other creatine supplements.
Who Should Buy Plantrise Creatine Monohydrate
[Related: The Best Types Of Supplements For Performance, Weight Loss, And Health]
Best Creatine For Muscle Growth
Creatine on its own has many studies that suggest that it can be linked to increased muscle growth. The addition of HMB in this one though might help with that even more than plain creatine monohydrate.
Transparent Labs Creatine HMB
While creatine (and other stimulants) on their own may help boost your performance, that doesn’t guarantee that they’ll help you gain muscle. Transparent Labs’ formula contains 1,500 milligrams of an ingredient called HMB, which can prevent lean muscle loss and decrease fat. Both are key factors when looking to build muscle and increase strength.
Transparent Labs Creatine HMB
We like that this product includes hydroxymethyl butyrate, the main metabolite in leucine that prevents muscle protein breakdown. Plus, the blue raspberry flavor is tasty, and the blend contains no artificial sweeteners.
Who Should Buy Transparent Labs Creatine HMB
[Related: The Lifter’s Guide To Magnesium: What This Nutrient Does For Strength]
Best Creatine for Men
A drawback to creatine monohydrate is that it can be rough on the stomach (especially if taken on an empty stomach), but creatine hydrochloride may reduce the likelihood of these creatine cramps — a great perk for those taking creatine before hitting the gym. We think this one is particularly great for men who want an easy-to-absorb supplement to take before their intense gym sessions.
Kaged Muscle’s C-HCl Creatine Hydrochloride
While Kaged Muscle’s C-HCl is pricier than monohydrate, it’s still fairly reasonable for creatine HCI at just 35 cents per gram. It’s also a smaller dosage than most monohydrates — instead of taking 5 to 10 grams, you only need to take 750mg as hydrochloride can be highly effective.
This product is also third party tested for banned substances, and it has a great lemon-lime taste or comes in vegetable caps for convenience. A great perk with hydrochloride is that there’s evidence that this supplement absorbs better than monohydrate (1), which makes it a solid pick for athletes worried about effectiveness.
KAGED Muscle C-HCl Creatine Hydrochloride
This is a tasty option for folks who are looking for creatine hydrochloride in either pill or powder form. It’s third-party tested for banned substances and competitively priced.
Who Should Buy Kaged Muscle’s C-HCl Creatine Hydrochloride
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 without the extras.
Plantrise Creatine Monohydrate
Creatine, for the most part, is creatine, so there aren’t many women-specific features in most creatine supplements. That said, Plantrise offers up a straightforward supplement that contains 5g of creatine per serving without any additives. That means the unflavored powder is totally vegan and cruelty-free, plus it’s free of preservatives, added sugar, GMO’s, herbicides, pesticides, or anything artificial.
Plantrise Creatine Monohydrate
This creatine is dairy free, non-GMO, and made in a lab tested facility. It has a high absorption rate, so it can digest faster than some other creatine supplements.
Who Should Buy Plantrise Creatine Monohydrate
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.
Kaged Muscle’s C-HCl Creatine Hydrochloride
Kaged Muscle’s C-HCI may be a bit pricier than some other creatine supplements — like creatine monohydrate — but it’s still fairly reasonable for hydrochloride. At 35 cents per gram, you’re getting a product that studies suggest to be easier to digest than monohydrate, requires a smaller dosage, and has a great taste. (2)
Though most creatine supplements aren’t flavored, Kaged’s C-HCl Creatine’s lemon lime flavor tastes like an old fashioned lemonade, so it’s super refreshing, and especially so after a workout. Plus, this product is third-party tested for banned substances, so you can trust the label you read.
KAGED Muscle C-HCl Creatine Hydrochloride
This is a tasty option for folks who are looking for creatine hydrochloride in either pill or powder form. It’s third-party tested for banned substances and competitively priced.
Who Should Buy Kaged Muscle’s C-HCl Creatine Hydrochloride
Best Post-Workout Creatine
For our post-workout pick, we searched for a high-end creatine product that’s focused on muscle retention and recovery. After a lot of digging, we landed on Legion’s Recharge, which contains an unusual metabolite that may work synergistically with creatine.
Legion Recharge
Legion Recharge is a great creatine product. It’s not just creatine monohydrate, which is the most research-backed form: One scoop delivers l-carnitine l-tartrate, which may help to reduce exercise-induced muscle damage and improve recovery. There’s also some banaba leaf extract, which may help to increase insulin sensitivity and improve the way we digest carbohydrates. Finally: it’s completely naturally flavored, colored, and sweetened.
Legion Recharge Creatine
Legion Recharge is a well-rounded option that includes a solid dose of creatine monohydrate, along with l-carnitine l-tartrate, which may help to reduce exercise-induced muscle damage and improve recovery.
Who Should Buy Legion Recharge
[Related: I’m A Professional Powerlifter. Here’s What I Think About Bodybuilding]
Best Creatine for Beginners
If you’re just starting out and looking for a simple product that can potentially help boost your athletic performance, this pick is the way to go.
Plantrise Creatine Monohydrate
Made with 100 percent creatine monohydrate, Plantrise Creatine Monohydrate is a great start for those looking to supplement with creatine for the first time. It’s dairy free, non-GMO, and made in a lab tested facility — plus, it has a high absorption rate, so, it can digest faster than some other creatine supplements. This means its potential to boost athletic performance, reduce post-exercise fatigue, and build lean muscle mass kicks in quicker than slower absorbing monohydrates. It is, however, unflavored, so those looking for a flavor bomb will have to mix it with another supplement in their stack.
Plantrise Creatine Monohydrate
This creatine is dairy free, non-GMO, and made in a lab tested facility. It has a high absorption rate, so it can digest faster than some other creatine supplements.
Who Should Buy Plantrise Creatine Monohydrate
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. (4) 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.
Transparent Labs Creatine HMB
We like that this product includes hydroxymethyl butyrate, the main metabolite in leucine that prevents muscle protein breakdown. Plus, the blue raspberry flavor is tasty, and the blend contains no artificial sweeteners.
Who Should Buy Transparent Labs Creatine HMB
[Related: The Real Pros And Cons Of The Bodybuilding Lifestyle]
Best Creatine for Cutting
If you’re cutting, you’re likely looking for a creatine supplement that is easily absorbed, effective, clean, and doesn’t cause any bloating — this pick is all of the above.
Kaged Muscle’s C-HCl Creatine Hydrochloride
Though hydrochloride is generally pricier than monohydrate, it’s for good reason. Kaged Muscle’s C-HCI Creatine Hydrochloride can be more easily absorbed than creatine monohydrate, potentially helping your body boost athletic performance faster and more effectively. At 35 cents per gram, this product is on the lower end of the price range for creatine hydrochlorides, and it’s third-party tested for banned supplements and peace of mind. Bonus: Its natural lemon-lime flavor tastes just like lemonade, so it’s refreshing at any time of the day.
KAGED Muscle C-HCl Creatine Hydrochloride
This is a tasty option for folks who are looking for creatine hydrochloride in either pill or powder form. It’s third-party tested for banned substances and competitively priced.
Who Should Buy Kaged Muscle’s C-HCl Creatine Hydrochloride
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 — yes, here it is again — we think Kaged Muscle’s C-HCl sits above the rest.
Kaged Muscle’s C-HCl Creatine Hydrochloride
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 35 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 bent (you can get unflavored too), and most importantly, it’s third-party tested for banned substances by Informed-Sport, which makes it a great pick for athletes.
KAGED Muscle C-HCl Creatine Hydrochloride
This is a tasty option for folks who are looking for creatine hydrochloride in either pill or powder form. It’s third-party tested for banned substances and competitively priced.
Who Should Buy Kaged Muscle’s C-HCl Creatine Hydrochloride
[Related: Best Macros Calculator For Tracking Muscle Gain and Fat Loss]
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 high-quality, and HMB (?-Hydroxy ?-Methylbutyrate) in particular can help you retain more muscle mass.
Transparent Labs’ Creatine HMB
The HMB in Transparent Labs Creatine HMB, which stands for ?-Hydroxy ?-Methylbutyrate is a metabolite in the branched-chain amino acid leucine that can help prevent muscles from breaking down, so you retain more of the muscle you build in the gym. Plus, combined with creatine, this product can help increase strength better than an individual creatine or HMB product can on its own. The blue raspberry flavor contains no artificial sweeteners, and the included Bioperine (a version of black pepper extract) can potentially help with the product’s overall absorption.
Transparent Labs Creatine HMB
We like that this product includes hydroxymethyl butyrate, the main metabolite in leucine that prevents muscle protein breakdown. Plus, the blue raspberry flavor is tasty, and the blend contains no artificial sweeteners.
Who Should Buy Transparent Labs’ Creatine HMB
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 dissolves easily in fluid.
BulkSupplements Creatine Monohydrate
Made in a Good Manufacturing Practices-certified facility free from major allergens, this pure creatine monohydrate is tested both in-house and by a third party for any impurities. If their good habits in production aren’t enough to convince you, perhaps having the most affordable price around when buying at least a kilogram will. 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.
BulkSupplements Creatine Monohydrate
This creatine is clean and simple. It comes with 2.5 grams of micronized creatine per serving, and you can buy it in bulk to save money. Plus, it's tested both in-house and by a third party for any impurities.
Who Should Buy BulkSupplements Creatine Monohydrate
[Related: The 3 Most Common Types Of Training Periodization (And When To Use Them)]
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.
Kaged Muscle’s C-HCl Creatine Hydrochloride
Kaged’s C-HCl comes in the form of both creatine powder and creatine pills. The pill form is easy to travel with or throw into your gym bag. Also, Kaged Muscle boasts 750mg of creatine hydrochloride per capsule — hydrochloride can be absorbed by your body quicker and easier than creatine monohydrate, so while you may take 5g of monohydrate, 750mg of hydrochloride can be equally as effective. Each serving is just a single capsule, and you can buy bottles of 75 capsules. Plus, the capsules are made of vegetable cellulose, so this product is vegan-friendly.
KAGED Muscle C-HCl Creatine Hydrochloride
This is a tasty option for folks who are looking for creatine hydrochloride in either pill or powder form. It’s third-party tested for banned substances and competitively priced.
Who Should Buy Kaged Muscle’s C-HCl Creatine Hydrochloride
Creatine mainly works by increasing one’s ability to improve power output in the gym. As a result, you’ll 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 creatine you should buy, we tried and reviewed dozens of top brands to land on the best creatine supplements that serve a number of needs and preferences. Below our picks, we discuss the benefits of creatine and answer common questions related to this popular supplement.
Best Creatine Supplements
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 Supplements Video Review
Be sure to check out our best creatine video for an up-close and personal look at each of the picks on our list.
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 — plus, the blue raspberry flavor is delicious and contains no artificial sweeteners.
Transparent Labs Creatine HMB
We like that this product includes hydroxymethyl butyrate, the main metabolite in leucine that prevents muscle protein breakdown. Plus, the blue raspberry flavor is tasty, and the blend contains no artificial sweeteners.
Who Should Buy Transparent Labs Creatine HMB
- Those who want the added muscle-specific benefits of HMB in their creatine supplement.
- People who want flavored creatine but don’t want artificial flavors and ingredients.
- Anyone who prefers a powder supplement over a capsule.
- Anyone looking for a stimulatory or ergogenic effect from their creatine supplement, as this product is stim-free.
- Those who prefer flavored creatine may prefer to look elsewhere — this product only comes unflavored.
[Related: Could Baking Soda Be The Best Workout Supplement You’ve Never Tried?]
Best Creatine Monohydrate
Creatine monohydrate is far and away the most science-backed form of creatine. If you’re looking for nothing but pure, unflavored creatine at the best price, then look no further than Plantrise Creatine Monohydrate.
Plantrise Creatine Monohydrate
Each two-scoop serving provides five grams of creatine monohydrate that mixes seamlessly into liquid. Plantrise recommends you take this creatine 30 to 45 minutes before and/or after your workout mixed with juice or a high-carb beverage for best results. It’s unflavored, so you don’t have to worry about it disrupting the taste of your beverage. Plus, this product is dairy free and non-GMO for those who value those qualities in their creatine.
Plantrise Creatine Monohydrate
This creatine is dairy free, non-GMO, and made in a lab tested facility. It has a high absorption rate, so it can digest faster than some other creatine supplements.
Who Should Buy Plantrise Creatine Monohydrate
- Those who are looking for creatine without any artificial flavors or additional ingredients.
- Anyone looking for fast-dissolving creatine that mixes well into liquid.
- Vegans who are looking for a creatine supplement that is free of animal products.
- Consumers who want flavors or add-ons like amino acids in their creatine.
- Folks who prefer to take a pill over powdered creatine.
[Related: The Best Types Of Supplements For Performance, Weight Loss, And Health]
Best Creatine For Muscle Growth
Creatine on its own has many studies that suggest that it can be linked to increased muscle growth. The addition of HMB in this one though might help with that even more than plain creatine monohydrate.
Transparent Labs Creatine HMB
While creatine (and other stimulants) on their own may help boost your performance, that doesn’t guarantee that they’ll help you gain muscle. Transparent Labs’ formula contains 1,500 milligrams of an ingredient called HMB, which can prevent lean muscle loss and decrease fat. Both are key factors when looking to build muscle and increase strength.
Transparent Labs Creatine HMB
We like that this product includes hydroxymethyl butyrate, the main metabolite in leucine that prevents muscle protein breakdown. Plus, the blue raspberry flavor is tasty, and the blend contains no artificial sweeteners.
Who Should Buy Transparent Labs Creatine HMB
- Folks who want to hang onto muscle mass, especially those on a cut, may benefit from the addition of HMB in this product.
- People looking to burn fat as they gain muscle mass. HMB is the main metabolite in leucine that prevents the breakdown of muscle protein.
- Anyone who prefers a blue raspberry flavored powder creatine supplement.
- People who are more cardio-focused may not need or want the muscle-specific benefits of the HMB.
- Thrifty shoppers looking for a low-cost creatine. There are cheaper, simpler products on this list for you.
- Those who don’t want added stimulants in their creatine.
[Related: The Lifter’s Guide To Magnesium: What This Nutrient Does For Strength]
Best Creatine for Men
A drawback to creatine monohydrate is that it can be rough on the stomach (especially if taken on an empty stomach), but creatine hydrochloride may reduce the likelihood of these creatine cramps — a great perk for those taking creatine before hitting the gym. We think this one is particularly great for men who want an easy-to-absorb supplement to take before their intense gym sessions.
Kaged Muscle’s C-HCl Creatine Hydrochloride
While Kaged Muscle’s C-HCl is pricier than monohydrate, it’s still fairly reasonable for creatine HCI at just 35 cents per gram. It’s also a smaller dosage than most monohydrates — instead of taking 5 to 10 grams, you only need to take 750mg as hydrochloride can be highly effective.
This product is also third party tested for banned substances, and it has a great lemon-lime taste or comes in vegetable caps for convenience. A great perk with hydrochloride is that there’s evidence that this supplement absorbs better than monohydrate (1), which makes it a solid pick for athletes worried about effectiveness.
KAGED Muscle C-HCl Creatine Hydrochloride
This is a tasty option for folks who are looking for creatine hydrochloride in either pill or powder form. It’s third-party tested for banned substances and competitively priced.
Who Should Buy Kaged Muscle’s C-HCl Creatine Hydrochloride
- Anyone who wants an easier-to-digest creatine supplement.
- Athletes who want to take a smaller dosage of creatine hydrochloride and reap the same benefits of a larger dose of creatine monohydrate.
- Customers looking for a product that’s been third-party tested.
- Gym goers who want the choice between using powder or vegetable caps.
- Those who want more than one flavor to choose from.
- Folks who don’t want to spend extra on creatine hydrochloride.
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 without the extras.
Plantrise Creatine Monohydrate
Creatine, for the most part, is creatine, so there aren’t many women-specific features in most creatine supplements. That said, Plantrise offers up a straightforward supplement that contains 5g of creatine per serving without any additives. That means the unflavored powder is totally vegan and cruelty-free, plus it’s free of preservatives, added sugar, GMO’s, herbicides, pesticides, or anything artificial.
Plantrise Creatine Monohydrate
This creatine is dairy free, non-GMO, and made in a lab tested facility. It has a high absorption rate, so it can digest faster than some other creatine supplements.
Who Should Buy Plantrise Creatine Monohydrate
- Women who want a clean, straightforward creatine supplement without added extras.
- Anyone who follows a vegan diet, as this supplement is plant-based.
- Folks who prefer an unflavored powder creatine supplement vs a flavored powder.
- Athletes who prefer a pill or flavored powder might want to opt for another creatine on this list — this is an unflavored powder.
- Those who are looking for added stimulants or prebiotics for digestive health included in their creatine.
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.
Kaged Muscle’s C-HCl Creatine Hydrochloride
Kaged Muscle’s C-HCI may be a bit pricier than some other creatine supplements — like creatine monohydrate — but it’s still fairly reasonable for hydrochloride. At 35 cents per gram, you’re getting a product that studies suggest to be easier to digest than monohydrate, requires a smaller dosage, and has a great taste. (2)
Though most creatine supplements aren’t flavored, Kaged’s C-HCl Creatine’s lemon lime flavor tastes like an old fashioned lemonade, so it’s super refreshing, and especially so after a workout. Plus, this product is third-party tested for banned substances, so you can trust the label you read.
KAGED Muscle C-HCl Creatine Hydrochloride
This is a tasty option for folks who are looking for creatine hydrochloride in either pill or powder form. It’s third-party tested for banned substances and competitively priced.
Who Should Buy Kaged Muscle’s C-HCl Creatine Hydrochloride
- Users who want a product that tastes great to help them stay committed (and dare we say excited) to their supplement regimen.
- Athletes who want a product that is third-party tested for banned substances.
- If you’re looking for an easier-to-digest creatine supplement, this product’s hydrochloride form may be helpful.
- Anyone who wants lots of flavors to choose from — though their lemon lime flavor is great, it’s the only flavor option available right now.
- Folks who are looking for a cost-effective creatine supplement may want to opt for a monohydrate.
Best Post-Workout Creatine
For our post-workout pick, we searched for a high-end creatine product that’s focused on muscle retention and recovery. After a lot of digging, we landed on Legion’s Recharge, which contains an unusual metabolite that may work synergistically with creatine.
Legion Recharge
Legion Recharge is a great creatine product. It’s not just creatine monohydrate, which is the most research-backed form: One scoop delivers l-carnitine l-tartrate, which may help to reduce exercise-induced muscle damage and improve recovery. There’s also some banaba leaf extract, which may help to increase insulin sensitivity and improve the way we digest carbohydrates. Finally: it’s completely naturally flavored, colored, and sweetened.
Legion Recharge Creatine
Legion Recharge is a well-rounded option that includes a solid dose of creatine monohydrate, along with l-carnitine l-tartrate, which may help to reduce exercise-induced muscle damage and improve recovery.
Who Should Buy Legion Recharge
- If you want creatine with additives but no stimulants, this is a great “any time” recovery drink.
- Folks who like flavored creatine and multiple options to choose from — recharge comes in Watermelon, Fruit Punch, or Strawberry Lemonade (though it’s also available unflavored).
- Anyone interested in the potential recovery and longevity benefits of l-carnitine l-tartrate (LCLT).
- Customers who just want plain creatine without the extras can find a more basic option.
- If you’re looking to save cash, this isn’t the cheapest creatine supplement out there.
[Related: I’m A Professional Powerlifter. Here’s What I Think About Bodybuilding]
Best Creatine for Beginners
If you’re just starting out and looking for a simple product that can potentially help boost your athletic performance, this pick is the way to go.
Plantrise Creatine Monohydrate
Made with 100 percent creatine monohydrate, Plantrise Creatine Monohydrate is a great start for those looking to supplement with creatine for the first time. It’s dairy free, non-GMO, and made in a lab tested facility — plus, it has a high absorption rate, so, it can digest faster than some other creatine supplements. This means its potential to boost athletic performance, reduce post-exercise fatigue, and build lean muscle mass kicks in quicker than slower absorbing monohydrates. It is, however, unflavored, so those looking for a flavor bomb will have to mix it with another supplement in their stack.
Plantrise Creatine Monohydrate
This creatine is dairy free, non-GMO, and made in a lab tested facility. It has a high absorption rate, so it can digest faster than some other creatine supplements.
Who Should Buy Plantrise Creatine Monohydrate
- Anyone just starting out on creatine who’s looking for a simple, straightforward product.
- Those who want a product made in a lab tested facility.
- Folks who prefer creatine monohydrate over hydrochloride will find this as a solid option.
- Customers who are looking for a cost effective creatine supplement can find cheaper options on the market.
- Athletes who prefer a flavored, great-tasting powder.
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. (4) 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.
Transparent Labs Creatine HMB
We like that this product includes hydroxymethyl butyrate, the main metabolite in leucine that prevents muscle protein breakdown. Plus, the blue raspberry flavor is tasty, and the blend contains no artificial sweeteners.
Who Should Buy Transparent Labs Creatine HMB
- Lifters in a bulking phase who want to increase strength to build more mass will appreciate the HMB in this product.
- Athletes who prioritize strength training and need a supplement to support their efforts.
- Those who would prefer a micronized creatine for faster absorption.
- Penny pinchers. 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.
[Related: The Real Pros And Cons Of The Bodybuilding Lifestyle]
Best Creatine for Cutting
If you’re cutting, you’re likely looking for a creatine supplement that is easily absorbed, effective, clean, and doesn’t cause any bloating — this pick is all of the above.
Kaged Muscle’s C-HCl Creatine Hydrochloride
Though hydrochloride is generally pricier than monohydrate, it’s for good reason. Kaged Muscle’s C-HCI Creatine Hydrochloride can be more easily absorbed than creatine monohydrate, potentially helping your body boost athletic performance faster and more effectively. At 35 cents per gram, this product is on the lower end of the price range for creatine hydrochlorides, and it’s third-party tested for banned supplements and peace of mind. Bonus: Its natural lemon-lime flavor tastes just like lemonade, so it’s refreshing at any time of the day.
KAGED Muscle C-HCl Creatine Hydrochloride
This is a tasty option for folks who are looking for creatine hydrochloride in either pill or powder form. It’s third-party tested for banned substances and competitively priced.
Who Should Buy Kaged Muscle’s C-HCl Creatine Hydrochloride
- Those who get digestive discomfort from monohydrate and prefer creatine hydrochloride.
- Anyone who wants a product that is third-party tested for peace of mind.
- Those who want a product that can be absorbed more easily.
- Customers looking for a more reasonably priced creatine supplement.
- Athletes who want more than one flavor to choose from.
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 — yes, here it is again — we think Kaged Muscle’s C-HCl sits above the rest.
Kaged Muscle’s C-HCl Creatine Hydrochloride
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 35 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 bent (you can get unflavored too), and most importantly, it’s third-party tested for banned substances by Informed-Sport, which makes it a great pick for athletes.
KAGED Muscle C-HCl Creatine Hydrochloride
This is a tasty option for folks who are looking for creatine hydrochloride in either pill or powder form. It’s third-party tested for banned substances and competitively priced.
Who Should Buy Kaged Muscle’s C-HCl Creatine Hydrochloride
- If creatine monohydrate gives you digestive discomfort, there’s anecdotal evidence that this form may digest more easily.
- Competitive athletes who only take supplements tested by companies like Informed-Sport will be happy with this product.
- If you like the taste of lemon-lime, you’ll like this product’s flavor.
- Those who don’t get indigestion from monohydrate — there’s no specific evidence that hydrochloride is a better overall supplement than monohydrate. It’s simply easier to digest.
- Folks who don’t want to spend extra on hydrochloride.
[Related: Best Macros Calculator For Tracking Muscle Gain and Fat Loss]
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 high-quality, and HMB (?-Hydroxy ?-Methylbutyrate) in particular can help you retain more muscle mass.
Transparent Labs’ Creatine HMB
The HMB in Transparent Labs Creatine HMB, which stands for ?-Hydroxy ?-Methylbutyrate is a metabolite in the branched-chain amino acid leucine that can help prevent muscles from breaking down, so you retain more of the muscle you build in the gym. Plus, combined with creatine, this product can help increase strength better than an individual creatine or HMB product can on its own. The blue raspberry flavor contains no artificial sweeteners, and the included Bioperine (a version of black pepper extract) can potentially help with the product’s overall absorption.
Transparent Labs Creatine HMB
We like that this product includes hydroxymethyl butyrate, the main metabolite in leucine that prevents muscle protein breakdown. Plus, the blue raspberry flavor is tasty, and the blend contains no artificial sweeteners.
Who Should Buy Transparent Labs’ Creatine HMB
- Bodybuilders who are looking to increase their muscle mass, preserve their gains, and decrease their body fat.
- Anyone looking for a product that can absorb effectively.
- Those who need a product that can potentially help keep their muscle gains from breaking down.
- Folks who want a creatine supplement at a lower price point.
- Those who prefer a wider selection of flavored powders, or capsules for convenience.
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 dissolves easily in fluid.
BulkSupplements Creatine Monohydrate
Made in a Good Manufacturing Practices-certified facility free from major allergens, this pure creatine monohydrate is tested both in-house and by a third party for any impurities. If their good habits in production aren’t enough to convince you, perhaps having the most affordable price around when buying at least a kilogram will. 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.
BulkSupplements Creatine Monohydrate
This creatine is clean and simple. It comes with 2.5 grams of micronized creatine per serving, and you can buy it in bulk to save money. Plus, it's tested both in-house and by a third party for any impurities.
Who Should Buy BulkSupplements Creatine Monohydrate
- Those who want creatine monohydrate without any additional ingredients.
- Folks who are working with tighter budgets will appreciate that you can buy this product in bulk.
- People looking for small-granule, micronized creatine that mixes well into liquid.
- Athletes who prefer to use creatine hydrochloride will want to look elsewhere, as this is a monohydrate.
- Anyone who doesn’t need to buy in bulk. There may be more comprehensive creatine supplements out there for you in smaller packages.
[Related: The 3 Most Common Types Of Training Periodization (And When To Use Them)]
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.
Kaged Muscle’s C-HCl Creatine Hydrochloride
Kaged’s C-HCl comes in the form of both creatine powder and creatine pills. The pill form is easy to travel with or throw into your gym bag. Also, Kaged Muscle boasts 750mg of creatine hydrochloride per capsule — hydrochloride can be absorbed by your body quicker and easier than creatine monohydrate, so while you may take 5g of monohydrate, 750mg of hydrochloride can be equally as effective. Each serving is just a single capsule, and you can buy bottles of 75 capsules. Plus, the capsules are made of vegetable cellulose, so this product is vegan-friendly.
KAGED Muscle C-HCl Creatine Hydrochloride
This is a tasty option for folks who are looking for creatine hydrochloride in either pill or powder form. It’s third-party tested for banned substances and competitively priced.
Who Should Buy Kaged Muscle’s C-HCl Creatine Hydrochloride
- People who travel a lot or like to throw their creatine in the gym bag to take pre- or post-workout.
- 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 hydrochloride over a monohydrate creatine supplement, this is a great option.
- Those who don’t want to spend extra on hydrochloride may want to go for a less expensive monohydrate.
- Those who are pill adverse are better off opting for a powder...
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