Best Creatine Supplements For Bulking & Muscle Growth of 2024 (Personally Tested)

Creatine is a powerful supplement on the market to boost muscle growth, enhance focus, and increase recovery for all your bulking needs.

Creatine is a very popular supplement on the market for athletes of all experience levels with great potential to increase the growth of muscle mass, enhance focus, provide for better bulking, and boost recovery. As a widely researched and staple supplement on your shelf, creatine is a safe an effective supplement can seriously enhance your muscle mass, strength and performance. While we are all looking for the edge to get us over that training bump, creatine promotes strength, power and endurance.

When looking for the best types creatine supplements, it is important to look for those top tier products on the market that focus on bulking, increasing muscle mass, and aiding in recovery. Creatine helps to raise muscle ATP energy to power growth while recharging muscle for your next session will allow you bounce back faster and still see great gains. By stimulating proteins within your cells, stem cells, strength, and growth factor used to build quality muscle, you will build a physique others will surely envy. Of course, our workouts do tend to be grueling and by increasing your work capacity, this will ensure your muscles get great work done across all strength and endurance activities without limiting muscle growth and repair.

The team at Generation Iron has reviewed and put together this list of The Best Creatine Supplements to buy on the market to restore muscles and enhance your performance to the next level. With a high-quality product, your gains will surely grow so you can focus on any competition or sport specific needs that require your utmost attention.

The Best Creatine Supplements To Buy in 2024


 

Finding the best creatine overall can be challenging, especially with so many brands out there. With the right dosage and quality creatine, all of those strength building, and recovery goals are much closer than you think with the best creatine powder.

Nutricost Creatine Monohydrate

Get all of the benefits of micronized creatine without breaking the bank and activate muscle building quickly.

Amount Of Creatine 5,000mg
Number Of Servings 100
Serving Size 1 scoop
Best Way To Take Take 1 scoop 30 minutes after a workout.

Nutricost Creatine is a creatine monohydrate supplement that aims to provide users with a convenient and high-quality source of this essential compound for a great price. Nutricost Creatine boasts a simple and effective ingredient list, with 100% creatine monohydrate as the sole active component. This simplicity ensures that users are getting a high-quality and unadulterated form of creatine, free from unnecessary additives and artificial ingredients that could have nasty effects on you. Nutricost also emphasizes the purity of its creatine supplement by subjecting it to rigorous third-party testing, so you know exactly what you are getting and what it does.

Nutricost Creatine

Pros

  • Clean ingredients
  • No artificial additives
  • Great price
  • From a reputable and trusted company

Cons

  • May not mix as well as some creatine supplements

Price: $21.15 for 100 servings

Read our full Nutricost Creatine review.


Best Creatine For Bodybuilders

The best creatine for bodybuilders is exactly what you need to see effective gains inside and out of the gym to be ready for any competition.

MUTANT CreaKONG

TOP 3 CREATINES that help build muscle, strength, size and power! Creatine is the #1 muscle building supplement of all time. Mutant Creakong combines the top 3 Creatines from the leading Creatine sources!

Amount Of Creatine 4,000mg
Number Of Servings 75
Serving Size 1 scoop
Best Way To Take Take 1 scoop 30 minutes after a workout.

MUTANT CreaKONG is an advanced creatine supplement that has been formulated to maximize your gains! Each serving contains three of the most cutting-edge forms of creatine commercially available and has been lab tested to ensure 100% purity in every bottle.

Pros

  • Clean ingredients
  • No artificial additives
  • Great price
  • From a reputable and trusted company

Cons

  • Only 4 grams of creatine

Price: $39.99/ 75 servings

Read our full MUTANT CreaKONG review.


Best Creatine Monohydrate

The best creatine monohydrate will be easier to absorb and better for you, so you get pure creatine with fast acting effects.

Nutricost Creatine Monohydrate

Get all of the benefits of micronized creatine without breaking the bank and activate muscle building quickly.

Amount Of Creatine 5,000mg
Number Of Servings 100
Serving Size 1 scoop
Best Way To Take Take 1 scoop 30 minutes after a workout.

Nutricost Creatine makes the list again as it is a creatine monohydrate supplement that aims to provide users with a convenient and high-quality source of this essential compound for a great price. Nutricost Creatine boasts a simple and effective ingredient list, with 100% creatine monohydrate as the sole active component. This simplicity ensures that users are getting a high-quality and unadulterated form of creatine, free from unnecessary additives and artificial ingredients that could have nasty effects on you. Nutricost also emphasizes the purity of its creatine supplement by subjecting it to rigorous third-party testing, so you know exactly what you are getting and what it does.

nutricost creatine

Pros

  • Clean ingredients
  • No artificial additives
  • Great price
  • From a reputable and trusted company

Cons

  • May not mix as well as some creatine supplements

Price: $21.15 for 100 servings

Read our full Nutricost Creatine review.


Best Creatine For Muscle Gain

With many benefits around creatine, muscle gains should be a top priority. Things like recovery and energy are great, but you want that desired muscle to really shine.

Transparent Labs StrengthSeries Creatine HMB

Code GENIRON10 For 10% Off

Transparent Labs Creatine HMB is clean and effective for tackling all of your strength building needs. With no artificial additives or preservatives, what you get is pure creatine with added HMB for better strength.

Amount Of Creatine 5,000mg
Number Of Servings 30
Serving Size 1 scoop
Best Way To Take Take 1 scoop 30 minutes after a workout.

Transparent Labs StrengthSeries Creatine HMB is the best option for muscle gain. This is because it has both creatine, and HMB in it, also known as β-Hydroxy β-Methylbutyrate, which has been proven to increase muscle strength and lean body mass while decreasing fat mass and boosting focus. At a good price, this is a one of the best creatine products on the market to buy for gaining some quality muscle.

transparent labs creatine

Pros

  • Clean ingredients
  • No artificial additives
  • Great flavors and benefits
  • From a reputable and trusted company

Cons

  • Premium priced option
  • Only available through their website

Price: $39.00/ 30 servings

Use the promo code GENIRON10 for 10% off!

Read our full Transparent Labs StrengthSeries Creatine HMB review!


Best Creatine with Decanate

Decanate is a unique advanced formula that is a great additive for creatine to build muscle and help with recovery.

MuscleMeds Creatine Decanate

MuscleMeds Creatine Decanate gives you a potent dose of purified monohydrate, combined DecaDrive Technology to enhance your muscle building ventures.

Amount Of Creatine 5,000mg
Number Of Servings 60
Serving Size 1 scoop
Best Way To Take Take 1 scoop 30 minutes after a workout.

MuscleMeds Creatine Decanate is a creatine powder with DecaDrive Delivery System. Creatine Decanate provides a potent dose of purified, micronized creatine monohydrate through the scientifically advanced DecaDrive Technology, with the goal of enhanced anabolic muscle building, increased muscular power, reduced soreness and improved recovery.

Pros

  • Supports Muscle Growth & Recovery†
  • Boosts ATP & Energy Output†
  • Servings: 60 per container

Cons

  • DecaDrive is a newer, less researched technology

Price: $26.24


Best Creatine For Post-Workout

A hard-hitting formula after your workout can ensure no gains go to waste. Finding the best time to take creatine is important for you so you know exactly how to maximize gains.

MUTANT CreaKONG

TOP 3 CREATINES that help build muscle, strength, size and power! Creatine is the #1 muscle building supplement of all time. Mutant Creakong combines the top 3 Creatines from the leading Creatine sources!

Amount Of Creatine 4,000mg
Number Of Servings 75
Serving Size 1 scoop
Best Way To Take Take 1 scoop 30 minutes after a workout.

MUTANT CreaKONG makes our list again, this time as our favorite creatine for your post workout. This is an advanced creatine supplement that has been formulated to maximize your gains, hence the reason we love it for post workout! Each serving contains three of the most cutting-edge forms of creatine commercially available and has been lab tested to ensure 100% purity in every bottle.

creakong

Pros

  • Clean ingredients
  • No artificial additives
  • Great price
  • From a reputable and trusted company

Cons

  • Only 4 grams of creatine

Price: $39.99/ 75 servings

Read our full MUTANT CreaKONG review.


Best Creatine For Cutting

For those looking to cut and look as shredded as possible, the right creatine supplement can help you get there no problem.

Kaged Muscle Creatine C-HCL

Code GENIRON For 15% OFF

Kaged Muscle Creatine HCL is an awesome supplement for building muscle and enhancing recovery. A premium product, this is highly absorbable and easy to digest so those ingredients hit you harder.

Amount Of Creatine 750mg
Number Of Servings 75
Serving Size 1 Scoop
Best Way To Take Take one scoop with 4-6 oz. of water.

Kaged Muscle Creatine C-HCL is an awesome creatine supplement for those looking to build muscle and improve recovery without a loading phase. This patented and premium product is easy to digest so you can see the results you want most. As a highly absorbable supplement, it gets to work fast and mixes 100% clear. A clean and fully disclosed formula helps avoid gastrointestinal issues and provides for the most effective benefits around. A top tier creatine HCL, all of your gains are right around the corner with this Kaged Muscle supplement.

Pros

  • Patented and premium product
  • Highly absorbable and mixes clear
  • Fully disclosed and clean formula

Cons

  • Does contain sucralose for those avoiding artificial flavors

Price: $19.99

Use code GENIRON10 for 10% off!


Supplements are not cheap, and that being said when you are buying creatine you may not want to spend a lot of money on it. Finding a quality budget option is the way to go.

Nutricost Creatine Monohydrate

Get all of the benefits of micronized creatine without breaking the bank and activate muscle building quickly.

Amount Of Creatine 5,000mg
Number Of Servings 100
Serving Size 1 scoop
Best Way To Take Take 1 scoop 30 minutes after a workout.

Nutricost Creatine makes the list again for budgeting reasons. This is a great cheap and effective creatine monohydrate supplement that aims to provide users with a convenient and high-quality source of this essential compound for a great price. With a simple and effective ingredient list, with 100% creatine monohydrate as the sole active component. This simplicity ensures that users are getting a high-quality and unadulterated form of creatine, free from unnecessary additives and artificial ingredients that could have nasty effects on you, and it is a cheap option.

Pros

  • Clean ingredients
  • No artificial additives
  • Great price
  • From a reputable and trusted company

Cons

  • May not mix as well as some creatine supplements

Price: $21.15 for 100 servings

Read our full Nutricost Creatine review.


Best Creatine For Bulking

While some may want to cut weight and get absolutely shredded to the bone, others may want to bulk up and the best creatine for bulking can increase strength and size for only the best gains.

Transparent Labs StrengthSeries Creatine HMB

Code GENIRON10 For 10% Off

Transparent Labs Creatine HMB is clean and effective for tackling all of your strength building needs. With no artificial additives or preservatives, what you get is pure creatine with added HMB for better strength.

Amount Of Creatine 5,000mg
Number Of Servings 30
Serving Size 1 scoop
Best Way To Take Take 1 scoop 30 minutes after a workout.

Transparent Labs StrengthSeries Creatine HMB is infused with HMB, or β-Hydroxy β-Methylbutyrate, which we have already mentioned has been proven to increase muscle strength and lean body mass while decreasing fat mass and boosting focus, making it a great option for bulking up and putting on quality muscle. At a good price, this is a one of the best creatine products on the market to buy for bulking, as it improves lean body mass and decreases fat.

Pros

  • Clean ingredients
  • No artificial additives
  • Great flavors and benefits
  • From a reputable and trusted company

Cons

  • Premium priced option
  • Only available through their website

Price: $39.00/ 30 servings

Use the promo code GENIRON10 for 10% off!

Check out our individual review for Transparent Labs StrengthSeries Creatine HMB!


Best Creatine For Men

When it comes to the best creatine for men and their muscle building goals, having the right creatine supplement can greatly influence all your gains for the better. The right creatine supplement will take your masculine gains to new heights as the best creatine for men will be well worth it.

Transparent Labs StrengthSeries Creatine HMB

Code GENIRON10 For 10% Off

Transparent Labs Creatine HMB is clean and effective for tackling all of your strength building needs. With no artificial additives or preservatives, what you get is pure creatine with added HMB for better strength.

Amount Of Creatine 5,000mg
Number Of Servings 30
Serving Size 1 scoop
Best Way To Take Take 1 scoop 30 minutes after a workout.

Transparent Labs StrengthSeries Creatine HMB is infused with HMB, or β-Hydroxy β-Methylbutyrate, which we have already mentioned has been proven to increase muscle strength and lean body mass while decreasing fat mass and boosting focus. It is a great option for men who want to shed that unwanted body fat but still put on some good mass.

Pros

  • Clean ingredients
  • No artificial additives
  • Great flavors and benefits
  • From a reputable and trusted company

Cons

  • Premium priced option
  • Only available through their website

Price: $39.00/ 30 servings

Use the promo code GENIRON10 for 10% off!

Read our full Transparent Labs StrengthSeries Creatine HMB review!


Best Creatine HCL

Another form of creatine is HCL and Kaged Muscle has a great product in this department. Easy to digest and highly absorbable ensures you get the most out of each and every exercise.

Kaged Muscle Creatine C-HCL

Code GENIRON For 15% OFF

Kaged Muscle Creatine HCL is an awesome supplement for building muscle and enhancing recovery. A premium product, this is highly absorbable and easy to digest so those ingredients hit you harder.

Amount Of Creatine 750mg
Number Of Servings 75
Serving Size 1 Scoop
Best Way To Take Take one scoop with 4-6 oz. of water.

Kaged Muscle Creatine C-HCL is an awesome creatine supplement for those looking to build muscle and improve recovery without a loading phase. HCL and monohydrate are debated, and if you prefer the HCL form, Kaged Muscle has the product for you.

This patented and premium product is easy to digest so you can see the results you want most. As a highly absorbable supplement, it gets to work fast and mixes 100% clear. A clean and fully disclosed formula helps avoid gastrointestinal issues and provides for the most effective benefits around. A top tier creatine HCL, all of your gains are right around the corner with this Kaged Muscle supplement.

Pros

  • Patented and premium product
  • Highly absorbable and mixes clear
  • Fully disclosed and clean formula

Cons

  • Does contain sucralose for those avoiding artificial flavors

Price: $19.99

Use code GENIRON10 for 10% off!


Best Tasting Creatine

Sometimes, creatine can taste somewhat funky or not mix well. This can result in just an unpleasant waste of money, as you have a product that you are stuck with and do not enjoy.

Transparent Labs StrengthSeries Creatine HMB

Code GENIRON10 For 10% Off

Transparent Labs Creatine HMB is clean and effective for tackling all of your strength building needs. With no artificial additives or preservatives, what you get is pure creatine with added HMB for better strength.

Amount Of Creatine 5,000mg
Number Of Servings 30
Serving Size 1 scoop
Best Way To Take Take 1 scoop 30 minutes after a workout.

Making the list again is Transparent Labs StrengthSeries Creatine HMB. Aside from all of the technical aspects of this product, like how much creatine is in it, how many servings, and so on; this option for creatine is great for taste. For starters, it mixes very well, which is key to a good product. Then, it also has 10 great flavors to choose from which all taste awesome, as well as an unflavored option, which would be great to add to your protein shakes or meal replacement shakes.

Pros

  • Clean ingredients
  • No artificial additives
  • Great flavors and benefits
  • From a reputable and trusted company

Cons

  • Premium priced option
  • Only available through their website

Price: $39.00/ 30 servings

Use the promo code GENIRON10 for 10% off!

Read our full Transparent Labs StrengthSeries Creatine HMB review!


Best Creatine Pills

Depending on your preference, taking creatine in its various forms is something to consider. While it is very common to use a powder form, Kaged Muscle has a great option in pills that will work wonders for you.

Kaged Muscle Creatine C-HCL

Code GENIRON For 15% OFF

Kaged Muscle Creatine HCL is an awesome supplement for building muscle and enhancing recovery. A premium product, this is highly absorbable and easy to digest so those ingredients hit you harder.

Amount Of Creatine 750mg
Number Of Servings 75
Serving Size 1 Scoop
Best Way To Take Take one scoop with 4-6 oz. of water.

Kaged Muscle Creatine C-HCL is making this list again, as the best creatine pills. This patented and premium product is easy to digest so you can see the results you want most. As a highly absorbable supplement, it gets to work fast and mixes 100% clear. A clean and fully disclosed formula helps avoid gastrointestinal issues and provides for the most effective benefits around. Not to mention, it comes in pill form which is the main reason why we named it the best creatine pills. An effective formula in a pill form.

Pros

  • Patented and premium product
  • Highly absorbable and mixes clear
  • Fully disclosed and clean formula

Cons

  • Does contain sucralose for those avoiding artificial flavors

Price: $19.99

Use code GENIRON10 for 10% off!


Best Creatine For Women

Unlike the best creatine for men, for women looking to increase strength and size, the best creatine supplement for women can help with all of these goals.

Transparent Labs StrengthSeries Creatine HMB

Code GENIRON10 For 10% Off

Transparent Labs Creatine HMB is clean and effective for tackling all of your strength building needs. With no artificial additives or preservatives, what you get is pure creatine with added HMB for better strength.

Amount Of Creatine 5,000mg
Number Of Servings 30
Serving Size 1 scoop
Best Way To Take Take 1 scoop 30 minutes after a workout.

Finally, we cannot forget about the ladies out there. The best creatine option for women goes to none other than Transparent Labs StrengthSeries Creatine HMB. Many supplements like this will cater to men, and have ingredients that match. Transparent Labs just puts creatine and HMB in this product, making it ideal for recovery and lean body mass and decreasing fat, which is perfect for the women not looking for the added ingredients that may increase size.

Pros

  • Clean ingredients
  • No artificial additives
  • Great flavors and benefits
  • From a reputable and trusted company

Cons

  • Premium priced option
  • Only available through their website

Price: $39.00/ 30 servings

Use the promo code GENIRON10 for 10% off!

Read our full Transparent Labs StrengthSeries Creatine HMB review!


best creatine monohydrate creatine powder men women bulking muscle growth bodybuilding

Benefits Of Creatine Supplements

  • Increase strength: Increases blood flow through overworked muscles to provide for muscle pumps and really build that desired strength.
  • Improve metabolism: Controls insulin sensitivity and glycemic control for fat loss and providing fuel (1) so you tackle weight loss needs and change your body composition to something others will envy.
  • Boost athletic performance: Enhance power output and refuel energy stores to support recovery and growth (2) to boost any performance goals you seek to accomplish.
  • Promote better mental capacity: Increases oxygen utilization in the brain to boost memory and processing speed when enduring grueling workouts while enhancing focus so you stay locked into each exercise.

best creatine monohydrate creatine powder men women bulking muscle growth bodybuilding

Types Of Creatine Supplements

For those looking for the best type of creatine, there are many options out there. Each with their own respective benefits, the best type of creatine for you can be a game changer for your bodybuilding gains.

  • Creatine Monohydrate: A pure form of creatine, this can work to increase endurance by removing lactate faster out of the muscles. It will also aid in muscle growth and burn more calories at rest (3).
  • Creatine HCL: Creatine bound to hydrochloric acid for increased bioavailability and limits side effects so you get an effective dose of this supplement.
  • Tri-Creatine Malate: Combines creatine and malic acid that helps your body absorb more creatine. This will lead to higher ATP levels (4).
  • Creatine Anhydrous: The most potent form, this will increase muscle mass and enhance sports performance (5) by directly hitting your body.
  • Creatine Pyruvate: A combination of creatine and pyruvic acid, this is great for muscle recovery and gains and has good absorption properties.

best creatine monohydrate creatine powder men women bulking muscle growth bodybuilding

How Much Are These Creatine Supplements?

Finding the right creatine supplements, and the best creatine powder at that, for your gains while also being affordable can be challenging. Of course, those more premium options will cost more money so knowing how much it is per serving may help make your decision a little easier. We’ve broken down our list so you can see the overall price and price per serving as you compare amongst our Best Creatine list.

Category Product Price
Best Creatine Overall Nutricost Creatine Monohydrate $21.15
Best Creatine for Bodybuilders MUTANT CreaKONG $39.99
Best Creatine Monohydrate Nutricost Creatine Monohydrate $21.15
Best Creatine for Muscle Gain Transparent Labs Creatine HMB $39.00
Best Creatine with Decanate MuscleMeds Creatine Decanate $26.24
Best Creatine for Post-Workout MUTANT CreaKONG $39.99
Best Creatine for Cutting  Kaged Muscle Creatine C-HCL $19.99
Best Budget Creatine Nutricost Creatine Monohydrate $21.15
Best Creatine for Bulking Transparent Labs Creatine HMB $39.00
Best Creatine for Men Transparent Labs Creatine HMB $39.00
Best Creatine HCL Kaged Muscle Creatine C-HCL $19.99
Best Tasting Creatine Transparent Labs Creatine HMB $39.00
Best Creatine Pills ​​Kaged Muscle Creatine C-HCL $19.99
Best Creatine for Women Transparent Labs Creatine HMB $39.00

best creatine monohydrate creatine powder men women bulking muscle growth bodybuilding

What To Consider Before Buying

Before buying a creatine supplement, there are some key things to consider including:

  • How Much Creatine Is Included

Look to see how much creatine is actually included in your supplement as this will better help you determine if it is worth it or not.

  • Price Per Serving

Looking into how much you will spend per serving may change your mind on certain products. Thankfully, creatine supplements tend to be high in total servings so you can find a good deal.

  • Flavor Options

Some products come in different flavors, some come unflavored. Knowing what to look for can help narrow down your search. If you want something flavored, then you can eliminate those unflavored choices and give your search a more targeted approach.

  • How Well You Will Respond

Some people will respond better than others and knowing how you will respond is important. This is where the amount of creatine matters so you don’t overdo it and respond too negatively.

How We Choose our Creatine Supplements

When it comes to choosing a creatine supplement, you need the most clean products out there to boost your overall health and gains. We look for what forms of creatine are used and at what dose, for that will greatly affect your gains. Knowing the type you are looking for can also help you decide which option is best for you. When looking at each product, we also pay close attention to the company and their reputation. Many groups try and pump out supplements and take quantity over quality, which is not what you need. A quality brand will work for you as you seek to boost not only training and performance, but also health and wellness. Lastly, we take price into heavy consideration because we know this stuff can get expensive. Looking at affordable options on the market that are still great products makes this list a great place to shop.

best creatine monohydrate creatine powder men women bulking muscle growth bodybuilding

Creatine Supplements FAQ Section

What is the best creatine?

Nutricost Creatine. This creatine supplement is clean and effective and will work to increase muscle strength while promoting lean body mass and decreased fat mass. With no artificial ingredients, this is a trusted product from a transparent company and the best creatine powder, all for a great price.

What is creatine?

Creatine is naturally found in your body and plays an important role in the production of energy. It works by increasing creatine phosphate stores in our muscles to consistently provide energy during workouts. It has been shown to increase strength, power, lean body mass, and performance.

Is creatine safe?

Creatine has been widely studied and is a safe and effective supplement to use. Always read the label on the respective product and seek expert advice if something remains unclear.

When is the best time to take creatine?

It is best to take creatine shortly before or after a workout, as this will work to fill those stores. On rest days, taking creatine can help maintain creatine levels in the muscles. Be sure to read each respective label so you get the most out of each supplement.

Creatine Supplements Wrap Up

Creatine is a great supplement on the market to add to your routine in efforts to maximize those gains and enhance recovery so you are primed and ready to for whatever challenge comes your way. A widely researched supplement, creatine is naturally occurring in your body and safe to take as a supplement to enhance all of these gains. Check out our list here of the best creatine supplements and really see what they can do for you to enhance all of your goals.

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References

  1. Pinto, Camila L.; Botelho, Patricia B.; Pimentel, Gustavo D.; Campos-Ferraz, Patricia L.; Mota, Joao F. (2016). “Creatine supplementation and glycemic control: a systematic review”. (source)
  2. Graham, A. S.; Hatton, R. C. (1999). “Creatine: a review of efficacy and safety”. (source)
  3. Kerksick, Chad M.; Wilborn, Colin D.; Campbell, William I.; Harvey, Travis M.; et al. (2009). “The Effects of Creatine Monohydrate Supplementation With and Without D-Pinitol on Resistance Training Adaptations”. (source)
  4. Sterkowicz, Stanislaw; Tyka, Anna K.; Chwastowski, Michal; Sterkowicz- Przybycien, Katarzyna; et al. (2012). “The effects of training and creatine malate supplementation during preparation period on physical capacity and special fitness in judo contestants”. (source)
  5. Kreider, Richard B. (2003). “Effects of creatine supplementation on performance and training adaptations”. (source)
Austin Letorney
Austin Letorney is a writer, actor, and fitness enthusiast. As a former rower, he has shifted his focus to sharing his knowledge of the fitness world and strength sports with others.