Have you been regularly working out for months but aren’t seeing any results? If there is no serious underlying reason, creatine, which is one of the most researched sports supplements, might help you increase muscle mass and strength.

But which ones actually work? Let’s explore the best creatine supplements, their ingredients, and the scientific support backing them. Crazy Nutrition Ultimate CRN-5 is our top pick, but we’ll cover different brands to help you find the right one!

Best Creatine Supplements of 2025

Who Is Creatine Best For?

Creatine is ideal if you struggle with building muscle mass or feel that your muscles are easily fatigued. It has a broad range of uses and a low side effect profile, and its benefits are seen in a variety of issues, from age-related muscle loss to its positive effects in Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome.

Who Should Avoid Creatine?

Do not take creatine if you have liver or kidney problems that can make supplementation risky. If you have severe digestive problems, consult your doctor before you start taking any supplements, too.

Best Creatine in 2025: Detailed Reviews

The best creatine supplements all contain potentially effective doses of the nutrient and minimal to no fillers, and some also have supporting ingredients. Crazy Nutrition’s Ultimate CRN-5 was our number one pick, with Kion Creatine a close second.

1. Crazy Nutrition Ultimate CRN-5 – Best Creatine Supplement Overall


Pros

  • Added electrolytes for optimal hydration

  • No dairy, soy, or other irritating fillers

  • Recommended maintenance dose of 5 g in every serving

  • Vegetarian and vegan-friendly

  • Delicious lemon-lime and mango-orange flavors

Cons

  • Some users might prefer unflavored powders

Who Is Crazy Nutrition Ultimate CRN-5 Best For?

Crazy Nutrition’s Ultimate CRN-5 is our top choice overall, thanks to its clean ingredients and dose.

We recommend Ultimate CRN-5 if you want to build muscle and improve performance, as creatine can improve your muscles’ energy supply. It also includes all four electrolytes used in muscle contractions: sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium.

One trial found that combining creatine with electrolytes may increase average power by 5% and peak power by 4% in a sprint cycling test. Interestingly, calcium and magnesium may support creatine uptake, while severe deficiency can cut absorption in half [1].

Who Should Avoid Crazy Nutrition Ultimate CRN-5?

Steer clear of Ultimate CRN-5 and other similar products if you have a liver or kidney condition, which can affect your ability to metabolize supplements.

Ingredients

  • Creatine Monohydrate

  • Sodium

  • Potassium

  • Aquamin MG (magnesium)

  • Aquamine AG (calcium)

Dosage

Take one scoop in 8 to 12 oz of water.

Pricing

A single purchase costs $44.99, while a subscription costs $31.49 every two months.

User Reviews

Many customers praise Crazy Nutrition’s creatine supplement online. In r/gainit, for example, Redditor u/christianclotyx wrote that Ultimate CRN-5 tasted great and produced the best results [2]. While another user in the same thread preferred another brand, it’s natural that different folks have different preferences [2].

>>Check the best deals for Ultimate CRN-5 here

2. Kion Creatine – Best Creatine for Beginners

Pros

  • Made with high-quality Creapure

  • Versatile unflavored product

  • Around $0.60 per dose

  • 60-day money-back guarantee

Cons

  • No supporting ingredients

Who Is Kion Creatine Best For?

Kion Creatine is a practical choice if you’re a new user who wants to try a simple, economical supplement. It uses the Creapure formulation of creatine monohydrate. With a 95% absorption rate and no fillers, this means that very little is wasted [3].

Who Should Avoid Kion Creatine?

If you prefer a supplement with different ingredients that work together, Kion’s one-ingredient formula might be too limited for you.

Ingredients

  • Creatine monohydrate as Creapure

Dosage

Take one 5 g scoop every day.

Pricing

Kion’s Creatine costs $19.99 as a single purchase or $17.99 for a monthly subscription.

User Reviews

A lot of users have great things to say about this Creatine supplement from Kion. To illustrate, Redditor u/jerdabile87 described Creapure as the best on the market on r/Supplements. While u/boolie333 didn’t like how it only contained 30 servings per jar, she did mention in the same thread that it improved her muscle definition.

>>Check the best deals for Kion Creatine here

3. Transparent Labs Creatine HMB – Best Creatine for Muscle Growth


Pros

  • Contains HMB

  • Includes vitamin D3

  • 12 delicious flavors, such as peach mango and strawberry lemonade

  • No artificial sweeteners or colors

Cons

  • Some customers don’t like the taste

Who Is Transparent Labs Creatine HMB Best For?

Looking for the best creatine for muscle building? The addition of HMB and vitamin D3 gives CREATINE HMB an extra edge in encouraging muscle gains.

A study involving older adults found that a combination of protein powder and HMB supplementation greatly improved muscle mass and physical functions [4]. Other trials have demonstrated more gains in performance, however, as they included exercise programs.

The vitamin D content may correct a common deficiency among folks. Research shows strength improvements of anywhere from 1.37% to 18.75% with vitamin D, as it benefits muscle growth and cell division [5].

Who Should Avoid Transparent Labs Creatine HMB?

Do not take Creatine HMB or any other Transparent Labs supplement if you’re allergic to nuts since these are made in facilities that process peanuts and coconuts.

Ingredients

  • Creatine Monohydrate

  • Beta-hydroxy methyl-butyrate (HMB)

  • Vitamin D3

  • Calcium

  • Bioperine (black pepper extract)

Dosage

Take one 7 g scoop each day.

Pricing

A single purchase costs $37.49, but you can order it for only $33.74 with a subscription.

User Reviews

Several customers believe that Transparent Labs makes the best creatine for muscle growth. In another r/Supplements thread, Redditor u/CPlusPlusCoder71 shared that he’s used it for years during cutting cycles. Even if u/Ayezz_ only learned about HMB recently, she was curious if the Transparent Labs supplement really works.

>>Check the best deals for Creatine HMB here

4. Natural Stacks Creatine+ – Best Creatine Tablets


Pros

  • Contains fenugreek to prevent bloating

  • Tablet form may be more convenient

  • Electrolytes (sodium) from Himalayan salt

  • Third-party lab test results available from QR code

Cons

  • Lower creatine dose than other supplements

Who Is Natural Stacks Creatine+ Best For?

If you don’t want powder, Natural Stacks offers the best creatine tablets, which you can easily take anytime, anywhere.

We also consider it the best creatine for women. A trial testing fenugreek in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) found an over 40% reduction in ovarian cyst size, alongside improved hormonal regulation [6]. Plus, including fenugreek in a supplement is a good way to take creatine without bloating.

Who Should Avoid Natural Stacks Creatine+?

With only 4 g of creatine per serving, Natural Stacks’ Creatine may not be potent enough if you want to start with a high dose.

Ingredients

  • Creatine Monohydrate

  • Fenugreek seed extract (standardized to 50% saponins)

  • Himalayan pink salt

  • Sodium

Dosage

Take four capsules a day.

Pricing

Each jar costs $29.95, but you just have to shell out $23.96 with a subscription.

User Reviews

Some users appreciate Natural Stacks supplements, such as a Redditor on r/StackAdvice who liked to take creatine alongside a morning shake [7]. The same person mistakenly thought the brand no longer makes this supplement, but thankfully, the company still offers it [7].

>>Check the best deals for Natural Stacks’ Creatine+ here

5. Onnit Creatine – Most Affordable Creatine


Pros

  • Contains pure creatine monohydrate

  • Just $0.50 per dose

  • Seven options for subscription frequency (from seven to 90 days)

  • Flexible unflavored powder

Cons

  • Only orders over $100 qualify for free shipping

Who Is Onnit Creatine Best For?

If you plan on taking a supplement over time, Onnit Creatine is a budget-friendly creatine powder that won’t break the bank.

Many studies show the benefits of long-term creatine supplementation. One research paper on post-viral fatigue showed it may increase time to exhaustion from 894 to 927 seconds at three months and up to 959 seconds at six months [8].

Who Should Avoid Onnit Creatine?

If you prefer a more varied ingredient list, Onnit’s Creatine one-ingredient formula might not be a good match.

Ingredients

  • Creatine Monohydrate

Dosage

Take two scoops for a total of 5 g every day.

Pricing

A single purchase costs $12.74 in USD, but a subscription lets you lower the price to $9.74.

User Reviews

Several customers have a good opinion of Onnit’s products. For example, several users in a different r/Supplements thread are impressed with the brand. One felt it was pricey, though, despite the low price of the creatine supplement.

>>Check the best deals for Creatine at Onnit

6. Mindbodygreen Creatine+ – Best Creatine for Energy


Pros

  • Added taurine for a cellular energy boost

  • No gluten, dairy, soy, GMOs, animal products, fillers, or artificial ingredients

  • Recyclable packaging

  • Three subscription options

Cons

  • Free shipping is only available in the US

Who Is Mindbodygreen Creatine+ Best For?

Need more energy? We recommend Creatine+ from Mindbodygreen if you just don’t feel as mentally or physically sharp as you used to. One research paper showed that taurine significantly improved boxers’ peak power, average power, minimum power, and time to reach peak power on a strength test compared to the placebo. Combining it with caffeine had stronger effects [9].

If you have dietary restrictions, this supplement is also one of the best vegan creatine options.

Who Should Avoid Mindbodygreen Creatine+?

Steer clear of Creatine+ if you’re taking antidepressants or blood thinners, as taurine might interact with these meds.

Ingredients

  • Creatine Monohydrate

  • Taurine

Dosage

Take one scoop every day.

Pricing

A one-time purchase costs $37, and a two-month supply costs $27 per month.

User Reviews

While there are only a few third-party reviews on Mindbodygreen online, most of them are positive. As an example, Trustpilot user Sara called it an ethical company with effective products.[10]

>>Check the best deals for Creatine+ from mindbodygreen

What Is Creatine?

Creatine is a peptide (very short protein) made from the amino acids arginine, methionine, and glycine. It is one of the most researched supplements for improving sports and fitness performance. What’s more, it is totally legal, just like most natural alternatives to steroids [11].

How Does Creatine Work?

Creatine mainly works by increasing cellular energy production inside your muscles. Additionally, it may have an antioxidant effect. It can protect your cells against the oxidative substances naturally generated while making energy [12].

Another research paper shows that people taking creatine could greatly reduce their myostatin levels. This substance acts as a “brake” on muscle growth. While this prevents runaway growth for some, it can contribute to impairment and age-related muscle loss in others [13].

>>Check the best deals for Ultimate CRN-5

Potential Benefits of Using Creatine Supplements

Creatine benefits center around its ability to support energy production and muscle tissue growth. This means it offers several perks for your physical fitness and cognitive performance.

Supports Brain Health and Function

The brain is the most energy-demanding part of your body, with your muscles coming in at a close second. Multiple trials show improved cognitive function under stressful situations with creatine supplementation, including in sleep-deprived states. These may be more important for women who experience periods of low creatine production from low estrogen levels [14].

Promotes Muscle Growth

The most well-known benefit of creatine is increased muscle growth, similar to natural steroids for women and men. Many studies have measured big increases in lean mass in volunteers’ arms, legs, and torso [11]. This is partially because it can reduce myostatin—your cells’ “brakes” on muscle building—by up to 35% [13].

Creatine monohydrate may even promote muscle growth in injury recovery. A group of volunteers with tendon injuries only lost 5.6% of their muscle, compared to an 8.9% loss in the placebo group. After four weeks of physical therapy, their muscle mass rose by 5.5%, compared to just 3.8% [15].

Increased Muscle Mass And Strength

A number of trials show increases in peak strength, total workload, and recovery of strength after strenuous exercise [11]. Among women with lower creatine stores, trials demonstrate an improvement in exercise performance by up to 30% [14].

Improved Endurance

Creatine can extend endurance by boosting muscle energy production in both healthy and chronically ill individuals.

A case study even found that a woman with severe fatigue from Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome doubled the length of time she could walk, from 10-15 minutes to 20-25 minutes. She could also perform multiple household and personal care tasks in a row without rest [16].

Supports High-Intensity Training

Many athletes take creatine to improve their performance in high-intensity activity. Performance during high-intensity exercise typically improves by 10-20% across multiple trials. They also show reduced rates of muscle cramps, strains, and heat-related issues [12].

Enhanced Recovery Post-Exercise

Creatine Monohydrate’s supportive benefits for building muscle can assist in repair after exercise. One trial found an 84% drop in blood levels of creatine kinase, meaning dramatically reduced muscle damage [17].

>>Check the best deals for Ultimate CRN-5

Potential Side Effects of Creatine

Creatine may have few side effects for some. While many studies show no adverse reactions, some feature mild digestive complaints. These include nausea, vomiting, constipation, bloating, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and worsened IBS symptoms [18].

Keep in mind that you can’t expect creatine to work similarly to the best weight loss supplements since it might cause weight gain when it attracts additional water to your muscle cells.

Types of Creatine Supplements

There are several types of creatine supplements, including creatine monohydrate and micronized creatine.

Creatine Ethyl Ester

Research shows that creatine ethyl ester is bioavailable and accessible to your muscle tissue. It may also improve T levels, as is the case with the testosterone boosters. However, ethyl ester is less effective than creatine monohydrate at increasing performance [19].

Creatine Hydrochloride

Creatine hydrochloride breaks down into creatine and hydrochloric acid, which makes up your stomach acid. While it can help build muscle and reduce fat in a similar way to fat burners, it may have fewer effects compared to the monohydrate form [19].

Micronized Creatine

Micronized creatine is said to be more readily absorbed thanks to less clumping at the molecular level. There is currently little research to support this, but oversaturation of the absorption pathways may be behind similar bioavailability rates [19].

Creatine Nitrate

Creatine nitrate binds the nutrient to nitrates, which may improve circulation and cardio performance. However, evidence on whether it is better absorbed or more effective than creatine monohydrate is mixed [19].

Buffered Creatine (Kre-Alkalyn)

Buffered creatine has a higher pH than creatine monohydrate. Like the nitrate-bound form, the research on whether it is more bioavailable than monohydrates is mixed [19].

Creatine Monohydrate

Creatine monohydrate is the most evidence-based creatine supplement. It has been successfully tested in hundreds of trials and is the type you should be looking for [3].

>>Check the best deals for Ultimate CRN-5

How to Take Creatine for Best Results

Creatine must be taken at an effective dose, but you don’t always need to have a loading phase.

Timing and Dosage Recommendations

It’s best to take 3-5 g of creatine every day to maximize its benefits and allow your muscles’ stores to fill up.

When is the best time to take creatine? We recommend taking it before or during your workout in a water bottle so it can enter your bloodstream and be available to your body when it’s most needed. On other days, take it at the most convenient time.

Loading Phase vs. Maintenance Phase

What’s the ideal creatine dosage for beginners? Some research shows stronger results from taking a daily loading dose of around 20 g for one week, followed by a standard maintenance dose. Others, however, don’t think it makes any difference.

How to Choose the Best Creatine Supplement

When selecting the best creatine supplement, consider the form, quality, your goals, and other factors.

Form Preference

Depending on your needs, you can find the best creatine tablets or powders. Powders may be better absorbed, but tablets do not have an unpleasant taste or texture.

Budget and Serving Size

Cost per dose is an essential factor, as you may need to take creatine indefinitely. Onnit’s creatine powder had the lowest cost per dose we found, at only $0.50 per serving.

Brand Reputation

We only chose products from brands with a clean reputation. All supplements in this review had to have zero history of lawsuits or warnings.

Fitness Goals

Although creatine itself has the same benefits across the board, additional ingredients may give you other benefits. These include the HMB in the Transparent Labs Creatine HMB supplement, which can help reverse age-related muscle loss.

Product Quality

Finally, it’s a good idea to choose products with third-party testing that verifies their nutritional information labels. They should be tested for both the active ingredients and the absence of harmful contaminants.

>>Check the best deals for Ultimate CRN-5

Can Creatine Brands Be Trusted?

When finding where to buy creatine products, you must ensure the company ships to the US or is based in the country.

The best creatine brands also follow high standards of supplement quality and can be trusted. Do not try to buy cheaper products that can’t be trusted and that aren’t officially allowed in the US, as they may have issues such as dishonest labeling.

How Long Does Creatine Take to Work?

You will likely gradually notice the benefits of creatine over the first month or two if you only ever take the maintenance dose. If you choose to start with a loading dose, you may notice improved energy and stamina within a week or two.

Where to Buy the Best Creatine for Men and Women

Some of the best creatine supplements are only sold online on the official company websites. These give you access to special offers such as subscriptions. Otherwise, you can buy some from reputable health food and supplement stores.

>>Check the best deals for Ultimate CRN-5

FAQs on Creatine Supplements

Here are the top questions UK customers ask about the best creatine supplements.

What Is the Best Creatine Brand?

Our top creatine contender is Crazy Nutrition’s Ultimate CRN-5. It contains 5 g of creatine and features electrolytes that promote creatine uptake.

What Creatine Do Most Bodybuilders Use?

Most people who use creatine take it in its monohydrate form. This is the most researched and widely used type of creatine.

What Is the Most Effective Creatine?

The most effective creatine is in its monohydrate form, especially when combined with electrolytes, which should include calcium and magnesium, to boost bioavailability.

What Is the Best Type of Creatine for Beginners?

The best creatine for beginners is a pure creatine monohydrate at a reasonable price, such as Kion’s Creatine product.

Can I Mix Creatine With Protein?

Creatine and protein are naturally found in meat, so you can take creatine with protein in a smoothie shake.

Can You Take Creatine Every Day?

Yes. It is generally recommended that you take creatine every day to replenish losses from urine.

Final Thoughts: Best Creatine Supplements

Creatine supplements are one of the most well-researched supplements effective in improving muscle growth and overall physical performance when exercise alone isn’t working. It is a safe, legal solution with a very low side effect profile.

However, it’s important to find top-quality creatine supplements with minimal fillers and a bioavailable supplemental form. We found several such products, and our overall winner was Crazy Nutrition’s Ultimate CRN-5. Not only does it contain an effective dose of creatine monohydrate, but it also has electrolytes to boost absorption and optimize your performance.

Now that you’ve reviewed our guide, it’s time to choose the creatine brand that best suits you!

>>Get the best deal on Ultimate CRN-5

References

  1. Crisafulli, Daniel L et al. “Creatine-electrolyte supplementation improves repeated sprint cycling performance: A double-blind randomized control study.” Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition vol. 15 21. 2 May. 2018, doi:10.1186/s12970-018-0226-y

  2. Reddit – Dive into anything. (2014). Reddit.com. https://www.reddit.com/r/gainit/comments/2fvhch/my_optimal_nutrition_creatine_did_not_come_with_a/?rdt=59151

  3. Escalante, Guillermo et al. “Analysis of the efficacy, safety, and cost of alternative forms of creatine available for purchase on Amazon.com: are label claims supported by science?.” Heliyon vol. 8,12 e12113. 6 Dec. 2022, doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e12113

  4. Peng, L-N et al. “Oral Nutritional Supplement with β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate (HMB) Improves Nutrition, Physical Performance and Ameliorates Intramuscular Adiposity in Pre-Frail Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial.” The journal of nutrition, health & aging vol. 25,6 (2021): 767-773. doi:10.1007/s12603-021-1621-7

  5. Chiang, Chien-Ming et al. “Effects of Vitamin D Supplementation on Muscle Strength in Athletes: A Systematic Review.” Journal of strength and conditioning research vol. 31,2 (2017): 566-574. doi:10.1519/JSC.0000000000001518

  6. Sankhwar, Pushplata et al. “Beneficial Effects of a Novel Fenugreek Seed Extract (Trigonella foenum-graecum, Furocyst®) in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): A Follow-up Compliance Clinical Investigation.” Journal of the American Nutrition Association vol. 42,7 (2023): 691-699. doi:10.1080/27697061.2022.2145526

  7. Reddit – Dive into anything. (2024). Reddit.com. https://www.reddit.com/r/StackAdvice/comments/15c6lc1/thoughts_on_natural_stacks_nootropics_stacks_and/

  8. Slankamenac, Jelena et al. “Effects of six-month creatine supplementation on patient- and clinician-reported outcomes, and tissue creatine levels in patients with post-COVID-19 fatigue syndrome.” Food science & nutrition vol. 11,11 6899-6906. 20 Sep. 2023, doi:10.1002/fsn3.3597

  9. Ozan, Murat et al. “Does Single or Combined Caffeine and Taurine Supplementation Improve Athletic and Cognitive Performance without Affecting Fatigue Level in Elite Boxers? A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study.” Nutrients vol. 14,20 4399. 20 Oct. 2022, doi:10.3390/nu14204399

  10. Sara gave mindbodygreen 5 stars. Check out the full review… (2023, June 26). Trustpilot. https://www.trustpilot.com/reviews/6499b348666319e44d18a850

  11. Wu, Shih-Hao et al. “Creatine Supplementation for Muscle Growth: A Scoping Review of Randomized Clinical Trials from 2012 to 2021.” Nutrients vol. 14,6 1255. 16 Mar. 2022, doi:10.3390/nu14061255

  12. Kreider, Richard B et al. “International Society of Sports Nutrition position stand: safety and efficacy of creatine supplementation in exercise, sport, and medicine.” Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition vol. 14 18. 13 Jun. 2017, doi:10.1186/s12970-017-0173-z

  13. Saremi, A et al. “Effects of oral creatine and resistance training on serum myostatin and GASP-1.” Molecular and cellular endocrinology vol. 317,1-2 (2010): 25-30. doi:10.1016/j.mce.2009.12.019

  14. Smith-Ryan, Abbie E et al. “Creatine Supplementation in Women’s Health: A Lifespan Perspective.” Nutrients vol. 13,3 877. 8 Mar. 2021, doi:10.3390/nu13030877

  15. Juhasz, Imre et al. “Creatine Supplementation Supports the Rehabilitation of Adolescent Fin Swimmers in Tendon Overuse Injury Cases.” Journal of sports science & medicine vol. 17,2 279-288. 14 May. 2018

  16. Behringer, Christopher R, and Shezda Afrin. “Creatine Monohydrate as an Effective Supplement for Muscular Fatigue in an Ehlers-Danlos Patient.” Cureus vol. 16,6 e61721. 5 Jun. 2024, doi:10.7759/cureus.61721

  17. Cooke, Matthew B et al. “Creatine supplementation enhances muscle force recovery after eccentrically-induced muscle damage in healthy individuals.” Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition vol. 6 13. 2 Jun. 2009, doi:10.1186/1550-2783-6-13

  18. de Guingand, Deborah L et al. “Risk of Adverse Outcomes in Females Taking Oral Creatine Monohydrate: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.” Nutrients vol. 12,6 1780. 15 Jun. 2020, doi:10.3390/nu12061780

  19. Kreider, Richard B et al. “Bioavailability, Efficacy, Safety, and Regulatory Status of Creatine and Related Compounds: A Critical Review.” Nutrients vol. 14,5 1035. 28 Feb. 2022, doi:10.3390/nu14051035

This article appears in Dec 11-24, 2024.

I am a professional writer and editor with a solid experience of crafting content for Health and Wellness. I see myself as a neurodivergent mental health advocate, and creator at heart.