When it comes to boosting muscle performance, creatine monohydrate is one of the most widely used and scientifically backed supplements. With so many options available, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. Below, we’ll compare five different creatine monohydrate powders to help you make an informed choice. We have tested a ton of different brands of creatine monohydrate and while there are many great choices, these are our top pics based on price and purity.
1. Nutricost Micronized Powder
- Size: 500g (1.1 lbs)
- Micronization: Yes
- Flavor: Unflavored
- Pros:
- Micronized for better solubility and absorption
- Affordable price per serving
- No fillers or artificial additives
- Cons:
- No moisture-absorbing packs so may clump up if you don’t use it quickly
- Overall: Nutricost offers a budget-friendly, quality creatine that maximizes absorption with its micronized formulation, making it a solid choice for those looking to keep things simple.
2. Optimum Nutrition Micronized Creatine Monohydrate
- Size: 600g (1.32 lbs)
- Micronization: Yes
- Flavor: Unflavored
- Pros:
- Micronized for enhanced absorption
- Trusted brand with a reputation for quality
- Convenient size for easy storage and portability
- Cons:
- Slightly higher price compared to others on the list
- Overall: A well-known brand that combines quality with micronization for better results. While it’s a bit pricier, Optimum Nutrition has earned a loyal following for good reason.
3. Thorne Research Creatine Monohydrate
- Size: 450g (16 oz)
- Micronization: Yes
- Pros:
- High-quality, clean formula with minimal ingredients
- Free from gluten, dairy, and other allergens
- Made by a reputable brand often used by athletes and fitness professionals
- Cons:
- More expensive than many other creatine options
- Small size may require more frequent purchases
- Overall: Thorne offers premium-grade creatine that’s clean and free of common allergens, making it a great choice for those with dietary restrictions or who prioritize purity.
4. BulkSupplements Creatine Monohydrate
- Size: 500g(1.1 lbs)
- Micronization: Yes
- Pros:
- Large quantity for a good price
- No artificial sweeteners, flavors, or additives
- Trusted by fitness enthusiasts for bulk buying
- Cons:
- Solubility and absorption might not be as efficient as other brands of micronized creatine.
- Overall: A great budget option if you want to buy in bulk. It’s still a high-quality, no-frills product that delivers on its promises.
5. Pure Creatine Monohydrate by Sports Research
- Size: 500g (1.1 lbs)
- Micronization: Yes
- Flavor: Unflavored
- Pros:
- Micronized for enhanced absorption and solubility
- Free of additives, artificial sweeteners, and fillers
- Transparent ingredient list with high-quality creatine
- Cons:
- Slightly higher price compared to bulk options
- Overall: A high-quality, micronized creatine option that offers great value without unnecessary ingredients. Ideal for those looking for a clean, efficient creatine supplement.
Which One Is Right For You?
- Budget-Friendly: If you’re looking for a cost-effective option with a solid formulation, Nutricost or BulkSupplements might be your best bet.
- Premium & Clean: For those who prioritize purity and clean ingredients, Thorne and Sports Research offer premium-grade products, though at a higher price.
- Micronized Formula: If you want faster absorption and better solubility, Nutricost, Optimum Nutrition, and Thorne Research all offer micronized creatine, making them the ideal choice for maximum results.
This comparison should help you determine the creatine supplement that best suits your needs, whether you’re on a budget or seeking a top-tier, pure formula. All of these options are excellent in their own right with the main differences being price, size, and whether or not the creatine is micronized.