Creatine in your pre-workout supplements is a personal preference. Some like creatine with their pre-workout, while others enjoy the Creatine Free Pre-Workout. While many companies do offer creatine in a pre-workout supplement, rarely will you find it at a clinically dosed amount. Pre-workout supplements with creatine are generally dosed for the attribute of added strength and not typically at a clinical dosage. Creatine does play an important part in strength output and muscle gain, so there are benefits to including it in your pre-workout supplement.
The following products on our top pre-workout with creatine rankings list were used by the author of this article.
He used each of these pre-workout supplements through the duration of a full container. Sample packs were not used in determining the rankings.
Stop relying on faulty information that is influenced by outside writers and money. This zero creatine pre-workout list is the real deal.
Here at Fitness Informant, we don’t steer you wrong. If you're looking for a creatine free pre-workout option that you can trust, look no further than our top 5 picks below.
A Comparison of Pre-Workouts with Creatine
OUR #1 RATED  |
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 NutraBio PRE Extreme Our Top Pick For:
8.8 out of 10 in the Pre-Workout Category Use coupon code INFORMANT to save 10% |
OUR #2 RATED |
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 Kaged Muscle Supplements Pre-Kaged Our Top Pick For:
7.9 out of 10 in the Pre-Workout Category |
OUR #3 RATED |
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 Purus Labs Muscle Marinade Our Top Pick For:
7.7 out of 10 in the Pre-Workout Category |
OUR #4 RATED |
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 MuscleTech Vapor One Our Top Pick For:
8.1 out of 10 in the Pre-Workout Category |
OUR #5 RATED |
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 MuscleSport Rhino Black Pre-Workout Our Top Pick For:
8.6 out of 10 in the Pre-Workout Category |
PRODUCT | DETAILS | OUR RATING |
|---|---|---|
NutraBio PRE Extreme Use coupon code INFORMANT to save 10% | Our Top Pick For:
Highlights:
|  Our #1 Rated 8.8 out of 10 in the Pre-Workouts Category |
Kaged Muscle Supplements Pre-Kaged | Our Top Pick For:
Highlights:
| Our #2 Rated 7.9 out of 10 in the Pre-Workouts Category |
Purus Labs Muscle Marinade | Our Top Pick For:
Highlights:
| Our #3 Rated 7.7 out of 10 in the Pre-Workouts Category |
MuscleTech Vapor One | Our Top Pick For:
Highlights:
| Our #4 Rated 8.1 out of 10 in the Pre-Workouts Category |
MuscleSport Rhino Black Pre-Workout | Our Top Pick For:
Highlights:
| Our #5 Rated 8.6 out of 10 in the Pre-Workouts Category |
Why You Should Take Creatine
Creatine may be the most popular sports nutrition supplement, and for good reason. It is one of the most well-researched supplements, and it is usually the first supplements that is recommended for gym-goers who are looking to improve their strength and stamina in the gym.
Creatine is a very popular ingredient that companies add to pre-workouts, not only for the benefits, but also because it is so well-known that it is almost expected at this point. While many make the argument that it is better to simply buy creatine on its own, it isn’t a bad ingredient to throw in a pre-workout for convenience.
We have to state that it is recommended that you take creatine every day, so it’s recommended that you have a creatine supplement on hand for off days, as pre-workouts should not be taken every day.
You will find creatine in both stim and non-stim pre-workouts. This list will guide you towards pre-workouts that contain creatine which should help increase your performance at the gym overtime.
On that note, remember that any company can throw creatine in a pre-workout. We made sure that the products on this list aren’t simply pre-workouts with a good dose of creatine and then some caffeine thrown in. They are good all-around, but have ingredients to compliment creatine and are just good pre-workouts all-around.
Our Testing Process
We examined five different areas of each pre-workout supplement when we compiled our rankings:
- Ingredients Profile
- Effectiveness
- Taste
- Mixability
- Value
Ingredients Profile
When we review each pre-workout supplement on their ingredient profile, we look at the ingredients used and the dosage they are being used at. We specificially look at the type of creatine used and the amount it is dosed again. We do not expect clinical dosages of creatine in the pre-workout, but a sufficient amount to contribute to strength output is a must.
Many pre-workouts include a variety of beneficial ingredients, but under dose them proving to be non-effective. This section also looks at how many of the sub-categories are being hit (energy, focus, strength and pump).
Effectiveness
Effectiveness is an extension of ingredient profile. If the product uses proven ingredients at clinically suggested dosages, then typically the product should be effective. With that said, the closer the amount of creatine is to the clinical dosage, the more effective it will be for strength and power output.
Everyone is different. Everyone takes to different ingredients differently at varying dosages. We have tried and tested each of these products throughout the full duration of their container to ensure these products are effective over their life.
Taste
We review taste on two different components. First, how close does the pre-workout taste to the actual name printed on the label. For example, does Blue Raz actually taste like blue raspberry. Second, we review it on overall taste (in our opinion) versus others in the same flavor category.
Mixability
Mixability refers to how well does the product mix in 8-12oz of water. The testing process for a pre-workout drink we use here is a generic Blender Bottle with the chrome spiral ball. We use regular tap water with no ice.
Value
Value is a combination of ingredient profile, effectiveness, taste, mixability and cost. We do not just look at the price tag like a lot of others do. If a product is priced at a premium, we inform you if it is worth the premium price or not based on all the categories. We look at the overall picture of the pre-workout supplement, and how it compares to other pre-workout supplements on the market.
Click here to see our list of top pre-workout supplements overall.
Why We Test Like This
In an industry with so many players and choices choosing the right supplement for you can be difficult. The pre-workout with creatine category is no different. Creatine based pre-workouts are a staple supplement for many brands.
Many new start-up brands start with them because it is easy to copy other’s formulas and slap a label on a container and call it your own.
All of this for a minimal investment.
We’ve all read the hype about pre-workout supplements. The bark is way louder than their bite. Cool marketing slogans and product package designs make it difficult to select one that is correct for you. This is especially true if you’re just starting out in the game. We test so you know what’s legitimate and what is not.
Pre-Workout Rankings with Creatine: Our Top Rated Picks
Now the moment you’ve all been waiting for, here’s who topped our list of the 5 best pre-workout supplements with creatine:
#1 NutraBio PRE Extreme
8.8 out of 10
Use coupon code INFORMANT to save 10%
The Highlights:
Nutrabio’s Pre Extreme holds its place as the best creatine pre-workout on Fitness Informant. NutraBio has been at the top of the game for years now, and it certainly isn’t stopping anytime soon. While Pre-Extreme has gone through several profile updates throughout the years, it always seems to be one of the most positively reviewed pre-workouts on the market.
Here we have 3 grams of patented creatine monohydrate, which is a good dose. A good dose of creatine monohydrate is 3-5 grams. To add to that, we have Creatine MagnaPower®. This is creatine bound to magnesium chelate. Magnesium plays a vital role in ATP production.
With that said, of course Nutrabio went above and beyond to make sure Pre Extreme was going to hit you on all fronts. Not only does it have creatine, it also has ingredients for focus, endurance, hydration, recovery, energy, blood flow, pumps, etc..
Just taking a look at the extensive fully loaded label, you can expect to see this product on more ranking lists in the future.
Who Makes It?
Nutrabio has been around for a long time, although many wouldn’t know that without taking a deeper look. Nutrabio has been the industry’s best kept secret since the 90’s. If there is one thing that Nutrabio is known for, it is TRANSPARENCY. They are known for using well-studied ingredients at clinical doses in their sports nutrition products. Pre Extreme demonstrates this well.
What's In It?
One serving contains:
- 3g PharmaPure™ Creatine Monohydrate - may increase strength and endurance in the gym
- 500mg Creatine MagnaPower
- 15g HBCD (Highly Branched Cyclic Dextrin) - a fast acting carb source that is easy on the stomach and does not spike insulin
- 3.5g L-Leucine - BCAA that may aid in recovery
- 3.2g Beta-Alanine - buffers lactic acid and may increase endurance
- 2.5g Betaine Anhydrous - may increase power output
- 1.5g Malic Acid - has a variety of benefits and may aid in the absorption of creatine
- 6g of L-Citrulline - converts to Arginine which can increase pumps in the gym
- 1g Agmatine Sulfate - metabolite of Arginine which can aid in pumps
- 750mg Nitrosigine - a bonded form of Arginine that aids in pumps
- 1.5g L-Tyrosine - a well-researched amino acid with many benefits. May be good for fat loss, focus, and stress
- 500mg Choline Bitartrate - a form of choline which may aid in focus
- 350mg Caffeine Anhydrous/Infinergy - two forms of caffeine, one being fast acting and the other being a buffered form which will make the energy last longer
- 300mg TheaPure - patented form of L-Theanine. May aid in cognition and can prevent people sensitive to stimulants from getting the “jitters”
- 50mg N-Methyl Tyramine - helps regulate blood pressure
- 50mg Hordenine HCl - may aid in energy
- 4mg Yohimbine HCl - increases adrenaline in the body and may help in fat burning
- 2g of Taurine - may help with power output and blood flow
- 100mcg Huperzine A - helps with focus
- 525mg Calcium Potassium Phosphate Citrate - electrolytes, good for cramping
- 189mg Sodium Phosphate - electrolytes, good for cramping
Bottom Line:
What makes this our best creatine pre-workout, is that this product is very well-rounded. It has ingredients like betaine which can compliment creatine, and extra electrolytes to prevent potential cramping. Depending on who you are and how good you are at getting enough water throughout the day, creatine may make you more susceptible to cramping. This usually occurs when the user takes too much creatine or isn’t properly hydrated. So having electrolytes to aid in hydration only makes sense here.
The additions of Malic Acid and HBCD are also good addition for this. With the nootropic and energy boosting ingredients in Pre Extreme, it is certainly a pre-workout that you can’t go wrong with. These are only some of the reasons this is considered our best creatine pre-workout.
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#2 Kaged Muscle Supplements Pre-Kaged
7.9 out of 10
The Highlights:
Pre-Kaged is one of the top pre-workouts on the market these days. Kris Gethin has certainly built a brand that is worthy of the praise it gets. Pre-Kaged is a pre-workout that most would consider “loaded”. It’s dosed well in pretty much every ingredient, and it isn’t just a stim-bomb. It’s actually based on performance!
Pre-Kaged includes Creatine HCl, which is creatine attached to hydrochloric acid. Some people may have issues with digesting creatine monohydrate, and some may have issues which water retention. While some may simply need to drink more water, this does not help in all people. Due to its solubility, it is easily digested by many and you can use less of it as opposed to creatine monohydrate. It is one of the best creatine pre-workouts on the market.
Who Makes It?
Kaged Muscle Supplements is owned by Kris Gethin who participated in our Expert Roundtable. Kris Gethin is very knowledgeable in the industry and practices what he preaches. Kaged Muscle has a commitment to high quality ingredients, scientifically backed dosages and your satisfaction guaranteed.
What's In It?
One serving contains:
- 1.5g Creatine HCl - improves strength gains and muscle recovery
- 6.5g L-Citrulline (Fermented) - contributes to muscle pumps which aids in healing and recovery
- 200mg Quercetin Dihydrate - antioxidant
- 3.5g 2:1:1 BCAAs - clinically formulated to reduce recovery time and aid in muscle protein synthesis
- 3 grams of L-Leucine - may aid in recovery
- 1.6g Beta-Alanine - aids in endurance and strength gains
- 2g BetaPower Betaine Anhydrous - patented form of betaine anhydrous, may increase power output
- 500mg Coconut Water Powder - good for hydration
- 100mg Spectra Total ORAC Blend - trademarked blend of fruit/vegetables providing antioxidants
- 2g Taurine - may help with power output and blood flow
- 1,850mg N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine and Tyrosine - cognitive enhancing ingredient designed to improve focus
- 274mg PurCaf Caffeine - energy producing ingredient from natural sources
Bottom Line:
Pre-Kaged by Kaged Muscle Supplements should make most top pre-workout rankings lists. The formula alone is effective for those who enjoy stimulants and even those who don’t. Pre-Kaged is going to include effective doses of key ingredients aimed at improving energy, pump and focus. The Creatine HCl may be a good option for those who don’t handle creatine monohydrate very well.
#3 Purus Labs Muscle Marinade
7.7 out of 10
The Highlights:
Muscle Marinade from Purus Labs gives you the "other" stuff you don't always find in a pre-workout supplement with creatine. Not only do you get a total of 5g of Creatine through Creatine Monohydrate and Creatine MagnaPower, you also get 5g 2:1:1 BCAA for muscle recovery.
Purus Labs is known for their pump product NOXygen. In this creatine based pre-workout Muscle Marinade, you also get the NOXygen blend which contains NO3-T Nitrate Technology for solid pumps.
Muscle Marinade also contains a unique energy source in the form of sustained release caffeine, caffeine anhydrous for a total of 400mg caffeine. This is going to be a hard-hitting energy source, but also withstanding due to the sustained release caffeine. Combine that with 2.5g Choline Bitartrate and other cognitive enhancing ingredients, you will have a nice energy, focus and strength in the pre-workout with creatine product.
Who Makes It?
Purus Labs is a solid, reputable company in the sports nutrition space well known for their nitrate based product NOXygen. Purus Labs other big product is this creatine based pre-workout Muscle Marinade. The company has been around for quite some time with a focus on bringing new products to market every year.
What's In It?
One serving contains:
- 4g Creatine Monohydrate - most studied variation of Creatine for strength gains
- 1g Creatine MagnaPower - Creatine + Magnesium
- 5g 2:1:1 BCAA – most touted ratio of BCAA for muscle recovery
- 2.5g Choline Bitartrate - cognitive enhancing ingredient for improve focus
- 400mg L-Tyrosine - cognitive enhancing ingredient for improved focus and mental clarity
- 250mg VitaSure Sustained Release Caffeine - energy source that is euphoric
- 200mg Caffeine Anhydrous - quick hitting energy source
- 75mg ALCAR - form of L-Carnitine to assist in energy production
- 75mg NALT - a form of L-Tyrosine for improved mental clarity and focus
- 2g Betaine Anhydrous - increases power and strength output
- 1.5g Taurine - increases strength and endurance; regulates electrolytes
- 1g Betaine Anhydrous - increases power and strength output
- 555mg Sodium Nitrate as NO3-T - increases NO production and blood flow
- 254mg VasoDrive-AP - increases blood flow
- 185mg Betaine Nitrate as NO3-T - increases NO production and blood flow
Bottom Line:
Purus Labs Muscle Marinade is going to be one of the better pre-workout supplements with creatine on the market. It includes a total of 5g of Creatine, which is clinically dosed. This is going to provide you with optimal strength and power output in a pre-workout. Muscle Marinade also includes other key ingredients to enhance focus, energy and pump.
#4 MuscleTech Vapor One
8.1 out of 10
The Highlights:
Muscletech’s Vapor 1 is another great choice for those who want a pre that gets it right where it counts. Muscletech has certainly upped their game in the past few years, and Vapor 1 is a good example. Vapor 1 makes our list for the best pre-workouts containing creatine not just due to it having a solid dose of creatine, it also has good doses of every other ingredient in there.
Along with a good dose of creatine monohydrate, you also get good doses of Betaine Anhydrous, Nitrosigine, Beta-Alanine, and L-Citrulline. The added beta-alanine and taurine compliment the creatine. While there are some fancy ingredients in here, Muscletech did not try to get frisky with the ergogenic ingredients in here. Yeah there are ingredients such as Nitrosigine and VasoDrive-AP, which are newer yet have some backing, as well as an ingredient called Japanese Raisin Tree extract, which isn’t something we can say has much research on. Either way, the ingredients that have been proven certainly do their job, with creatine being another in the bunch doing its job. This is why it placed #3 on our list.
Who Makes It?
MuscleTech is a company that is well-known to many. It is a legacy brand that has made some significant changes over the past decade. They went from a brand that made crazy claims on their labels, to a brand that is transparent and now known for using clinical doses of proven ingredients. They are certainly turning heads and making solid products as of late, and they should not be overlooked!
What's In It?
One serving contains:
- 3g Creatine Monohydrate - improves strength and endurance
- 3.2g Beta-Alanine - improve muscular endurance
- 2.5g Betaine Anhydrous - improves strength ad power
- 1g Taurine - improves strength and regulates electrolytes
- 4g L-Citurlline - improves blood flow
- 1.5g Nitrosigine - increases nitric oxide levels for improved blood flow
- 200mg Hawthorn Berry Extract - promotes healthy blood flow
- 150mg VasoDrive-AP - prevents vasoconstriction
- 350mg Caffeine Anhydrous - increases energy
- 200mg Choline - improves focus
- 125mg L-Theanine - relaxes you and improves mood
- 100mg Japanese Raisin Tree Extract - may be good for blood sugar
- 1.8mg Yohimbine HCL - helps with adrenaline and fat burning
Bottom Line:
Vapor 1 is certainly a good choice for those who want a simple and proven form of creatine monohydrate, along with clinical doses of other well-known, well-studied ingredients.
Muscletech has certainly changed for the better, and we look forward to seeing more from them in the future!
#5 MuscleSport Black Rhino Pre-Workout
8.6 out of 10
The Highlights:
MuscleSports Black Rhino pre-workout is a pre-workout with creatine that hits hard on energy and pumps. The creatine added is not clinically dosed, but it will help contribute to your overall pump from this product.
Black Rhino can be a 40-serving or a 20-servings pre-workout supplement with creatine, but to get the most out of this creatine based pre-workout you want to take a full scoop (20g) which will get you a solid pump, increased energy and focus.
Available in many flavors, MuscleSport Black Rhino pre-workout with creatine may be one of the tastiest on the market. However, it is not just taste that makes this a good product, it is the two forms of caffeine for 400mg with the added stimulant of Hordenine that will really provide strong energy. Pumps are great with Citrulline Malate, Nitrosigine, Agmatine Sulfate and more.
Who Makes It?
MuscleSport is a brand that focuses on promoting the brick and mortar model. Their prices online are not reflective of their prices in stores. They make "sexy" products across the brand, including their hardcore series (black series) for the more advanced lifter.
What's In It?
One serving contains:
- 2g Creatine MagnaPower - this is not clinically dosed, but sufficient amount to help with your overall pump
- 6g Citrulline Malate – improves blood flow
- 1.5g Betaine Anhydrous – improves strength and power output
- 1g Agmapure Agmatine Sulfate – helps regulate nitric oxide levels
- 1g Taurine - regulates electrolytes to lead to increased endurance and strength
- 750mg Nitrosigine - increases nitric oxide levels for improved blood flow
- 750mg Ornithine - increased strength output
- 200mg Beta Vulagaris - increased nitric oxide production for improved blood flow
- 3.2g Beta-Alanine - improved muscular endurance
- 2g HBCD - improved energy and pumps
- 750mg L-Tyrosine - improved focus and mental clarity
- 400mg Tri-Caffeine Matrix - consisting of Caffeine Anhydrous, DiCaffeine Malate and Caffeine Citrate for increased energy
- 300mg Choline Complex - consisting of CDP Choline and Choline Bitartrate for improved focus
- 75mg Hordenine - increased energy and fat loss
Bottom Line:
MuscleSports Black Rhino Pre-Workout with creatine is a solid formula that will give you great energy and pumps. Although creatine isn't at clinical levels, it is at a level that will contribute to your pump helping with your overall muscular gains.
What are the Benefits of Pre-Workout with Creatine?
Creatine based pre-workouts serve a couple different benefits to the consumer. Creatine is an ingredient that should be taken daily for optimal results, but when included in a pre-workout, even if it is not clinically dosed on creatine, it can provide increased strength, pump and endurance.
Strength
The primary benefit of creatine in a pre-workout is improved strength outputs. Creatine helps your body produce more ATP, which is the cellular energy you burn for output. The ATP cycle, when it releases energy becomes ADP. ADP recruit a molecule of creatine to form ATP which leads to improved energy and strength output. The better your ATP cycle, the more strength you will have.
Pump
Creatine also causes the muscles to hold water. The more water in your muscles the larger the pump. This is not just for looks, but provides a benefit to muscular endurance. This also allows for your muscles to recovery quicker and get larger.
Endurance
As your muscles hold more water from the pre-workout with creatine, your muscular endurance goes up. This is all tied back into the body’s ATP cycle. The more you can produce ATP from ADP the more strength and endurance you will receive.
We'll keep this list updated as new products are tested and reviewed.
Thoughts? Comment below!
