If you’re looking for a workout supplement that can help you push your boundaries and take your training to the next level, Creatine is a great option. Creatine is a naturally-occurring substance that’s found in muscle tissue, and it helps build muscle, increase strength and recovery.
Add Creatine to a pre-workout supplement and make a match in heaven.
Plenty of great pre-workout supplements on the market contain Creatine, so we’ve put together a list of our favorites to help you choose the best one for your needs.
Here are the best pre-workouts with Creatine:
#1 Blackwolf
Best Overall Pre-Workout With Creatine
Topping off our list, we have Blackwolf, a pre-workout supplement that’s packed with everything you need to take your training to the next level.
This bad boy has all the bells and whistles of a good pre-workout supplement and contains 3g of creatine monohydrate per serving. Along with that, you get a hefty dose of caffeine, beta-alanine, and citrulline malate to help you power through your workouts.
They also have a caffeine-free version for those who feel the 200mg caffeine dose is too much.
It comes in 3 excellent flavors, but they use artificial sweeteners, which will be a negative for some people.
On top of that, Blackwolf comes with a free 10-week training program and cookbook, giving all of the tools you need for success.
Pricewise Blackwolf is a little above, but they offer free shipping to the USA and other select countries. Unfortunately, they do not offer any savings if you buy multiple tubs.
Overall this pre-workout delivers on all fronts and, in our opinion, is the best pre-workout with Creatine on the market today.
Pros
- Vegan friendly
- Available without caffeine
- Uses 3 grams of Creatine Monohydrate
- No proprietary blends
- Excellent taste
- Made in the USA
Cons
- Uses Artificial Sweeteners
- Above average in price
Related: Best Pre-Workouts Without Artificial Sweeteners
#2 Altius from Jacked Factory
Best on a Budget
Next up we have another really nice pre-workout with Altius from Jacked Factory.
This beast is loaded with 8000mg of citrulline malate for serious muscle pumps, 3200mg of beta-alanine, and 2500mg of betaine anhydrous for increased strength and power.
On top of that, they use a 3-gram dose of creatine monohydrate, making this a pre-workout that is sure to increase performance.
The best thing about Altius, has to be the price. It’s one of the most affordable pre-workouts on the market, and it’s also available in a convenient powder form.
However, there are a few downsides to this pre-workout. There is only one flavor for this product, so there isn’t much variety; it is naturally flavored though.
This product also uses a pretty hefty caffeine dose at 325mg. Some people will love an amount that high; others will hate it. There is no caffeine-free version, though, so if you don’t want that much caffeine, you might want to choose one of the other pre-workout supplements on the list.
Overall there isn’t much not to like about this one, definitely another solid selection.
Pros
- Affordable
- Uses 3 grams of Creatine Monohydrate
- No proprietary blends
- Made in the USA
- Naturally flavored
- No proprietary blends
Cons
- Single flavor
- High caffeine content (325mg)
- No caffeine-free version is available
#3 Pre-Kaged Elite
Strongest Pre-Workout with Creatine
Pre-Kaged by Kaged Muscle is easily one of the best pre-workouts on the market, and their Pre-Kaged Elite version takes it to another level.
This pre-workout is loaded with key ingredients in very generous doses, like their massive 10-gram dose of l-citrulline and their large 3200 mg dose of beta-alanine, and a hefty 388mg dose of caffeine.
To top it all off, this beast uses both creatine nitrate and creatine monohydrate to deliver a solid 5 grams of Creatine.
All in all, this pre-workout supplement delivers 20 ingredients (9 of them patented) in ample doses. That’s why they call it “Elite.” The only thing it doesn’t have is branched-chain amino acids, but that’s ok.
It comes in three flavors; Glacier Grape is really good and is easily the best of the three.
On the negative side, this pre-workout is the most expensive one on the list. And it only has 20 servings per instead of the usual 30. They also use sucralose, which may be a negative for some. Also the caffeine dose is huge; those sensitive to caffeine won’t like it.
Overall this is an excellent pre-workout if you are looking for something a bit hardcore, it’s not for beginners, though, and it is a bit pricey.
Pros
- Uses 5 grams of Creatine (2 forms)
- No proprietary blends
- Available in three flavors
- 9 patented ingredients
- Hefty doses on the ingredients
- Delivers the most Creatine per serving on the list
Cons
- Most expensive on the list
- Only 20 servings per container
- Uses sucralose (artificial sweetener)
- Caffeine content is quite high
Related: How Long Does Pre-Workout Stay in Your System
Related: 7 Side Effects from Pre Workouts and How to Avoid Them
#4 Naked Energy from Naked Nutrition
Best Clean Formula
If you are looking for a pre-workout supplement with a clean formula, then Naked Energy from Naked Nutrition is right up your alley.
What do we mean by clean formula?
This pre-workout is GMO-free, soy-free, gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan and keto friendly. It also doesn’t use any artificial flavoring, sweeteners or dyes. Now that’s a clean formula.
Regarding the ingredients, this pre-workout uses a 2-gram dose of beta-alanine, 1 gram of l-arginine, and 200 mg of caffeine. They also use 1 gram of creatine monohydrate.
This product is also available in a caffeine-free version as well.
Pricewise Naked Energy is a little above average but not overpriced. They don’t offer any savings when you buy in bulk but they do have a subscription that can save you 20%, which is more than most subscriptions out there.
The only negative with this product is that it is not the strongest pre-workout out there and the dose of Creatine is also a bit on the low side.
Pros
- Super clean formula
- Can be paired with Naked BCAAs
- No artificial flavoring, sweeteners or dyes
- Available in a caffeine-free version
- Made in the USA
- 20% savings with a subscription
- Good for people who don’t want an overpowering pre-workout
Cons:
- Not the strongest pre-workout
- Low dose of Creatine (1 gram)
#5 Pre JYM from JYM Supplement Science
Best-Tasting Pre-Workout Supplement
Pre JYM from JYM Supplement Science is a pre-workout supplement that is designed by world-renowned fitness expert Jim Stoppani.
This product uses a blend of 13 ingredients, including 2 grams of creatine HCL.
It also uses a pretty hefty dose of caffeine at 300 mg per serving.
The overall formula is very solid and the doses are pretty generous.
The taste, however, is where this product shines. It comes in 7 delicious flavors and all of them taste great. But like some others on this list, it does use artificial sweeteners.
As for the price, this one is a little above average but not bad. You can also subscribe and save 15%, which is pretty good.
Overall this one is an excellent pre-workout that tastes great and is one you should consider.
Pros
- 13 ingredient formula
- 2 grams of creatine HCL
- 300 mg caffeine per serving
- Available in 7 delicious flavors
- Solid formula and dosing
- Made by world-renowned fitness expert Jim Stoppani
Cons
- Uses artificial sweeteners
- May have too much caffeine for some
#6 C4 Sport
Most Readily Available Pre-Workout Supplement with Creatine
C4 Sports is a pre-workout powder that you can find pretty easily. Walmart, grocery stores, drug stores and all over the internet. No matter where you are, you won’t have much trouble getting your hands on some C4 Sport.
It’s also pretty cheap, making it a great option for those on a budget.
The ingredients in C4 Sport are pretty solid, but all of the key ingredients are in proprietary blends, so we don’t know how much of each is in the product.
The reviews around the internet are pretty decent, but there are some complaints about the flavor.
It does use artificial sweeteners, and it is not GMO-free or gluten-free.
Overall this is a decent pre-workout, especially if you are looking for something cheap and readily available. But there are some better options out there.
Pros
- Prety easily available
- Inexpensive
- Has solid ingredients
- Well known manufacturer
Cons
- Proprietary blends
- Some complaints about the flavor
- Uses artificial sweeteners
#7 Gold Standard Pre-Workout from Optimum Nutrition
Best for Bodybuilders
Gold Standard Pre-Workout from Optimum Nutrition is a pre-workout supplement that is designed with bodybuilders in mind.
It uses a blend of ingredients that are meant to help with energy, pumps and endurance.
The formula includes 3 grams of creatine monohydrate, 1.5 grams of beta alanine, 750 mg of micronized l-citrulline.
This product also contains 175 mg of caffeine, which is on the high side but not too bad.
The reviews for this product are pretty good, but there are some complaints about the taste and mixability.
Overall this is a solid pre-workout supplement that is designed for bodybuilders. This is a good option if you are looking for something to help with energy, pumps and endurance.
Pricewise this one is pretty wallet-friendly. It is one of the cheaper pre-workout supplements on the list.
Pros:
- 3 grams of creatine monohydrate
- 1.5 grams of beta-alanine
- 750 mg of micronized l-citrulline
- 175 mg of caffeine
- Solid reviews
Cons
- Some complaints about the taste and mixability
- Uses artificial sweetener
How We Decided on the Best Pre-Workout Supplements with Creatine
When it comes to pre-workout supplements, there are a lot of different options to choose from. But not all pre-workouts are created equal. Some are better than others. And some are just plain bad. So how did we decide which pre-workouts were the best? We looked at a few different factors.
First, we looked at the ingredients. We wanted to make sure that the pre-workouts we chose had all of the key ingredients that you would want in a pre-workout supplement. Creatine, caffeine, beta-alanine, l-citrulline, etc.
Second, we looked at the doses of those ingredients. We wanted to make sure that the doses were in line with what the research says is effective.
Third, we looked at the price. We wanted to find pre-workouts that were affordable, but we also didn’t want to sacrifice quality.
Fourth, we looked at the manufacturer’s reputation. We only chose pre-workouts from manufacturers that have a good reputation.
And finally, we looked at the reviews. We read through dozens of reviews to get a feel for what people were saying about these pre-workouts.
Based on all of those factors, we came up with a list of 7 pre-workout supplements that we think are the best on the market.
Benefits of Creatine in a Pre-Workout Supplement
Adding Creatine to your pre-workout gives it an extra edge, giving you more energy and power to push through your workout.
Creatine has been shown to help improve athletic performance, increase muscle mass, and reduce fatigue.
Having a pre-workout with Creatine in it is really like having two supplements in 1. You get all the benefits of the focus and energy of a pre-workout plus the benefits of Creatine.
Here are some of the specific benefits you can expect from taking a pre-workout with Creatine in it:
- More energy and power to push through your workout
- Improved athletic performance
- Increased muscle mass
- Increased strength
- Reduced fatigue
- Delayed muscle fatigue
Overall the combination of creatine and pre-workout supplements is a winning one. You get all the benefits of the pre-workout plus the added benefits of Creatine. If you are looking for an extra edge in your workout, consider taking a pre-workout with Creatine.
Best Pre-Workout Supplement Ingredients
Citrulline Malate
Citrulline Malate is a beast when it comes to maximizing your training and recovery sessions. Citrulline malate increases blood flow throughout your whole body as it is a main catalysts that convert L-arginine to nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is a known compound that widens the blood vessels, allowing more blood flow, nutrients and oxygen to go where they’re needed.
When blood rushes to your veins, you start experiencing the “pump”. This means reduced fatigue and greater stamina when you need it the most. It also leads to more significant muscle growth.
Beta-Alanine
This is an amino acid that helps to improve performance by delaying muscle fatigue.
It does this by reducing the buildup of lactic acid in the muscles. Beta-alanine is also the ingredient that causes the tingling sensation. If you don’t like the tingle, look for pre-workouts with a low dose of beta-alanine.
This ingredient has also been shown to increase lean muscle fat and significantly reduce body fat in wrestlers.
Creatine Monohydrate
This is a compound that has been proven to build lean muscle and also increase strength and endurance.
Creatine is often used in pre-workout supplements because it can help you train harder and for longer periods.
Caffeine
This is a stimulant that helps to increase energy levels, focus and alertness. Caffeine is often used in pre-workout supplements because it can help to improve performance.
However, too much caffeine can lead to side effects such as jitters and anxiety. Those sensitive to caffeine should look for a stimulant-free pre-workout.
L-Theanine
This is an amino acid that helps to reduce the side effects of caffeine. It does this by improving attention and reducing anxiety.
Betaine Anhydrous
This is a compound that helps to increase strength and power. It does this by increasing cell hydration which leads to improved muscle contraction.
Betaine anhydrous increases strength and also fat loss when taken in the right dosages. It has been shown to be beneficial in reducing muscle fatigue so you can train for longer..
If you are looking for a pre-workout supplement that can help you take your workout to the next level, then be sure to check out one that contains these powerful.
Final Word
If you’re looking for a way to up your game in the gym, creatine might be just what you need. This natural supplement has been shown to improve performance and help with muscle growth. We’ve rounded up some of the best pre-workout supplements with creatine so you can find the perfect one for you. Check them out, and let us know which one is your favorite.
Ryan is a former college wrestler and fitness fanatic who specializes in supplements for building muscle. He has written for online publications like TheAthleticBuild.com and FitnessTopFives. He is also an expert lawn mower and has been known to slay apple pie with little regard for his own safety. Hit him up on Linkedin below so he feels the love.