Start here Buying guide
Best Protein Powder: Picks for Every Goal and Budget
Protein powder picks for muscle, weight loss, dairy-free and tight budgets, compared on protein per scoop, third-party testing and cost per serving.
Coming soonSupplements
Supplements are optional, and the evidence varies a lot between them. These guides cover protein, creatine, pre-workout and hydration, citing published research on dosage, timing and safety rather than label claims.
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What to look for
The four things that separate a good buy from a return.
Third-party testing
Certification programs check that a product contains what the label says and is free of banned substances.
Dose per serving
Compare the active ingredient per serving, not the scoop size or price per tub.
Ingredients to avoid
Check for proprietary blends, stimulants and allergens that matter to you.
Talk to a doctor
Get medical advice first if you are pregnant, under 18, have a condition or take medication.
Everything in supplements
Guides on our list, highest priority first. Titles become links as each guide is published.
Buying guides
- Best Whey Protein Powder: Concentrate, Isolate and BlendsBuying guide
- Best Protein Shakes: Ready-to-Drink Picks ComparedBuying guide
- Best Lactose-Free Protein Shakes: Ready-to-Drink PicksBuying guide
- Best Protein Bars: Top Picks by Taste, Macros and DietBuying guide
- Best Protein Powder for Muscle Gain: Picks for LiftersBuying guide
- Best Whey Protein Isolate: Low-Lactose, High-Protein PicksBuying guide
- Best Plant-Based Protein Powder: Vegan Picks That Mix WellBuying guide
- Best Protein Powder for Weight Loss: Low-Calorie PicksBuying guide
and 43 more planned
Reviews
- Fairlife Nutrition Plan Review: Protein, Taste and ValueReview
- Nurri Protein Shake Review: Taste, Macros and ValueReview
- Barebells Protein Bar Review: Taste vs MacrosReview
- Oikos Protein Shake Review: Yogurt-Based Protein DrinkReview
- Premier Protein Shake Review: Is It Good for You?Review
- Transparent Labs Creatine HMB ReviewReview
- Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey ReviewReview
- David Protein Bar Review: Macros, Taste and ValueReview
and 17 more planned
Comparisons
- Acetyl-L-Carnitine vs L-Carnitine: Which Form?Comparison
- Creatine HCl vs Monohydrate: Which Should You Take?Comparison
- Creatine Gummies vs Powder: Which Is Worth It?Comparison
- Whey Concentrate vs Isolate: Which Is Worth It?Comparison
- Micronized Creatine vs Monohydrate: Any Real Difference?Comparison
- Casein vs Whey: Which Protein Should You Buy?Comparison
- Creatine Pills vs Powder: Capsules Worth It?Comparison
- Pea Protein vs Whey: Muscle, Digestion and CostComparison
and 2 more planned
How-to and setup
- How to Add Protein Powder to Oatmeal Without ClumpsHow-to
- How to Make a Protein Smoothie: Ratios and Easy CombosHow-to
- How to Make Protein Pudding With Protein PowderHow-to
- How to Make Protein Waffles With Protein PowderHow-to
- How to Make a Protein Milkshake That Tastes Like DessertHow-to
- Baking With Protein Powder: Swaps, Ratios and MistakesHow-to
- How to Use Protein Powder: Shakes, Food and TimingHow-to
Questions and specs
- How Much Protein Do You Need to Build Muscle?Question
- Do Protein Shakes Help Muscle Recovery? What Studies ShowQuestion
- L-Leucine: Benefits, Dose and Whether to SupplementGuide
- Creatine With HMB: Does Adding HMB Help?Question
- Does Creatine Build Muscle? What Studies ShowQuestion
- Protein Pills: Do They Work Compared With Powder?Question
- What Is Creapure? German Creatine Explained, Plus Products That Use ItGuide
- Do Protein Shakes Build Muscle? What They Can and Cannot DoQuestion
and 69 more planned
Not sure what fits?
Check your ceiling clearance or answer three questions to find the right guide.
Related categories
- Training & nutritionWorkouts and trainingExercises and programs you can run with home equipment.
- StrengthRacks, rigs and Smith machinesPower racks, squat stands, Smith machines and the attachments that fit them.
- StrengthBarbells and weight platesBars, trap bars, bumper and iron plates, and how to store them.
- StrengthDumbbells and kettlebellsAdjustable and fixed dumbbells, kettlebells and racks.
- StrengthBenchesFlat, adjustable and combo benches, sized for small rooms.
- StrengthCable machines and functional trainersFunctional trainers, lat pulldowns and rack-mounted pulleys.
- StrengthLeg and selectorized machinesLeg press, hack squat and pin-loaded machines for home use.