They contain the same thing
Creatine capsules and creatine powder are not different products — they are different delivery formats for the same compound. A creatine capsule is creatine monohydrate powder enclosed in a gelatin or vegetarian capsule shell. The creatine itself is identical.
Any marketing that suggests capsules absorb differently, work faster or have fewer side effects than powder is not supported by evidence. The format does not affect the creatine's mechanism or efficacy once it reaches the digestive system.
The cost difference
Creatine powder is almost always cheaper per gram of creatine than capsules. The capsule shell, additional manufacturing steps and packaging cost more to produce, and that cost is passed on to the buyer.
At typical UK prices, creatine monohydrate powder costs around £10–15 for 500g — approximately 100 servings at 5g each. Equivalent creatine in capsule form often costs 30–60% more for the same total creatine content. For a supplement you take daily indefinitely, this difference adds up.
When capsules are worth it
Capsules are more convenient for travel, for people who do not have protein shakes or other liquids to mix powder into, and for those who dislike handling loose powders. If you travel regularly or want to take creatine outside of a gym or kitchen context, capsules are a practical format.
They also have a longer effective shelf life once opened compared to loose powder in a bag, and portion control is fixed — you take a set number of capsules rather than measuring a scoop.
The dose problem with capsules
Most creatine capsules contain 750mg to 1g of creatine per capsule. A 5g daily maintenance dose therefore requires 5–7 capsules. During a loading phase of 20g per day, that is 20–27 capsules spread across the day.
Swallowing 5–7 capsules daily is fine for most people but feels excessive compared to stirring half a teaspoon of tasteless powder into a drink. For loading phases, capsules are particularly impractical.
Verdict
Buy powder as your default. Creatine monohydrate powder is flavourless, dissolves in any liquid, costs less per serving, and is easier to dose flexibly. The performance and safety are identical to capsules.
Buy capsules if convenience is a genuine priority — travelling, portability, or a strong preference for not handling powder. Pay the premium consciously and know you are buying convenience, not better creatine.