| Cost / day ▲ | Monitor | Type | Sensor wear | Accuracy (MARD) | Android | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $1.50cheapest | GlucoTrack | BGM | -- | -- | Yes | Non-invasive BGM with app coaching | Learn more → |
| $2.25 | iGlucose | BGM | -- | -- | Yes | Non-invasive blood-glucose monitor alternative | Learn more → |
| $2.50 | Zoe Glucose | OTC | 14 days | -- | iPhone only | UK-based, wearable + app science | Learn more → |
| $2.93 | Dexcom Stelo | OTC | 15 days | 8.3% | Yes | Most accurate OTC, longest wear, works with Oura | Learn more → |
| $2.93 | Abbott Lingo | OTC | 14 days | 9.3% | iPhone only | Daily wellness score + light coaching (iPhone only) | Learn more → |
| $3.00 | Abbott Libre Rio | OTC | 14 days | -- | Yes | Newer OTC option for type 2 not on insulin | Learn more → |
| $3.05 | Levels | Coaching | 15 days | 8.3% | Yes | Metabolic coaching app layered on a sensor | Learn more → |
| $3.57 | Ultrahuman M1 | Coaching | 14 days | -- | Yes | Biohacker and athlete focus | Learn more → |
| $3.75 | Hanalytics | Coaching | 14 days | -- | Yes | Personalized glucose response with Stelo or Lingo | Learn more → |
| $4.00 | Veri | Coaching | 14 days | -- | Yes | Meal scoring and metabolic insights | Learn more → |
| $4.00 | January AI | Coaching | 14 days | -- | Yes | AI-powered metabolic insights, no CGM required but works with most | Learn more → |
| $5.50 | CGM-X | Coaching | 14 days | -- | Yes | New OTC option with AI coaching | Learn more → |
| $5.89 | Nutrisense | Coaching | 14 days | 9.3% | Yes | Registered-dietitian support included | Learn more → |
| $6.55 | Signos | Coaching | 15 days | 8.3% | Yes | FDA-cleared for weight management, AI insights | Learn more → |
| Insurance | Dexcom G7 | Prescription | 10 days | 8.2% | Yes | Prescription, top accuracy, for diabetes | Learn more → |
| Insurance | Freestyle Libre 3 Plus | Prescription | 15 days | 7.9% | Yes | Prescription, widely insurance-covered | Learn more → |
| Insurance | Eversense E3 | Prescription | 14 days | -- | Yes | Implantable sensor under skin, lasts 90 days | Learn more → |
| Insurance | Medtronic Guardian 4 | Prescription | 7 days | -- | Yes | For insulin pump integration, frequent calibration | Learn more → |
| Insurance | Freestyle Libre 2 | Prescription | 14 days | 8.1% | Yes | Popular prescription CGM, affordable for many | Learn more → |
| Insurance | Contour Next One | BGM | -- | -- | Yes | Traditional glucose meter, high accuracy | Learn more → |
Indicative pricing and specs as last reviewed 31 July 2026 . Subscription prices used where available; prescription monitors depend on insurance. Not medical advice, talk to a clinician about managing diabetes. Confirm current pricing before buying.
Stelo or Lingo, which is better?
Both ~$89/month. Stelo wears 15 days, is a touch more accurate (8.3% MARD) and runs on Android and iPhone, plus links to Oura. Lingo wears 14 days with a daily wellness score, but its app is iPhone-only. Android users should pick Stelo.
Do I need a prescription?
No, for wellness use. Stelo and Lingo are over-the-counter for adults not on insulin. Prescription monitors (Dexcom G7, Freestyle Libre) are for diabetes management and may be insurance-covered.
What is MARD?
Mean Absolute Relative Difference, how far readings drift from a lab test on average. Lower is more accurate; 8-10% is typical here.