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CGMs can help you keep tabs on your diabetes. We’ve selected the 10 best fingerstick meters and continuous glucose monitors of 2024, including the Dexcom G6, FreeStyle Libre, and more.
Home glucose meters can help lower your risk of complications from diabetes. Along with treatment, using a home monitor can help you identify the things that make your blood sugar increase or decrease, from exercise to illness, stress to dehydration, and more.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends checking your blood sugar as advised by your doctor. How often you should check depends on a number of things, including:
Some doctors may recommend you test only a few times a day, while others may think continuous monitoring is more appropriate — each situation is unique and may change over time.
With all the options available on the market, selecting a great glucose monitor can be a challenge. To make the process easier, we rounded up the seven best glucose monitors available. Feel free to discuss these options with your doctor before you get started.
If you’re looking for a glucose meter that’s easy to use, extremely accurate, and affordable, consider the traditional blood glucose monitoring system from Contour.
The meter can read your glucose in as little as 5 seconds. And if the first sample wasn’t sufficient, there’s second-chance sampling, which means you can apply more blood to the test strip within 60 seconds. It helps prevent wasting test strips and saves you money in the long run.
This system is particularly great for beginners because it’s simple and intuitive. The smartlight feature provides near-instant blood glucose results by displaying green, amber, or red lights to indicate above, within, or below your target range.
Contour also has an easy-to-use smartphone app that supports diabetes self-management, by adding insight and meaning to your results that sync automatically through Bluetooth.
What’s included: Contour Next One monitor and instructions
Nutrisense is designed for anyone who wants to learn more about their blood glucose levels. The company takes care of the CGM prescription and provides you with access to one-on-one support from a nutritionist.
Cost depends on the duration of plan you choose and includes CGMs, free shipping on monthly CGM deliveries, 1 month of free nutritionist support (after that, the cost is $100 per month), and access to app features and a members only community.
What’s included: CGM, free shipping, app access, 1-month nutrition support
The Signos system is a subscription plan that gives you access to a CGM and numerous health tracking features. The CGM included with a Signos plan provides real-time glucose data. After a calibration period, the Signos app can provide personalized nutrition recommendations, including when and what to eat to manage unstable glucose levels.
The Signos system integrates with the Apple Watch, allowing you to track your nutrition, sleep, and activity in a single app.
Signos leans heavily into weight loss promotion territory. So, if that’s not a goal that concerns you or if you have a history of eating disorders or disordered eating, it may not be the right fit for you.
What’s included: wearable CGM and sport cover, Signos app access, smart device integration
Levels is an app that uses CGM data to provide users with insights into how their diet affects their health. The initial cost of the membership includes your first month’s supply of CGMs plus the annual membership fee of $199 and tax.
The app supplies real-time blood glucose level data and syncs with Apple Health kit. As you track your glucose levels, the app will provide daily recommendations for sleep, exercise, and stress management.
Membership also gives you access to the Levels community groups, Q&As, and a monthly newsletter.
Devices that are compatible with the Levels ecosystem include Dexcom G6 and Freestyle Libre.
What’s included: app access and other virtual features
The FreeStyle Libre first debuted on the market in 2017. Like other CGMs, it uses interstitial fluids instead of blood to measure blood glucose.
You use the Libre by wearing a sensor on your upper arm. It’s a flash system, which means you wave an accompanying monitor above the sensor in order to get your glucose readings. You can repeat the process as often as you’d like.
To keep the Libre system working, you have to reapply a new sensor to your arm every 14 days.
One downside to this CGM is that it can be a little confusing to keep track of their latest models that have the same names.
Some users also report inaccurate readings as well as skin irritation from applying the sensors. However, the fact that the Libre doesn’t require finger-sticking can be great if you measure your glucose several times a day.
What’s included: FreeStyle Libre 2 reader and 2 FreeStyle Libre 2 sensors (28-day supply)
If you’re looking for a CGM with more reliable accuracy than the FreeStyle Libre, you may consider the Dexcom G6.
The Dexcom G6 is a sensor you wear on your abdomen that transmits information to a corresponding app you can download on your phone, tablet, or smartwatch. Users like the fact that the sensor transmits this data automatically every 5 minutes.
What sets the Dexcom G6 apart from other types of CGMs is its ability to complement other devices you might have for your diabetes management. These include insulin pumps.
One of the most common complaints is that you have to change out your sensor every 10 days, versus longer wear on other CGM devices.
What’s included: auto-applicator, under-skin sensor, and transmitter; data is viewable on your Apple or Android device
If you’re looking for a CGM that’s applied at the doctor’s office instead of at home, you may consider the Eversense CGM.
The manufacturer, Senseonics, a publicly traded company, started experiencing challenges in 2020. Senseonics has scaled back its workforce but continues to support the Eversense system.
Like the FreeStyle Libre, Eversense measures interstitial fluids via a sensor applied to your upper arm. The key difference is that the sensor is implanted subcutaneously, or under the skin, and is worn for 90 days at a time.
Once the sensor is applied, the Eversense system sends data to your smart device automatically every 5 minutes. It also alerts you via a vibration alarm if your blood glucose falls out of your ideal range.
Overall, users appreciate how this sensor is changed every 90 days versus 7 to 14 days like other brands. However, some have experienced sensitivity alerts when wearing the sensor in direct sunlight. The PROMISE study evaluated the Eversense, concluding that the monitor sustained accuracy and safety up to 180 days.
What’s included: implantable sensor, smart transmitter, and mobile app to view readings on your smart device
If you’re looking for more detailed glucose tracking data, you may consider this CGM by Medtronic.
Like the FreeStyle Libre and Eversense, the Guardian Connect sensor is worn on your arm to measure glucose via interstitial fluids. But unlike any other CGM currently on the market, the Guardian Connect compiles time in range data. This data tells you how long your glucose is in your personal ideal range on any given day.
One of the greatest downsides to the Guardian Connect is its age restriction — it’s not available for children younger than 14 years. Another is the larger price tag you’ll pay for a system with all of these features and separately priced parts. You also need to change out your sensor every 7 days.
What’s included: insertion device, sensor, transmitter and charger, tape, and SkinTac patch; app works with Apple and Android devices
If you’re looking for an affordable traditional blood sample meter, consider the Rite Aid TrueMetrix. This straightforward product allows you to program four reminder alarms, and the results can be processed in as quickly as 4 seconds. You can also store up to 500 test results on the device.
The TrueMetrix meter is available at Rite Aid stores and online without a prescription. Keep in mind that you will also need to purchase lancets and test strips separately, both of which Rite Aid also sells.
What’s included: TrueMetrix reader, 3-volt battery, three lancets, lancing device, instructions, and carrying case
Similar to the Rite Aid TrueMetrix glucose meter, this version from Walgreens uses blood samples via a traditional finger-sticking process.
What sets it apart from the original TrueMetrix is its Bluetooth capabilities to deliver results to your smartphone. It works on both Android 4.4 and iPhone 4S models, and newer models.
Additionally, this Bluetooth version allows you to store twice as many test results: 1,000 at a time. It claims to process your results in about 4 seconds.
In addition to the cost of the meter, you will still need to buy lancets and test strips from the same brand. Walgreens sells the meter and accessories without a prescription.
What’s included: TrueMetrix reader, 3-volt battery, 10 lancets, lancing device, logbook, instructions, and carrying case
Above all, we included continuous glucose monitors that are reportedly the most accurate. Since home meters are designed to help you monitor your glucose in between laboratory work from your doctor’s visits, it’s important that your device provides the most accurate results possible.
While no home test will be as accurate as a lab version, getting as close as possible to the quality of such tests can help provide peace of mind as well as better diabetes management.
Other items we looked at include:
We included glucose meters across a variety of features and prices. The cost of continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) and blood glucose meters can vary widely based on their features, your insurance coverage, and location. Cost is also subject to change over time based on the type of insurance you have, so be sure to check with your carrier for the most accurate price.
If you’ve used a traditional glucose meter in the past and are looking for a less painful, more portable option, then a CGM may be a better choice. You may consider the Libre, G6, Guardian Connect, or Eversense based on their features, as well as the accuracy and duration of sensor wear.
While most insurance and Medicare do cover CGMs, these monitors are more expensive overall. Depending on your insurance, they may offer coverage for one type of CGM but not another. It’s important to check these details with your insurance company ahead of time.
If you don’t have insurance, you can check with your doctor or pharmacist for discounts on your CGM and accessories. It’s also possible to get coupons directly from the manufacturer to help offset the costs.
When browsing for glucose meters online, you’ll notice that some versions, such as the Rite Aid TrueMetrix, are available for purchase over the counter, while CGMs, such as the FreeStyle Libre or Dexcom G6, are not.
This is because you’ll need a doctor’s prescription to get a CGM system. However, you don’t need a prescription for the basic fingerstick meters we’ve included on our list. With a prescription, you may be able to buy a CGM from a medical supply store online.
If you do decide to purchase a glucose meter or monitor online, be sure you know the total costs up front, including any test strips, extra sensors, lancets, and accessories that may be sold separately. You might also consider setting up these accessories on an auto-ship basis so you don’t run out.
A blood sugar level of 99 mg/dL or below is considered normal for a fasting blood sugar test. For a glucose tolerance test, a level of 140 mg/dL is considered normal.
You don’t need a prescription for a blood glucose meter. However, you do need one for a continuous glucose monitor.
Some smartwatches can connect to CGM systems, allowing you to check your readings on your watch. But none are capable of taking blood glucose readings directly.
What’s considered the best glucose meter for you ultimately depends on:
These seven glucose meters offer benefits — and some drawbacks — to consider when making your ultimate selection. You can also talk about these monitors with your doctor.
Last medically reviewed on April 9, 2024
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Cynthia Taylor Chavoustie, MPAS, PA-C
Cynthia Taylor Chavoustie, MPAS, PA-C
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