Overview
The CGM market in 2026
The CGM device market has split into two distinct segments: prescription medical devices for diabetes management, and over-the-counter devices (FDA-cleared for adults aged 18 and older (Lingo) or people aged 2 years and older (Stelo, since June 2026) who do not use insulin) that many people without diabetes use for metabolic insights. Understanding which segment you belong to is the first step in choosing the right device.
Prescription CGMs have device-specific indications and clinical features. Confirm the current model, its approved intended use and instructions with your healthcare professional; coverage depends on your plan.
OTC CGMs — Dexcom Stelo and Abbott Lingo — are FDA-cleared for adults aged 18 and older (Lingo) or people aged 2 years and older (Stelo, since June 2026) who do not use insulin, and are available without a prescription at pharmacies and online. They are cleared medical devices that use similar sensor technology to prescription systems, with software built around behavioral insights rather than clinical management; medical decisions based on the readings should involve a qualified healthcare professional.
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Which category are you?
If you have diabetes (Type 1 or Type 2) or prediabetes, talk to your healthcare provider before choosing a CGM. Prescription devices are covered by insurance for many patients, but coverage and out-of-pocket cost vary by plan, so compare your own prices in the cost calculator. If you do not have diabetes and are interested in metabolic health monitoring, OTC devices are designed for you and are available without a medical appointment.
Prescription CGM
Prescription devices for diabetes
📡
Dexcom G7
Dexcom · Prescription required
The original G7 is a prescription CGM with up to 10 days of wear plus a 12-hour grace period and a 30-minute warm-up. G7 15 Day is a separate adult model with up to 15 days plus 12 hours and a 60-minute warm-up. Compare intended use and exact pump compatibility with your prescriber.
10 days
Wear time
8.2% adult arm study
MARD accuracy
30 min
Warm-up time
Check price
With insurance
Strengths
- Integrated disposable sensor and transmitter
- Direct Apple Watch display (no phone needed)
- Check exact pump and software compatibility
- 12-hour grace period after 10-day sensor expiry
- Plan-specific insurance criteria
- App with pattern insights (Dexcom)
Limitations
- Original 10-day wear is shorter than Libre 3's 14 days (Dexcom's newer G7 15 Day variant closes this gap)
- Compare the supplier price and your approved plan coverage
- US labeling: back of the upper arm only (upper buttocks also for ages 2–6); abdomen is not an approved US site
- Requires prescription
Notes
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Dexcom G7: confirm the current model specifications and compatibility with your treatment and AID system with your healthcare professional.
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Abbott FreeStyle Libre 3
Abbott · Prescription required
Original Libre 3: up to 14 days, 60-minute warm-up, one-minute readings, age 4 years and older, back of upper arm. Alva 2023 reports 7.8% overall for ages 6 and older against YSI (adults 7.5%). Libre 3 Plus is separate, with up to 15 days and age 2 years and older. Abbott’s US September 2025 formulary kit, page 5, reports Libre 3 Plus MARD of 8.2% separately for adults and ages 6–17 against YSI. Ages 2–5 had 9.7% against capillary BGM (10 subjects, 135 pairs). These are manufacturer-reported, model-specific results, not an independent comparison with original Libre 3.
14 days
Wear time
7.8%
MARD accuracy
60min
Warm-up time
Check price
With insurance
Strengths
- Up to 14-day wear for original Libre 3
- Study-reported MARD: 7.8%; not a cross-study ranking
- Integrated sensor and transmitter
- 1-minute reading interval (vs 5 min for Dexcom)
- 60-minute warm-up for original Libre 3
- Check plan-specific coverage and current price
Limitations
- AID pairing is listed by Abbott for the Libre 3 Plus sensor, not the original Libre 3
- No direct Apple Watch display
- Upper arm placement only
- Requires prescription
Notes
People with diabetes: ages 4+ (Libre 3), ages 2+ (Libre 3 Plus). The Libre 3 sensor has 14-day wear and a 7.8% MARD in Abbott's own pivotal trial (not directly comparable with other devices' figures); your prescriber can advise whether it suits you if you are not using a closed-loop AID system. Read the full FreeStyle Libre 3 review →
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Medtronic Guardian 4
Medtronic · Prescription required
Guardian 4 is a sensor used with compatible Medtronic systems and supports up to seven-day wear. Check the exact pump, software and instructions. Integration does not establish that an algorithm compensates for sensor inaccuracy.
7 days
Wear time
10.6% adult arm / 11.6% ages 7–17 arm
MARD accuracy
2hr
Warm-up time
Varies
With insurance
Strengths
- Deep integration with Medtronic pump ecosystem
- Used with the Medtronic 780G system (Medtronic)
- No routine calibration; meter checks may still be needed under instructions
Limitations
- Shortest wear time of major CGMs (7 days)
- Study-specific accuracy results; protocols differ
- Check the exact sensor and pump system's current compatibility documentation.
- Limited standalone app functionality
Notes
Guardian 4 is used with compatible Medtronic systems. Guardian 4 FDA results: 10.6% adult arm (153 participants, 20,612 pairs); 11.6% ages 7–17 arm (107 participants, 7,702 pairs). These study results do not establish a clinical ranking.
Over-the-counter CGM
OTC devices — no prescription needed
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Dexcom Stelo
Dexcom · No prescription required
Dexcom Stelo was the first FDA-cleared OTC CGM device, launched in 2024. It uses the same core sensor technology as the G7 but is FDA-cleared for people aged 2 years and older (children under adult supervision) who do not use insulin, including people with Type 2 diabetes managed without insulin, prediabetes, and those without any diagnosis seeking metabolic insights. The Stelo app focuses on behavioral insights — showing how specific foods, activities, and sleep affect glucose — rather than clinical management features. Available at major pharmacies and online without a prescription.
15 days
Wear time
7.3–9.1% (historical adults, by wear period)
MARD accuracy
No Rx
Availability
Check price
Retail price
Strengths
- No prescription required — available at CVS, Walgreens, Amazon
- Up to 15-day wear; replacement instructions apply
- Dexcom Stelo sensor with model-specific labeling
- App designed for behavioral insights and habit change
- Food logging with glucose response correlation
- Apple Health and Google Health integration
Limitations
- Not for insulin users — Rx G7 required
- No low glucose alerts (not cleared for alarm use)
- Check coverage with your insurer before buying
- Compare your approved prescription cost sharing with the current OTC price
Notes
Dexcom Stelo is an over-the-counter device for people aged 2 years and older who do not use insulin, with caregiver supervision below 18. It is not intended for problematic hypoglycemia or dialysis and has no clinical high/low alarms. Platform enrollment may have narrower eligibility. Read the full Stelo review →
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Abbott Lingo
Abbott · No prescription required
Abbott Lingo is an OTC device based on Libre 2 sensor technology, for adults 18 years and older not using insulin. Its app shows a glucose graph and proprietary Lingo Count. Higher Count reflects larger or longer identified spikes, not better stability or overall health. Wear is up to 14 days, with one-minute readings after a 60-minute warm-up.
14 days
Wear time
~8.1–10.7% (by glucose range)
MARD accuracy
No Rx
Availability
Check price
Retail price
Strengths
- 14-day sensor wear
- Built-in glucose coaching and recommendations
- Built on the FreeStyle Libre sensor platform
- 14-day wear — competitive with Stelo
- Lingo Count summarizes identified glucose spikes
Limitations
- Confirm the selected plan’s coaching scope and support terms
- Count is not a clinical target; glucose graph also available
- Upper arm placement only
- Coverage depends on the plan
Notes
Compare Lingo’s logging, graph and Count with your needs. Count does not diagnose disease or establish a health benefit. Read the full Abbott Lingo review →
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Eversense E3
Senseonics · Prescription required
Eversense E3 is an implantable CGM with up to 180-day sensor life; Eversense 365 is a distinct model with up to 365 days. Both need insertion and removal by a healthcare professional, a rechargeable external transmitter and a daily adhesive patch. No live glucose data are transmitted while the transmitter is removed. Current E3 commercial availability is not established here.
180 days
Wear time
8.7% (US IFU, SW605)
MARD accuracy
Office Rx
Requires implant
Varies
Insurance dependent
Strengths
- 6-month wear — eliminates frequent sensor changes
- On-body vibration alerts without phone
- Removable transmitter for swimming, charging
- External transmitter needs daily adhesive patch
- Discuss adhesive sensitivity with your clinician
Limitations
- Requires minor surgical procedure for insertion and removal
- Study-specific accuracy results; protocols differ
- Limited availability of trained inserting providers
- Not compatible with AID systems
- Include sensor, transmitter and procedure costs when comparing annual cost
Notes
Discuss the implant procedure, transmitter, adhesive, calibration and current availability with a trained provider. An implanted sensor does not eliminate adhesive exposure.
Side by side
Full comparison table
| Device | Prescription | Wear time | MARD | AID compatible | Est. monthly cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dexcom G7 15 Day | Required | Up to 15 days + 12-hour grace | 8.0% adult study | Check exact pump/software | Check price |
| Dexcom G7 (10 Day) | Required | Up to 10 days + 12-hour grace | 8.2% adult arm | Check exact pump/software | Check price |
| FreeStyle Libre 3 | Required | 14 days | 7.8% ages ≥6, YSI | Limited | Check price |
| FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus | Required | Up to 15 days | 8.2% adults / ages 6–17 (manufacturer, YSI); 9.7% ages 2–5 (BGM) | Check exact pump/software | Check price |
| Medtronic Guardian 4 | Required | 7 days | 10.6% adult arm / 11.6% ages 7–17 arm | Medtronic only | Varies |
| Dexcom Stelo | Not required | 15 days | 7.3–9.1% (historical adults, by wear period) | No | Check price (OTC) |
| Abbott Lingo | Not required | 14 days | 8.1–10.7% (by glucose range) | No | Check price (OTC) |
| Eversense 365 | Required + implant | Up to 365 days | 8.8% ENHANCE adults | twiist; confirm current configuration | Varies |
| Eversense E3 | Required + implant | Up to 180 days | 8.7% (US IFU, SW605) | No documented E3 pairing here | Varies |
Decision guide
Where each device fits: discuss with your care team
If you have Type 1 diabetes and use insulin
Dexcom G7
Dexcom G7: confirm the current model specifications and compatibility with your treatment and AID system with your healthcare professional.
If you have Type 2 diabetes on insulin
FreeStyle Libre 3
A prescription CGM with 14-day wear. Check current specifications with the manufacturer and coverage with your insurer.
If you have Type 2 not on insulin or prediabetes
Ask your doctor first
Coverage and device suitability are separate questions. Non-insulin use or prediabetes alone does not establish coverage or make an OTC device appropriate; assess the exact situation with the care team.
If you don't have diabetes but want metabolic insights
Dexcom Stelo or Abbott Lingo
People not on insulin; FDA-cleared from age 2 (June 2026) (Stelo); Adults 18+ not on insulin; over the counter (Lingo). Both are sold without a prescription; compare their apps and features on the manufacturers' pages.
If you have adhesive allergies or dislike sensor changes
Eversense E3
Eversense models require a clinician-inserted sensor, an external transmitter and a daily adhesive patch. No live data are transmitted while the transmitter is removed. Discuss skin sensitivity, calibration, procedures and current availability with a trained provider.
If you use a Medtronic insulin pump
Medtronic Guardian 4
Guardian 4 is used with compatible Medtronic systems. Check the exact pump configuration and current instructions; integration does not establish that an algorithm compensates for sensor inaccuracy.
Always consult your healthcare provider
CGM device selection for diabetes management should be made with your endocrinologist or diabetes care provider. Insurance coverage, AID system compatibility, and your specific clinical situation all affect which device is right for you. This guide provides general information — not personalized medical advice.
Subscription platforms
CGM subscription platforms — app + sensor bundles
Beyond standalone devices, several platforms bundle CGM sensors with proprietary analytics apps and coaching. See individual pricing pages for full breakdowns:
| Platform | Annual price | Sensor | Coaching |
|---|---|---|---|
| Levels Health | Check price | Dexcom Stelo | Clinician review in Core/Complete; functional-nutritionist session in Complete |
| Nutrisense | Check price | Dexcom Stelo | RD or CNS access on coaching plans; confirm selected plan |
| Signos | Check price | Dexcom Stelo | AI coaching |
| Veri (sunset announced) | Not compared | Sunset announced | Sunset announced for end of 2024 |
| January AI | Check price | Confirm current model | AI predictive |
See our full CGM subscription comparison for service features and plan differences. Confirm current inclusions with each provider.
Detailed comparisons
Head-to-head device comparisons
For an in-depth look at how specific devices compare, see our detailed comparison guides:
Full specifications
Complete CGM specifications — all devices 2026
Sensor specifications
| Device | Wear time | Reading interval | Calibration | Waterproof rating | Warm-up time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dexcom G7 15 Day | Up to 15 days + 12-hour grace | Every 5 min | None required | 8ft / 24hr | 60 min |
| Dexcom G7 (10 Day) | Up to 10 days + 12-hour grace | Every 5 min | None required | 8ft / 24hr | 30 min |
| FreeStyle Libre 3 | 14 days | Every 1 min | None required | 1m / 30min | 60 min |
| FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus | ~15 days | Every 1 min | None required | 1m / 30min | 60 min |
| Medtronic Guardian 4 | 7 days | Every 5 min | None required | 2.4m / 30min when transmitter connected to sensor | 2 hours |
| Dexcom Stelo | Up to 15 days | Sensor 5 min; app display 15 min | None required | 8ft / 24hr | 30 min |
| Abbott Lingo | 14 days | Every 1 min | None required | 1m / 30min | 60 min |
| Eversense 365 | Up to 365 days | Every 5 min | 4 initialization tests; daily through day 13, then weekly | Transmitter IP67: 1m / 30min | 24 hours |
| Eversense E3 | Up to 180 days | Every 5 min | 4 initialization tests; every 12h for ≥21 days, then 1 or 2 daily as prompted | Transmitter IP67: 1m / 30min | 24 hours |
Accuracy (MARD) by device
MARD is the mean absolute relative difference between sensor readings and reference measurements in a particular study. It is an average across paired readings, not an error bound for each reading or a direct clinical ranking across separate studies.
| Device | Study-specific MARD | Source | Study population |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dexcom G7 15 Day | 8.0% | Dexcom pivotal trial (2025) | Adults with diabetes |
| FreeStyle Libre 3 | 7.8% | Alva 2023; venous YSI | Ages ≥6, 95 evaluated (100 total including ages 4–5) |
| FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus | 8.2% adults / ages 6–17 (manufacturer, YSI); 9.7% ages 2–5 (BGM) | Abbott US formulary kit, Sep 2025, p5 | Adult and pediatric groups separately; YSI vs BGM differs |
| Abbott Lingo | 8.1–10.7% (by glucose range) | FDA K233655 decision summary (MARD by glucose range, 55–200 mg/dL) | Adults with diabetes (Libre 2 data) |
| Dexcom G7 (10 Day) | 8.2% adult arm | Garg adult study, venous YSI | Adults; not pooled pediatric data |
| Dexcom Stelo | 7.3–9.1% (historical adults, by wear period) | FDA K234070 decision summary (MARD by wear period) | Adults 18+ not using insulin |
| Medtronic Guardian 4 | 10.6% adult arm / 11.6% ages 7–17 arm | FDA P160017/S091, table 17 | Separate adult and ages 7–17 arm groups |
| Eversense 365 | 8.8% | ENHANCE study (Bailey et al. 2025) | Adults with diabetes |
| Eversense E3 | 8.7% (US IFU, SW605) | US E3 IFU SW605, 12,154 pairs | Adults; distinct from historical PROMISE |
US retail pricing 2026
| Device | Retail price / month | With insurance | Prescription required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abbott Lingo | Check price | Check with your insurer | No |
| Dexcom Stelo | Check price | Check with your insurer | No |
| FreeStyle Libre 3 | Check price | Often covered — copay varies | Yes |
| FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus | Check price | Often covered — copay varies | Yes |
| Dexcom G7 (10 Day) | Check price | Often covered — copay varies | Yes |
| Dexcom G7 15 Day | Check price | Often covered — copay varies | Yes |
| Medtronic Guardian 4 | Varies | Often covered with pump | Yes |
| Eversense 365 | Varies | Limited coverage | Yes + procedure |
| Eversense E3 | Varies | Limited coverage | Yes + procedure |
App and connectivity
| Device | iOS | Android | Apple Watch | Data export | AID compatible |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dexcom G7 15 Day | Yes | Yes | Yes (direct) | CSV + Clarity | Yes — multiple systems |
| Dexcom G7 (10 Day) | Yes | Yes | Yes (direct) | CSV + Clarity | Yes — multiple systems |
| FreeStyle Libre 3 | Yes | Yes | Not established for original Libre 3 | PDF + CSV | Limited |
| FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus | Yes | Yes | Via iPhone | PDF + CSV | Limited |
| Dexcom Stelo | Yes | Yes | Direct to Watch FDA-cleared June 2026; check app availability | CSV + Clarity | No |
| Abbott Lingo | Yes | Yes | Via iPhone | Limited | No |
| Medtronic Guardian 4 | Yes | Yes | No | CareLink | Medtronic only |
| Eversense 365 | Yes | Yes | Secondary display via phone | Check current app | twiist; check current configuration |
| Eversense E3 | Yes | Yes | Secondary display via phone | Limited | No documented E3 pairing here |
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What is the CGM market share in the United States in 2025–2026?
Dexcom, Abbott and Medtronic offer different named sensor and pump systems. Compare each model’s current intended use and compatibility documentation. This page does not establish a market-share ranking or a clinical winner.
What is the difference between Dexcom and Abbott CGM devices?
Published MARD figures come from separate manufacturer studies and do not establish which device is more accurate. Choose a device based on its intended use and the features you need with advice from your healthcare professional, and check manufacturers for current prices.
How should published CGM accuracy figures be interpreted?
Published MARD figures come from separate manufacturer studies and do not establish which device is more accurate. Choose a device based on its intended use and the features you need with advice from your healthcare professional, and check manufacturers for current prices.
What CGM devices are available without a prescription in the US?
Stelo and Lingo are the OTC devices compared here. They are not an exhaustive list of FDA clearances: FDA also cleared Libre Rio (K233861), which does not establish its commercial availability. Dexcom Stelo is an over-the-counter device for people aged 2 years and older who do not use insulin, with caregiver supervision below 18. It is not intended for problematic hypoglycemia or dialysis and has no clinical high/low alarms. Platform enrollment may have narrower eligibility. Lingo is for adults not using insulin.
Stelo and Lingo have separate OTC indications and limitations, including no clinical high/low alarms. A prescription device requires a prescriber. OTC access alone does not establish individual suitability or a health benefit.
Does insurance cover CGM?
Coverage has expanded, but it depends on the plan. Medicare covers CGM when its coverage criteria are met, including diabetes, a prescription, required visits, and either insulin treatment or documented problematic hypoglycemia (CMS LCD L33822). Private plans set their own criteria. Ask your insurer whether your plan covers the specific prescription or OTC device before buying it; over-the-counter availability does not establish coverage. Prior authorization requirements vary by insurer — your provider's office can help navigate coverage requirements and submit necessary documentation.
Is Dexcom G7 better than FreeStyle Libre 3?
Published MARD figures come from separate manufacturer studies and do not establish which device is more accurate. Choose a device based on its intended use and the features you need with advice from your healthcare professional, and check manufacturers for current prices.
How long does it take to get used to wearing a CGM?
Comfort, skin reactions and adhesion vary. Learn the model-specific application, replacement and confirmation instructions; do not dismiss symptoms or a low reading as part of an adjustment period.
Are OTC CGMs as accurate as prescription devices?
Intended uses and clinical features differ between devices. In the US, Stelo and Lingo are cleared for adults aged 18 and older (Lingo) or people aged 2 years and older (Stelo, since June 2026) who do not use insulin. This does not establish that their performance is clinically interchangeable with prescription CGMs. Follow the current device instructions and consult your healthcare professional before taking medical action.