This comparison covers original prescription G7 and OTC Stelo. G7 15 Day is another distinct model; intended use, software and reporting differ across models.
Medical Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only. Always consult your healthcare provider before making health decisions.
Published MARD figures come from separate manufacturer studies and do not establish which device is more accurate. Choose a device based on the features you need with advice from your healthcare professional, and check manufacturers for current prices.
| Attribute | Dexcom G7 | Dexcom Stelo |
|---|---|---|
| MARD accuracy | 8.2% adult arm | 7.3–9.1% historical adult wear-period results |
| Sensor life | 10 days | 15 days |
| Reading interval | Every 5 min | Sensor every 5 min; app display every 15 min |
| Calibration required | None | None |
| Warm-up time | 30 min | 30 min |
| Retail price/month | Check price | Check price |
| With insurance | Depends on plan | Check with your insurer |
| Prescription required | Yes | No |
| AID system compatible | Yes — multiple systems | No |
| Apple Watch direct | Yes; compatible equipment | FDA-cleared June 2026; check app availability |
| Dexcom Clarity | Yes — full clinical | Yes — wellness mode |
| Wear location | Back of upper arm (US); upper buttocks also ages 2–6 | Back upper arm; upper buttocks additionally ages 2–6 |
| Intended user | Diabetes management | People aged 2+ not on insulin (children under adult supervision) |
With and without insurance — plus every alternative.
The G7 and Stelo are not interchangeable options at different price points — they are designed for different users and cleared by the FDA for different purposes.
Dexcom G7 is cleared for diabetes management including insulin dosing decisions. It integrates with AID systems, supports data sharing with clinicians through Clarity, and is covered by insurance for qualifying patients. It requires a prescription.
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. FDA K260935 specifies display of 55–350 mg/dL, data transmission every five minutes and app updates every fifteen minutes. It includes Direct to Watch; verify current app availability and compatible equipment. Historical adult K234070 results must not be treated as pediatric accuracy.
People with diabetes, ages 2+. G7 is a prescription CGM; AID compatibility and provider sharing through Dexcom Clarity are model- and software-specific (Dexcom).
People not on insulin; FDA-cleared from age 2 (June 2026). FDA says Stelo is not for people with problematic hypoglycemia or on dialysis, and users should consult a health care provider before changing medication based on its output.
Published MARD figures come from separate manufacturer studies and do not establish which device is more accurate. Choose a device based on the features you need with advice from your healthcare professional, and check manufacturers for current prices.
Enter your own prices to compare calculated cost for your period.
Full specifications, costs, and head-to-head comparisons for every CGM in 2026.
Compare all CGM devices →Medical source review, 25 October 2026. Sources apply to their named models, populations and endpoints: Stelo FDA K260935; Original Libre 3, Alva 2023; Libre 3 Plus manufacturer kit, page 5; Guardian 4 FDA, table 17; Eversense E3 US IFU; Eversense 365 ENHANCE; Lingo FDA K233655; Abbott Lingo Count.