This content is for informational purposes only. Always consult your healthcare provider before making health decisions. CGM devices are not diagnostic tools.
GlucoseForge evaluates CGM devices across accuracy data from published clinical studies, retail pricing verified monthly, hands-on app testing, and manufacturer specifications. We do not accept payment for positive reviews.
The only two OTC CGMs on the market
As of 2026, the Dexcom Stelo and Abbott Lingo are the only two FDA-cleared continuous glucose monitors available without a prescription in the United States. Both target wellness-focused users — people without insulin-treated diabetes who want to understand their glucose patterns. Both use proven sensor technology from their clinical CGM lines. Beyond that, they take different approaches on almost every dimension.
| Feature | Dexcom Stelo | Abbott Lingo |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly cost | ~$99 | ~$49 |
| Sensor life | 15 days | 14 days |
| MARD accuracy | 8.7% | 7.8% |
| Calibration | None required | None required |
| App style | Data-focused graphs | Score-based system |
| Data export | Full CSV + Clarity | Limited |
| Prescription required | No | No |
| Ecosystem | Dexcom platform | FreeStyle Libre |
See exactly what Stelo and Lingo cost over 7, 14, 30, or 90 days.
Accuracy: Lingo edges ahead
Both devices measure interstitial glucose and report accuracy using Mean Absolute Relative Difference (MARD) — a lower number means better accuracy relative to a blood glucose reference.
Abbott Lingo posts a 7.8% MARD in published clinical data, slightly edging out the Dexcom Stelo at 8.7%. In practice, both are highly accurate for wellness use. The Lingo benefits from the well-validated FreeStyle Libre 3 platform, while the Stelo builds on Dexcom's G7 sensor technology.
Neither device requires fingerstick calibration. Both perform well in the standard glucose range. Accuracy during intense exercise and sleep compression can vary across both platforms — a known limitation of all wrist and upper-arm CGMs.
Abbott Lingo has a slightly lower published MARD (7.8% vs 8.7%), but both devices are accurate enough for wellness and metabolic tracking use cases. The practical difference for most users is minimal.
Cost: Lingo wins decisively
This is where the two devices diverge most sharply. Abbott Lingo retails at approximately $49/month, making it by far the most affordable CGM without a prescription. Dexcom Stelo costs approximately $99/month — exactly double.
Over a year of continuous monitoring, that gap becomes significant: Lingo runs around $588 annually versus $1,188 for Stelo. If you're budget-conscious and don't need Dexcom's ecosystem integrations, the price difference is hard to ignore.
Both devices are sold as two-sensor packs. Lingo's lower per-sensor price reflects Abbott's manufacturing efficiencies and positioning strategy for the wellness market.
Sensor life: Stelo by one day
Dexcom Stelo sensors last 15 days, compared to 14 days for Abbott Lingo. One day sounds trivial, but it means two sensor changes per month for Lingo versus roughly two for Stelo — the practical difference is minimal. Both require you to replace sensors more frequently than some prescription devices, but the adhesive quality on both is strong enough for everyday activity.
App experience: different philosophies
Dexcom Stelo app
The Stelo app presents data in the traditional CGM format: a continuous glucose graph with trend arrows, time-in-range statistics, and pattern summaries. Users coming from clinical CGM experience will feel at home. The app connects to Dexcom Clarity for deeper trend analysis and can share data with healthcare providers who use the Clarity platform.
Abbott Lingo app
Lingo takes a more consumer-friendly approach, translating glucose patterns into a Lingo Score — a simplified metric that quantifies glucose stability. Alongside the score, the app shows glucose graphs and flags how food, activity, and sleep affect the score. It's designed for users who want actionable simplicity over raw data depth.
Data-focused users and those who want to share readings with a provider will prefer Stelo's app. Users who want a simpler, score-based experience will find Lingo's approach more approachable.
Use our free calculator to compare Stelo vs Lingo across any monitoring period.
Design & wear comfort
Both sensors attach to the back of the upper arm. The Stelo is slightly larger than the Lingo, which is one of the thinnest sensors available. Both are waterproof — the Stelo to 8 feet for 24 hours, the Lingo to a similar standard.
Adhesion is comparable across both devices during normal daily activity. For high-sweat activities, supplemental adhesive patches are a popular addition for both, though neither requires them under typical conditions.
Data sharing & integrations
Stelo connects to Dexcom Clarity, a clinical-grade data platform used by endocrinologists and primary care providers. It also integrates with Apple Health and Google Fit. CSV data export is available.
Lingo integrates with Apple Health and provides in-app trend summaries, but data export options are more limited compared to Stelo. Users who want to share detailed glucose data with a healthcare provider or third-party analytics tools will find Stelo more capable in this area.
Who should choose Dexcom Stelo
Choose Stelo if you want Dexcom's clinical-grade platform, plan to share data with a healthcare provider via Clarity, or are already in the Dexcom ecosystem. It's also the stronger choice if you want detailed trend data and full CSV export.
Read full Stelo review →Who should choose Abbott Lingo
Choose Lingo if budget is your primary concern — at half the price, it offers the best value in the OTC market. It's also better suited for users who prefer a simplified, score-based interface over raw glucose graphs, and those newer to CGM who don't need deep data analytics.
Read full Lingo review →The verdict
Abbott Lingo — if cost is a priority
At $49/month versus $99 for Stelo, Lingo delivers comparable core accuracy at half the price. For most wellness-focused users, it's the smarter starting point. Upgrade to Stelo if you need Clarity integration or deeper data export.
Read the full Lingo review →Dexcom Stelo — for data-focused users
Stelo's Clarity integration, full data export, and Dexcom platform make it the stronger choice for users who plan to work with a provider or dig deep into their glucose data.
Read the full Stelo review →Compare Stelo, Lingo, and every other CGM across your exact monitoring period.