This content is for informational purposes only. Always consult your healthcare provider before making health decisions. CGM devices are not diagnostic tools.
This page summarizes accuracy data from published studies and manufacturer specifications. It does not report GlucoseForge device testing.
The two OTC devices compared here
Stelo and Lingo are OTC devices with different app features and intended users. These are the devices compared here, not an exhaustive list of FDA clearances: FDA also cleared Libre Rio (K233861), which does not establish 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 18 years and older not using insulin.
| Feature | Dexcom Stelo | Abbott Lingo |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly cost | Check price | Check price |
| Sensor life | 15 days | 14 days |
| MARD accuracy | 7.3–9.1% (historical adults, by wear period) | 8.1–10.7% (by glucose range) |
| Calibration | None required | None required |
| App style | Data-focused graphs | Score-based system |
| Prescription required | No | No |
| Ecosystem | Dexcom platform | FreeStyle Libre |
See exactly what Stelo and Lingo cost over 7, 14, 30, or 90 days.
Published accuracy figures and study limitations
Both devices measure interstitial glucose. MARD is the mean absolute relative difference from a reference measurement in a particular study; it depends on the study protocol and is not a direct clinical ranking across separate trials.
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.
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.
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.
Cost: compare current supplier prices
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Both are sold without a prescription, and each manufacturer sets its own price and plans — check current pricing for Abbott Lingo and Dexcom Stelo on Amazon.
Price your own year of monitoring from each manufacturer's current plan. If you don't need Dexcom's ecosystem integrations, compare the two plans side by side before choosing.
Check the sensor quantity, purchase price and terms for the selected pack or plan on each manufacturer’s site. Maximum wear per sensor does not establish continuous coverage for a calendar month.
Sensor life: Stelo by one day
Maximum labeled wear is up to 15 days for Stelo and up to 14 days for Lingo. Each sensor may need earlier replacement under the instructions; adhesion and comfort vary.
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. The graph and report features should be checked against the current model’s app documentation. 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 summarizes identified glucose spikes in a daily Lingo Count — a proprietary metric, not a validated clinical measure. Alongside Count, the app shows glucose graphs and logging features. These features do not establish that it is easier to use or more actionable than another app.
Stelo's app shows readings and trends every 15 minutes. Lingo's app updates readings every minute and has no glucose alarms (FDA documents). Which presentation is easier to use is a personal preference, not a clinical difference.
Use our free calculator to compare Stelo vs Lingo across any monitoring period.
Design & wear comfort
Stelo: back upper arm, with upper buttocks additionally allowed at ages 2–6; rated 2.4m for up to 24 hours. Lingo: back upper arm; rated 1m for up to 30 minutes. Follow model-specific conditions; the water ratings are different.
Adhesion and skin reactions vary. Follow each device’s instructions; supplemental patches do not guarantee suitable adhesion or skin tolerance.
Data sharing & integrations
Check Dexcom's current documentation for Clarity features, compatibility and sharing options. These features do not establish that a sensor or platform is clinically superior to another.
Check current manufacturer documentation for export, sharing and compatibility. App features alone do not establish clinical superiority or whether a device is appropriate for an individual.
Dexcom Stelo
Check Dexcom's current documentation for Clarity features, compatibility and sharing options. These features do not establish that a sensor or platform is clinically superior to another.
Read full Stelo review →Abbott Lingo
Compare current prices, graph, logging and export functions. Lingo shows a glucose graph as well as Count; presentation preferences do not establish a clinical winner.
Read full Lingo review →Comparison summary
Abbott Lingo
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.
Read the full Lingo review →Dexcom Stelo
Check current Dexcom documentation for Clarity, export and sharing compatibility. Confirm with your care team whether the model’s intended use and display meet the monitoring need.
Read the full Stelo review →Compare Stelo, Lingo, and every other CGM across your exact monitoring period.