Dexcom and Abbott are the two dominant CGM manufacturers globally. Together they account for the substantial majority of CGM devices in use. This comparison covers both prescription devices (G7 vs Libre 3) and OTC devices (Stelo vs Lingo) across every key attribute.
Medical Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only. Always consult your healthcare provider before making health decisions.
Abbott wins on cost in both tiers — Libre 3 (7.8% MARD, ~$130/month) is the cheaper prescription option, and Lingo ($89/month) is the cheapest OTC option. On accuracy, Abbott's Libre 3 has the best-documented single prescription MARD figure, but in the OTC tier Dexcom's Stelo has the lower (better) published MARD range (7.3–9.1% vs Lingo's 8.1–10.7%). Dexcom also wins on AID compatibility (G7) and OTC sensor life (Stelo: 15 days vs Lingo's 14). Choose Dexcom if you use an AID system, want Clarity integration, or want the better-published OTC accuracy; choose Abbott for lower cost in either tier.
| Attribute | Dexcom G7 | FreeStyle Libre 3 |
|---|---|---|
| MARD accuracy | 8.2% | 7.8% |
| Sensor life | 10 days | 14 days |
| Reading interval | Every 5 min | Every 1 min |
| Retail price/month | ~$350 | ~$130 |
| AID compatible | Yes — multiple systems | Limited |
| Apple Watch direct | Yes | Via iPhone only |
| Warm-up time | 30 min | 60 min |
| Wear location | Arm or abdomen | Back of upper arm only |
| Attribute | Dexcom Stelo | Abbott Lingo |
|---|---|---|
| MARD accuracy | 7.3–9.1% | 8.1–10.7% |
| Sensor life | 15 days | 14 days |
| Reading interval | Every 5 min | Every 1 min |
| Retail price/month | ~$99 | ~$89 |
| Prescription required | No | No |
| App platform | Dexcom Clarity | Lingo Score app |
| Data export | Full CSV + Clarity | Limited |
| Best for | Data-oriented users | Cost-conscious, accuracy-first |
Compare Dexcom and Abbott devices for any monitoring period.
Dexcom is the largest CGM company by US revenue and holds the strongest position in the AID (automated insulin delivery) market. The G7's broad compatibility with closed-loop systems makes it the default choice for insulin-dependent users on pump therapy. Dexcom also pioneered the OTC CGM category in the US with Stelo.
Abbott leads in global CGM unit volume through its FreeStyle Libre platform, which has driven widespread adoption through more accessible pricing and broad pharmacy availability. Libre 3's strong published accuracy and 14-day sensor life at lower cost have made it the preferred prescription device for many Type 2 users. Abbott Lingo is the cheapest OTC CGM available, though its published accuracy range runs higher (less accurate) than Dexcom Stelo's.
G7 is required for Tandem Control-IQ, Omnipod 5, and most AID systems. Dexcom Clarity is also the strongest data platform for sharing with healthcare providers. Stelo is the right OTC choice if you specifically want Dexcom's ecosystem and longer sensor life.
Dexcom G7 review →Abbott is cheaper in both tiers: Lingo ($89/month) undercuts Stelo, and Libre 3 (~$130/month) undercuts G7 at retail. Libre 3 also posts the best-documented single prescription MARD figure (7.8%). Note that for OTC, Lingo's published MARD range (8.1–10.7%) is higher than Stelo's (7.3–9.1%), so Abbott's OTC advantage is price, not accuracy. For prescription users not on AID, Libre 3 at ~$130/month is the stronger overall value.
Abbott Lingo review →Every device side by side — 30, 90, or 365 days.
Every Dexcom and Abbott device — accuracy, cost, and who each is best for.
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