CGM Comparison 2026
Compare continuous glucose monitors for weight loss and metabolic health. Pricing, sensors, apps, and coaching for non-diabetics.
Pricing & Plans Comparison
Complete cost breakdown including upfront fees, ongoing costs, and effective monthly rates. 6 of the 8 services compared here list HSA/FSA eligibility; for the others it is conditional, uncertain, or not offered, so check the table before paying with pre-tax dollars. Prices verified Aug 2026
| Provider | Initial Cost | Monthly Cost | Effective $/mo* | Sensors | Commitment | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $0 | $127/mo | $127/mo | Yes (2/month) | 6 months (best rate) | Weight loss seekers wanting GLP-1 support and dietitian access | |
Nutrisense
| $0 | $225/mo | $225/mo | Yes (2/month) | 6 months for best rate; 12-month plan sold via financing | Beginners wanting 1-on-1 dietitian support and guided interpretation |
| $0 | $7/mo | $7/mo | No - Stelo add-on $89/shipment (2 sensors) or $99 one-time | None ($15/mo) or annual ($80/yr) | Data-driven biohackers who want sensor flexibility and detailed metabolic scoring | |
| $55 | $84/mo | $88/mo | Yes (2/month) | None | People wanting simple OTC CGM with AI insights and no coaching commitment | |
| $54 | $84/mo | $91/mo | Yes (2/4-weeks) | None | Budget-conscious users wanting affordable OTC CGM with app-based coaching | |
| $0 | $99/mo | $99/mo | Yes (2 Abbott Lingo sensors per month) | None | Performance-focused athletes wanting metabolic optimization with live coaching | |
| $0 | No published cash price | No published cash price | 3 per month | None | Highest accuracy and real-time alerts | |
| $0 | No published cash price | No published cash price | 2 per month | None | Lower-cost medical-grade CGM with longest wear |
*Effective monthly cost = (Initial cost + 12 months of ongoing costs) ÷ 12. Includes sensor costs where applicable.
Sensor Technology Comparison
CGM accuracy, reading frequency, and sensor specifications. MARD (Mean Absolute Relative Difference) measures accuracy—lower is better.
| Provider | Sensor Type | Accuracy (MARD) | Reading Freq. | Warm-up | Wear Time | Water Resist. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dexcom Stelo | 9.0% | Every 5 min | 30 min | 15 days | 8ft/24hr | |
| Nutrisense
| Dexcom Stelo | 8.3% | Every 5 min | 30 min | 15 days | 8ft/24hr |
| Dexcom Stelo (sold separately) | 7.9-9.0% | Varies by sensor | Varies | 10-15 days | Varies | |
| Dexcom Stelo | 8.3% | Every 5 min | 30 min | 15 days | 8ft/24hr | |
| Lingo biosensor | 9.3% | Every 1 min | 60 min | 14 days | 3ft/30min | |
| Abbott Lingo | N/A | Every 1 min | N/A | 14 days | N/A | |
| Dexcom G7 | Not published by Dexcom | Every 5 min | 30 min | 10.5 or 15.5 days (two SKUs) | Yes (24ft/2h) | |
| Abbott FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus | Not published by Abbott | Every minute | 60 min | 15 days | Yes (1m, max 30 min) |
Dexcom sensors offer faster warm-up (30 min vs 60 min) and better water resistance. Libre sensors provide more frequent readings (every 1 min vs 5 min).
App Features & Coaching Support
Compare coaching options, food logging capabilities, scoring systems, and app integrations.
| Provider | Coaching Type | Food Logging | Scoring System | App Integrations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ✓ 1:1 Dietitian | Photo + manual logging | Weight loss score + meal scores | Apple Health, Google Health Connect, Garmin Connect, Oura, Whoop, Fitbit, Samsung Health, Google Fit, MyFitnessPal, Peloton | |
| Nutrisense
| ✓ 1:1 Dietitian | Photo + manual + MyFitnessPal sync | Glucose score + stability score | Apple Health, Fitbit, Oura, Google Fit, Garmin |
| App-based insights | Manual logging | Zone score (1-10) + metabolic health reports | Apple Health, Health Connect, Oura, Garmin, Strava, WHOOP, 8 Sleep | |
| ✓ 1:1 Dietitian | Manual + AI photo logging | Time in range only | Apple Health, Apple Watch, Oura Ring, Nutrisense, Heads Up Health | |
| App coaching | Manual logging | Lingo score + Lingo Count | Apple Health, Health Connect | |
| Performance Coaches | Manual logging | M1 Metabolic Score | Apple Health, Oura, Garmin, Whoop | |
| None (device only) | No | None | Apple Health, Apple Watch, Garmin, Levels | |
| None (device only) | Notes only | Time in range | Apple Health, LibreLinkUp |
Nutrisense is the only service with included 1:1 registered dietitian video calls. Lingo notably lacks Apple Health export.
Provider Details
In-depth look at each CGM service including features, pricing tiers, and who it's best for.
Key Features
Real-time glucose tracking, AI meal insights, exercise recommendations, weight loss tools, GLP-1 integration support, in-app dietitian chat, Apple Watch integration
Details
Tiers: 1-month $225/mo (list $299), 3-month $150/mo (list $199, $450 total), 6-month $127/mo (list $169, $762 total, autorenews). Signos does not sell a 12-month plan - the annual figure is the 6-month rate carried across a year. Signos+ adds clinician-prescribed GLP-1 at $199/mo. Two Dexcom Stelo sensors a month, in-app dietitian chat.
Nutrisense
Key Features
Real-time tracking, meal logging, personalized insights, sleep correlation, stress tracking, learning programs
Details
The real 12-month plan is $2,700 plus tax ($225/mo) - note that unlike most providers, Nutrisense's longer term costs more per month, so the 6-month rate cannot be extrapolated. 6-month is $149-152/mo depending on promo state (term total $894-1,500), 3-month $178-179/mo, 1-month $212-215/mo. The site renders promo and standard price sets simultaneously, so displayed monthly figures vary by session. Two 15-day Dexcom Stelo biosensors monthly, 1:1 dietitian coaching, Nora AI insights.
Key Features
Metabolic scoring, zone system (1-10), meal ratings, daily reports, pattern analysis, AI adaptive programs
Details
Restructured: Classic is now $80/year ($7/mo equivalent) or $15/mo month-to-month, and covers the app, dashboard, AI food logging and self-guided insights ONLY - no CGM sensors. Sensors are a separate add-on: Stelo $89 per shipment (2 sensors) on subscription or $99 one-time. Higher tiers bundle sensors and labs: Core $499/yr (1 month CGM + 2 basic panels, 28+ markers) and Complete $1,999/yr (2 months CGM + 2 comprehensive panels, 100+ markers, 50-min nutritionist, concierge). HSA/FSA via Truemed.
Dexcom Stelo
Key Features
24/7 tracking, trend alerts, glucose patterns, GenAI insights (Dec 2024), AI photo meal logging (July 2025), Clarity Clinic provider sharing
Details
2-week supply $55 (1 biosensor, no commitment). 1-month supply $99 one-time (2 biosensors). 1-month subscription $89 for 2 biosensors, but shipped every 27 days - about 13.5 cycles a year, so roughly $1,201/yr rather than 12 x $89. The cheapest true annual path is the 3-month subscription at $252 (list $297) for 6 biosensors every 87 days, about $1,057/yr, which Dexcom markets as 'starting at just $84/month'. All options now include 1:1 video calls with a dietitian. 15-day wear, OTC, no prescription.
Abbott Lingo
Key Features
Real-time glucose tracking, Lingo Count daily metric, weekly progress reports, personalized recommendations, food/exercise logging, challenges
Details
TRIAL 2-week $54 (1 biosensor, does not auto-renew). SHAPE 4-week $89 one-time for 2 biosensors, or about $84 every 4 weeks on subscription. TRANSFORM 12-week subscription $249 for 6 biosensors ($41.50 each), the cheapest annual path at roughly $1,082/yr. Because billing runs every 4 weeks there are 13 cycles a year, so the $84 headline is NOT a calendar-month price - the true monthly equivalent is about $91. 14-day wear, no prescription, ages 18+, not for insulin users.
Ultrahuman
Key Features
Metabolic score, sleep correlation, workout optimization, fasting insights, glucose zones, 1000+ hrs masterclasses, Cyborg Army community
Details
Product changed: M2 Live launched in the US on 18 June 2026, built on Abbott's Lingo CGM, replacing the earlier M1. $99/month for 2 sensors (introductory pricing), or $129 for a single sensor one-time. NO PRESCRIPTION is required, unlike the earlier M1 which needed one. Bundled with Ultrahuman Premium and Jade AI insights. A one-year plan exists shipping 26 sensors in four batches every 10 weeks, but Ultrahuman does not publish its price, so the annual figure here is 12 x the monthly rate and is likely an overestimate.
Dexcom G7
Key Features
Real-time glucose, alerts, trend arrows, Clarity reports
Details
Dexcom publishes no cash price anywhere, only discounts and coverage claims, so no single price is listed here. Third-party pharmacy data puts retail near $500 for a 30-day sensor supply, or roughly $270 with Dexcom's own coupon, and most people with CGM coverage pay $20 or less. Dexcom's own pages currently disagree with each other on the discount ($230 vs $210). Two SKUs now sell side by side: the classic G7 (10.5-day wear, 3 sensors per 30-day supply) and G7 15 Day (15.5-day wear, 2 sensors per supply) at similar prices, so per-sensor economics differ sharply. Sold as 30/60/90-day pharmacy fills rather than a subscription, and the coupon is capped at 12 redemptions a year. Patient Assistance can reduce this to $45 per 90-day supply for income-qualified patients.
FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus
Key Features
Real-time glucose, optional alarms, LibreView reports
Details
Now sold as the FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus: Abbott's US product page describes only the Plus, and the original 14-day Libre 3 is gone, so accuracy figures published for that earlier sensor do not carry over. Abbott publishes no cash price, so none is listed here. Abbott's only published figures are that most covered patients pay $0-$20, and that commercially insured or uninsured patients asked to pay over $75 for two sensors should use the copay card - an effective ceiling near $900/year for eligible patients. The copay card excludes Medicare, Medicaid and other federal or state programme beneficiaries. Supply is two 15-day sensors per 30-day pharmacy fill. Water resistant to 1 metre for up to 30 minutes, notably weaker than several competitors.
Annual Cost Comparison
Total yearly costs for continuous CGM monitoring, including sensors and subscriptions.
| Provider | Monthly | 12 Months | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Signos | $127 | $1524 | $127/mo is promotional (code AUGUST25); list is $169/mo. No 12-month plan exists. |
| Nutrisense | $225 | $2700 | 12-month plan totals $2,700 + tax. Longer terms cost MORE per month here, so 12x the 6-month rate is not a valid annual. |
| Levels | $7 | $80 | $80/yr Classic is software only - sensors are NOT included |
| Dexcom Stelo | $84 | $1057 | Subscriptions bill on 27- and 87-day cycles, not calendar months |
| Abbott Lingo | $84 | $1082 | Bills every 4 weeks (13 cycles/year), so $84 is per 4 weeks not per calendar month |
| Ultrahuman | $99 | $1188 | $99/mo is introductory pricing on M2 Live. Annual plan exists but its price is not published. |
| Dexcom G7 | Not published | Not published | Dexcom publishes NO cash price. Third-party retail ~$500/30-day supply; ~$270 with their coupon. |
| FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus | Not published | Not published | Abbott publishes NO cash price. Copay card caps eligible patients at ~$75 per two sensors. |
Figures come from each provider's pricing page on the date shown on its profile. Prescription CGMs have no published cash price; what you pay depends on pharmacy and insurance.
Who Should Use a CGM?
Continuous glucose monitors were developed for diabetes management but are now widely used by non-diabetics for metabolic optimization, weight management, and athletic performance.
Weight Loss & GLP-1 Alternative
CGMs help identify which foods spike your blood sugar, enabling dietary changes that support weight loss without medication. Many use CGM alongside or after GLP-1 medications like Ozempic.
Metabolic Health Optimization
Track glucose patterns to identify prediabetes risk, optimize meal timing, and improve metabolic flexibility. Ideal for longevity-focused health optimizers.
Athletic Performance
Optimize pre-workout fueling, monitor glucose during training, and improve recovery nutrition. See real-time impact of exercise on blood sugar.
Who Should NOT Use These Services
- Insulin-dependent diabetics: Use medical-grade CGMs (Dexcom G7, Libre 3) with hypoglycemia alerts instead
- Type 1 diabetics: Require prescription CGMs with insulin dosing integration
- Those with eating disorders: Constant glucose monitoring may trigger unhealthy behaviors—consult a healthcare provider first
- Active cancer treatment: Chemotherapy affects interstitial fluid and may impact accuracy
How Continuous Glucose Monitoring Works
Understanding CGM technology and what the data means for your health.
The Technology
A CGM consists of a small sensor worn on the back of your upper arm. A tiny filament sits just under the skin and measures interstitial glucose levels (the fluid between cells) every 1-5 minutes.
The sensor transmits readings wirelessly via Bluetooth to your smartphone app, giving you real-time visibility into how your body processes food.
Sensor Types
Dexcom sensors (used by Signos, Nutrisense, Levels, Dexcom Stelo, Dexcom G7) and Abbott sensors (used by Abbott Lingo, Ultrahuman, FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus) differ in warm-up time, reading frequency, wear time, and water resistance. The sensor table above lists each product's figures.
Key Metrics to Track
- Fasting glucose: Morning reading before eating (optimal: 70-90 mg/dL)
- Post-meal spikes: How high glucose rises after eating (optimal: under 140 mg/dL)
- Time in range: Percentage of time in optimal zone (70-140 mg/dL)
- Glucose variability: How much levels fluctuate throughout the day
What You'll Learn
CGM reveals how your body uniquely responds to different foods, exercise, stress, and sleep. Many people discover that foods they thought were healthy actually spike their blood sugar.
This personalized data helps you make evidence-based dietary choices that work for your specific metabolism.
Metrics these devices report
CGM apps summarize the raw sensor trace into these numbers. Each page gives the reference range and the published targets we could verify.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a prescription for a CGM?
Not for most options. Dexcom Stelo and Abbott Lingo are available over-the-counter without a prescription. Services like Signos, Nutrisense, and Levels include telehealth consultations that provide any needed prescriptions as part of the membership.
Can non-diabetics use a CGM?
Yes! CGMs are increasingly popular among non-diabetics for metabolic health optimization, weight management, and athletic performance. The FDA cleared Signos specifically for weight management in August 2025, establishing CGM as a legitimate tool for non-diabetic use.
Which CGM sensor is most accurate?
Both Dexcom and Freestyle Libre sensors are highly accurate with MARD (Mean Absolute Relative Difference) values around 8-9%. Clinical studies show slight variations, but for wellness purposes both provide reliable data. The key difference is reading frequency and warm-up time.
Is CGM covered by insurance?
Most insurance plans only cover CGM for diabetics. 6 of the 8 services compared here list HSA/FSA eligibility; for the others it is conditional, uncertain, or not offered, so check the table before paying with pre-tax dollars. Some services like Nutrisense report that insurance may cover the sensors for certain conditions.
How long does a CGM sensor last?
Dexcom sensors (Signos, Stelo) last 10-15 days. Freestyle Libre sensors (Nutrisense, Lingo, Ultrahuman) last 14 days. You'll typically need 2 sensors per month for continuous monitoring.
Can I shower and swim with a CGM?
Yes. Dexcom sensors are waterproof to 8 feet for 24 hours. Libre sensors are water-resistant to 3 feet for 30 minutes. Both are fine for showers; Dexcom is better for swimming.
What's the difference between CGM and A1c testing?
A1c measures your average blood sugar over 2-3 months but doesn't show daily patterns or spikes. CGM provides real-time, continuous data showing exactly how your glucose responds to meals, exercise, and sleep. Many health optimizers use both: CGM for daily insights and periodic A1c testing to confirm long-term improvements.
Can I use CGM with GLP-1 medications like Ozempic?
Yes. Many people use CGM alongside GLP-1 medications to track their metabolic response and optimize food choices. CGM is also valuable after discontinuing GLP-1s to maintain healthy glucose patterns through diet and lifestyle changes.
Which CGM is best for weight loss?
Signos is the only CGM FDA-cleared specifically for weight management. It uses AI to provide personalized recommendations based on your glucose patterns. Nutrisense is also excellent for weight loss due to its included 1:1 dietitian support.
What's the cheapest way to try CGM?
Abbott Lingo at $49/sensor is the most affordable entry point—no prescription, no subscription required. For ongoing use, Ultrahuman's free app with your own Libre sensors (~$100-150/mo for sensors) or January AI ($28/mo after initial calibration) are the most cost-effective options.
Complement CGM with Blood Testing
Get a complete picture of your metabolic health by combining CGM data with comprehensive blood biomarker testing.
Compare Blood Test ServicesImportant Disclaimer
This comparison is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. CGM is not a diagnostic tool and should not replace medical testing for diabetes. Prices were last checked against each provider's own site (Aug 2026) and may have changed since. Always consult with a healthcare provider before making decisions about health monitoring.