Dexcom Stelo vs Dexcom G7
CGM Head-to-Head Comparison
Compare pricing, sensor technology, app features, and coaching support to find the best CGM for your goals
Quick Comparison Summary
Pricing & Plans Comparison
Dexcom Stelo
Dexcom G7
Sensor Technology
| Specification | Dexcom Stelo | Dexcom G7 |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor Type | Dexcom Stelo | Dexcom G7 |
| Accuracy (MARD) | 8.3% | Not published by Dexcom |
| Reading Frequency | Every 5 min | Every 5 min |
| Warm-up Time | 30 min | 30 min |
| Wear Time | 15 days | 10.5 or 15.5 days (two SKUs) |
| Water Resistance | 8ft/24hr | Yes (24ft/2h) |
App Features & Coaching
| Feature | Dexcom Stelo | Dexcom G7 |
|---|---|---|
| Coaching Type | ✓ 1:1 Dietitian | None (device only) |
| Food Logging | Manual + AI photo logging | No |
| Scoring System | Time in range only | None |
| App Integrations | Apple Health, Apple Watch, Oura Ring, Nutrisense, Heads Up Health | Apple Health, Apple Watch, Garmin, Levels |
| Prescription Required | Not required | Yes |
| HSA/FSA Eligible | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
Key Features
Dexcom Stelo
Best for: People wanting simple OTC CGM with AI insights and no coaching commitment
Key features: 24/7 tracking, trend alerts, glucose patterns, GenAI insights (Dec 2024), AI photo meal logging (July 2025), Clarity Clinic provider sharing
Not recommended for: Type 1 diabetes, insulin users
Dexcom G7
Best for: Highest accuracy and real-time alerts
Key features: Real-time glucose, alerts, trend arrows, Clarity reports
Not recommended for: Casual metabolic curiosity (cost and prescription barrier)
Dexcom Stelo 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.
Dexcom G7 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.
Ready to Choose?
Based on this comparison, select the CGM service that best fits your health goals