Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGM)
Over-the-counter and prescription continuous glucose monitors and CGM-based metabolic programs you can buy online without diabetes.
A consumer CGM costs roughly $49–$199 per month without insurance. Over-the-counter sensors like Dexcom Stelo (~$99/mo) and Abbott Lingo (~$49–$89/mo) are sold directly to anyone 18+, while software-plus-coaching programs like Levels (~$199/yr membership on top of sensors) and Nutrisense (~$199–$399/mo with a dietitian) layer analysis and guidance on the same hardware. Prescription medical CGMs (Dexcom G7, FreeStyle Libre 3) are cheaper per sensor but require a clinician. Prices are estimates — confirm on each brand’s site.
Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) are small wearable sensors that read your blood sugar around the clock and stream it to an app. Once limited to people with diabetes, the FDA cleared the first over-the-counter CGMs in 2024 — so anyone can now buy one to see how meals, exercise, sleep, and stress move their glucose. This page compares the main consumer options on price, who they fit, and what you actually get.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Price | Rx required | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
Dexcom Stelo Dexcom | ~$99/mo | No | A trusted, no-prescription start from the leading CGM maker |
Abbott Lingo Abbott | ~$49–$89/mo | No | Budget-conscious beginners who want built-in coaching |
Levels Levels Health | ~$199/yr + sensors | No | Data-driven people who want food scores and trends |
Nutrisense Nutrisense | ~$199–$399/mo | No | People who want a human expert, not just an app |
Dexcom G7 Dexcom | ~$60–$100/mo cash | Yes | Those who qualify medically or want real-time alerts |
Prices are estimates that change frequently — confirm current pricing on each brand's site.
The Options, Compared
Dexcom Stelo
Editor's PickOTC · FDA-cleared (2024)First FDA-cleared OTC glucose biosensor
Stelo is Dexcom’s over-the-counter glucose biosensor — the first CGM the FDA cleared for sale without a prescription (2024). It’s aimed at adults not on insulin who want to see how food, exercise, and sleep affect their glucose, with a clean app and 15-day sensors.
Best for: A trusted, no-prescription start from the leading CGM maker
Pros
- + From Dexcom, the established CGM leader
- + Simple OTC purchase, no doctor
- + Clear app with daily insights
Cons
- − No real-time high/low urgent alerts like medical Dexcom
- − Not for people on insulin
- − Software is lighter than coaching programs
Updated Jun 2026
Abbott Lingo
Editor's PickOTC · FDA-cleared (2024)Lowest-cost OTC CGM with a coaching app
Lingo is Abbott’s over-the-counter biosensor (built on FreeStyle Libre technology) with a coaching app that turns glucose into a "Lingo Count" to help you spot and reduce spikes. Often the cheapest entry point into consumer CGM.
Best for: Budget-conscious beginners who want built-in coaching
Pros
- + Often the lowest monthly price
- + Coaching/score baked into the app
- + Backed by Abbott’s Libre platform
Cons
- − Best price requires a multi-month commitment
- − Not for people on insulin
- − Coaching is automated, not a human dietitian
Updated Jun 2026
Cheapest on longer plans (e.g. ~$49/mo on a 6-month plan); ~$89/mo for 2 weeks of sensors month-to-month.
Visit Site →Levels
Software · pairs with FDA-cleared sensorsMetabolic software layer with food logging & scores
Levels is a software membership that pairs with a CGM sensor (it now supports OTC sensors like Stelo as well as prescription Libre) to score your meals, log food, and surface patterns. It’s the analysis layer for people who want structured metabolic insight, not just raw numbers.
Best for: Data-driven people who want food scores and trends
Pros
- + Best-in-class metabolic software & UX
- + Turns glucose into actionable food feedback
- + Works with multiple sensor types
Cons
- − Membership is on top of sensor cost
- − No live human coach included
- − Most value if you actively log meals
Updated Jun 2026
Membership ~$199/year for the app; sensors purchased separately (or bundled).
Visit Site →Nutrisense
Program · uses FDA-cleared sensorsCGM program with a registered dietitian
Nutrisense bundles CGM sensors with its app and access to a registered dietitian who helps you interpret your data and adjust your nutrition. It’s the most "coached" of the consumer options — closer to a guided program than a gadget.
Best for: People who want a human expert, not just an app
Pros
- + Real dietitian interpretation
- + Good for accountability & habit change
- + All-in-one (hardware + human + app)
Cons
- − Most expensive consumer option
- − Overkill if you just want raw data
- − Best value requires a longer commitment
Updated Jun 2026
Dexcom G7
Rx · FDA-approved medical devicePrescription medical CGM with real-time alerts
The G7 is Dexcom’s prescription medical CGM with real-time readings every few minutes and customizable high/low alerts. It requires a clinician but is the reference-grade option for those who qualify or want medical-tier data and accuracy.
Best for: Those who qualify medically or want real-time alerts
Pros
- + Reference-grade accuracy & alerts
- + Often cheaper per sensor than OTC
- + Insurance-covered when indicated
Cons
- − Requires a prescription
- − Not aimed at casual metabolic tracking
- − Cash price without insurance can be high
Updated Jun 2026
Cash price varies widely; far cheaper with insurance when medically indicated. Requires a prescription.
Prescription required
Visit Site →Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a continuous glucose monitor cost without insurance?▼
Over-the-counter CGMs run about $49–$99 per month: Abbott Lingo is roughly $49–$89/mo depending on plan and Dexcom Stelo is about $99/mo (or ~$89/mo on subscription). Software-and-coaching programs cost more — Levels adds a ~$199/year membership on top of sensors, and Nutrisense runs ~$199–$399/mo with dietitian support. Prescription CGMs can be cheaper per sensor but require a doctor. Prices are estimates; confirm with the provider.
Can I get a CGM without diabetes?▼
Yes. As of 2024 the FDA cleared the first over-the-counter CGMs (Dexcom Stelo and Abbott Lingo) for adults 18+ who are not on insulin, so you can buy one online without a prescription or a diabetes diagnosis. Software programs like Levels and Nutrisense are also sold to the general public for metabolic-health and performance tracking.
Which CGM is best for metabolic health and performance?▼
For most healthy adults wanting insight without a prescription, an OTC sensor (Stelo or Lingo) is the simplest start. If you want food logging, scores, and structured guidance, a software program like Levels (pairs with Stelo/Libre) or Nutrisense (includes a dietitian) adds analysis on top. Athletes fueling for endurance often prefer real-time numbers, where Dexcom-based options shine. The "best" choice depends on whether you want raw data or coached interpretation.
How long does a CGM sensor last?▼
Most consumer CGM sensors are worn on the back of the upper arm and last about 14–15 days each before you replace them. Monthly pricing generally assumes two sensors per month. Stelo and Lingo sensors last ~15 days; FreeStyle Libre 3 lasts ~14 days; Dexcom G7 lasts ~10 days plus a grace period.
Are over-the-counter CGMs accurate?▼
OTC CGMs use the same sensor technology as their medical counterparts and are generally accurate for tracking trends and responses to food and activity. They are not intended for insulin dosing or to diagnose diabetes, and readings can lag finger-stick blood values by several minutes. If you have or suspect a medical condition, work with a clinician rather than self-managing from CGM data.
Medical disclaimer: This page is general information, not medical advice. Listings are aggregated from public sources and prices are estimates that may be out of date — confirm current pricing, services, and provider credentials directly with each clinic. Talk to a licensed clinician before starting any medication or treatment.
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