Best Continuous Glucose Monitoring Devices for 2025
- Best Continuous Glucose Monitoring Devices
- Dexcom G7View more
- Key Features
- Who is this best for?
- Customer Feedback Summary
- FreeStyle Libre 3View more
- Key Features
- Who is this best for?
- Customer Feedback Summary
- Medtronic Guardian ConnectView more
- Key Features
- Who is this best for?
- Customer Feedback Summary
- Comparison Table Continuous Glucose Monitoring Devices
- Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Continuous Glucose Monitoring Devices for You
- FAQs Continuous Glucose Monitoring Devices
- Conclusion: Which Continuous Glucose Monitoring Devices Are Right for You?
Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) devices have transformed diabetes management, providing real-time blood sugar readings, trend insights, and customizable alerts. Whether you’re managing Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, CGMs help optimize glucose control without frequent fingerstick tests.
This guide compares the top continuous glucose monitoring devices available today, highlighting their features, benefits, and customer feedback. We’ll also include a detailed buyer’s guide to help you choose the best CGM for your lifestyle and medical needs.
Best Continuous Glucose Monitoring Devices
| PRICE | PROS | CONS | |
|---|---|---|---|
Dexcom G7 | Buy |
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FreeStyle Libre 3 | Buy |
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Medtronic Guardian Connect | Buy |
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Dexcom G7
View moreKey Features
- Real-time glucose monitoring with automatic updates every 5 minutes.
- No fingerstick calibrations required.
- Customizable alerts for high and low glucose levels.
- Smart device integration: Works with iOS, Android, Apple Watch, and select insulin pumps.
- 10-day sensor wear time.
- Data sharing with up to 10 people through the Dexcom Follow App.
Who is this best for?
- Tech-savvy users who want smartphone and smartwatch integration.
- Parents and caregivers who need remote monitoring capabilities.
- **Individuals needing high accuracy and customizable alerts.
Customer Feedback Summary
The Dexcom G7 is widely praised for its accuracy, real-time tracking, and ability to share data with caregivers. Users love the no-fingerstick requirement and seamless smartphone integration. However, some find the sensors expensive, especially without insurance coverage.
- Highly accurate and real-time monitoring.
- No fingerstick calibrations needed.
- Compatible with Apple Watch, iOS, and Android.
- Data sharing for remote monitoring.
- Customizable alerts for proactive glucose management.
- Expensive sensors, especially without insurance.
- Some users experience Bluetooth connectivity issues.
- Sensor lifespan is 10 days, which is shorter than some competitors.
FreeStyle Libre 3
View moreKey Features
- 14-day sensor wear time (longer than most competitors).
- Real-time glucose readings available via a smartphone app.
- No routine fingerstick tests required.
- Optional high and low glucose alerts.
- Small and discreet sensor, about the size of a quarter.
Who is this best for?
- Users looking for an affordable CGM with long sensor wear.
- People who prefer a small, discreet sensor.
- Those who want real-time glucose readings on their phone.
Customer Feedback Summary
Users love the affordability and the 14-day sensor wear time, making it one of the longest-lasting CGMs on the market. The compact design is praised for being discreet and comfortable. However, some users dislike that it requires scanning to obtain glucose readings.
- Most affordable CGM compared to competitors.
- 14-day sensor lifespan (longest in its class).
- No fingerstick calibrations required.
- Small and discreet sensor.
- Smartphone app integration.
- Requires scanning with a smartphone to check glucose levels.
- Limited integration with insulin pumps.
- No predictive alerts for glucose trends.
Medtronic Guardian Connect
View moreKey Features
- Predictive alerts up to 60 minutes in advance for high or low glucose levels.
- Integration with the Sugar.IQ app, which provides personalized insights.
- Real-time glucose monitoring.
- Sensor lifespan: 7 days.
- Requires calibration with fingerstick tests.
Who is this best for?
- Users who want predictive alerts to prevent highs and lows.
- People looking for personalized insights into their glucose trends.
- Those who don’t mind fingerstick calibrations.
Customer Feedback Summary
Users appreciate the predictive alerts, allowing them to take action before glucose levels spike or drop dangerously. The Sugar.IQ app provides valuable insights, helping improve diabetes management. However, the 7-day sensor lifespan is shorter than competitors, and the requirement for calibration fingerstick tests is a drawback for some.
- Predictive alerts warn about glucose changes 60 minutes in advance.
- Sugar.IQ app integration for personalized insights.
- Real-time glucose tracking.
- Short sensor lifespan (only 7 days).
- Requires calibration with fingerstick blood glucose tests.
- Not as widely available as Dexcom and FreeStyle Libre.
Comparison Table Continuous Glucose Monitoring Devices
| Feature | Dexcom G7 | FreeStyle Libre 3 | Medtronic Guardian Connect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calibration Required | No | No | Yes |
| Sensor Lifespan | 10 days | 14 days | 7 days |
| Real-Time Monitoring | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Predictive Alerts | No | No | Yes (60 min in advance) |
| Integration | Smart devices, pumps | Smartphone app | Sugar.IQ app |
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Continuous Glucose Monitoring Devices for You
When selecting a CGM, consider the following:
- Accuracy – Look for CGMs with high accuracy for reliable glucose readings.
- Sensor Wear Time – Longer wear times (like the 14-day FreeStyle Libre 3) mean fewer replacements.
- Calibration Requirements – Some CGMs (like Medtronic Guardian Connect) require fingerstick tests, while others do not.
- Alerts & Predictive Features – If you need early warnings for highs and lows, consider the Medtronic Guardian Connect.
- Integration – If you want smartphone or smartwatch compatibility, the Dexcom G7 is the best choice.
- Cost & Insurance Coverage – Check if your insurance covers the device and sensors.
FAQs Continuous Glucose Monitoring Devices
Q: Do CGM devices replace fingerstick blood glucose tests?
A: Some CGMs (like Dexcom G7 and FreeStyle Libre 3) eliminate the need for fingersticks, while others (like Medtronic Guardian Connect) still require them.
Q: Are CGM sensors reusable?
A: No, sensors must be replaced after their wear time expires (7-14 days, depending on the device).
Q: Will insurance cover CGM costs?
A: Most insurance providers cover CGMs, but coverage depends on the device and your diabetes type.
Conclusion: Which Continuous Glucose Monitoring Devices Are Right for You?
- Best for Accuracy & Smart Features → Dexcom G7
- Best for Affordability & Long Sensor Wear → FreeStyle Libre 3
- Best for Predictive Alerts & Proactive Management → Medtronic Guardian Connect
Each of these devices helps manage diabetes more effectively, but the best choice depends on your budget, lifestyle, and medical needs. Always consult your healthcare provider to determine the best CGM for you.
