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Three glucose monitors on blue background.

Home glucose monitors can help you keep tabs on your diabetes and lower your risk of complications. Along with treatment, using a home monitor can help you identify the things that make your blood sugar increase or decrease, from exercise to illness, stress to dehydration, and more.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends checking your blood sugar as advised by your doctor. How often you should check depends on a number of things, including:

  • The type of diabetes you have.
  • What are the medications you are taking?
  • How many meals do you eat?

Some doctors may recommend you only test a few times a day, while others may think continuous monitoring is more appropriate, as each situation is unique and may change over time.

Selecting a great diabetes monitor can be difficult because of all the options. We rounded up the best monitors available. Before you start, it is a good idea to talk to your doctor about these options.

Above all, we included glucose monitors that are reportedly the most accurate. Since home meters are designed to help you monitor your glucose in between laboratory work from your doctor’s visits, it’s important that your device provides the most accurate results possible.

Getting as close to the quality of the test as possible can help provide peace of mind and better diabetes management.

Other items we looked at include.

  • Consistent performance. While accuracy is of utmost importance, consistency is key. The meters on this list provide consistent results from test to test.
  • Price and overall affordability. Meters (and accessories) range in price considerably. The ones on this list are either low cost out of pocket or available through insurance.
  • Insurance coverage. Yes — insurance. It’s always a good idea to check with your insurance carrier to see which home glucose monitors are covered in part or in full by your policy.
  • Accessibility. Monitors on this list let you hear or feel alarms when needed or offer other helpful accessibility features, so they aren’t all read-only.
  • Durability. Whatever glucose monitor you choose, it needs to stand the test of time and perform reliably even after repeated use.
  • Portability. Most if not all the glucose meters on this list include carrying cases or are otherwise portable, so they can go wherever your life takes you.
  • Special features. Whether it’s Bluetooth connectivity you’re looking for or discreet vibration alarms, you’ll find a variety of special features included in these picks.
  • Overall ease of use. Reading your blood sugar should be simple, even if you’re just starting out. We chose devices that are straightforward and easy to use.
  • User experiences and reviews. We also took into account reviews, both good and bad, from real people like you who are using these readers in their everyday lives.

We included the meters in a variety of price points. The cost of bloodglucose meters can be different depending on features, insurance coverage, and location. The cost is subject to change over time, so be sure to check with your carrier for the most accurate price.

Pricing guide

  • $ = under $30
  • $$ = $30–$50

Best overall for new users

Care Touch Blood Glucose Monitoring System

  • Price: $$
  • Type: blood glucose meter (BGM)

If you have a recent diabetes diagnosis and are looking for a glucose meter that’s both easy to use and It is It is It is affordable…, you may consider the traditional blood glucose monitoring system from Care Touch.

The meter can read your blood sugar in as little as 5 seconds, and it also makes it easy to remove finger strips. The system provides a 14-day average of readings. You can store up to 300 readings.

The system is great for beginners because it is an all-in-one kit that contains everything you need to start monitoring your numbers. The package includes a lancing device, a meter, and 100 lancets. You can buy Care Touch accessories in the future.

What’s included: Care Touch monitor, 100 Care Touch testing strips, 3-volt lithium-ion battery (Cr2032), lancing device, 100 30-gauge lancets, carrying bag, instructions, and a lookbook for self-testing

Pros

  • The kit is small and all-in-one.
  • Consistent results.
  • It is It is It is affordable…

Cons

  • Some reviewers say test strips are hard to use.
Shop now at Care Touch

Best for blood-free readings

FreeStyle Libre

  • Price: depends on insurance coverage
  • Type: continuous glucose monitor (CGM)

The FreeStyle Libre first debuted on the market in 2017. Like other CGMs, it uses interstitial fluids instead of blood to measure blood glucose.

You can use the Libre by wearing a sensor. It is a flash system, which means you wave the monitor above the sensor in order to get your blood sugar readings. You can repeat the process as often as you please.

To keep the system working, you have to change your sensor every 14 days.

It can be difficult to keep track of the latest models that have the same names.

  • The FreeStyle Libre 2 has optional alarms if your numbers are out of range.
  • The FreeStyle Libre 3, which received FDA clearance in May 2022, offers automatic alarms and regular monitoring without the need for self-scans.

“Some users report skin irritation and inaccurate readings from applying the sensors. If you measure yourglucose multiple times per day, the Libre doesn’t require finger-sticking.”

What’s included: FreeStyle Libre 2 reader and 2 FreeStyle Libre 2 sensors (28-day supply)

Pros

  • Continuous monitoring, no finger-sticks.
  • “If you test multiple times throughout the day, it’s helpful.”

Cons

  • It is not certain that the most consistent readings will be provided.
  • It may irritate skin around the sensor.
Shop now at FreeStyle Libre

Most accurate CGM

Dexcom G6

  • Price: depends on insurance coverage
  • Type: CGM

If you want a more reliable and accurate CGM, you may consider the G6.

The Dexcom G6 is a sensor you wear on your abdomen that transmits information to a corresponding app you can download on your phone, tablet, or smartwatch. Users like the fact that the sensor transmits this data automatically every 5 minutes.

The ability to complement other devices is what sets the Dexcom G6 apart from other types of CGMs. These include pumps for the treatment of diabetes.

One of the most common complaints is that you have to change out your sensor every 10 days, versus longer wear on other devices.

What’s included: auto-applicator, under-skin sensor, and transmitter; data is viewable on your Apple or Android device

Pros

  • Accurate readings.
  • readings every 5 minutes
  • works with pumps.

Cons

  • must change sensor frequently.
Shop now at Dexcom

Longest lasting CGM sensor

Eversense

  • Price: depends on insurance coverage
  • Type: CGM

“If you want a CGM that is applied at the doctor’s office instead of at home, you may consider the Eversense CGM.”

The manufacturer, Senseonics, a publicly traded company, started experiencing challenges in 2020. Senseonics has scaled back its workforce but continues to support the Eversense system.

The Eversense is similar to the FreeStyle Libre in that it measures fluids from your upper arm. The sensor is implanted under the skin and worn for 90 days at a time.

Once the sensor is applied, the Eversense system sends data to your smart device automatically every 5 minutes. It also alerts you via a vibration alarm if your blood glucose falls out of your ideal range.

Users appreciate how the sensor is changed every 90 days, instead of 7 to 14 days. Some people have experienced sensitivity when wearing the sensor.

What’s included: implantable sensor, smart transmitter, and mobile app to view readings on your smart device

Pros

  • You can go up to 3 months without changing your sensors.
  • readings every 5 minutes
  • discreet vibrating

Cons

  • “sensor changes need a doctor’s appointment.”
  • Incorrect alert when exposed to sunlight.
Shop now at Ascensia Diabetes

Best for detailed glucose data

Guardian Connect System

  • Price: depends on insurance coverage
  • Type: CGM

If you want more detailed data on your blood sugar, you may consider this CGM by Medtronic.

Like the FreeStyle Libre and Eversense, the Guardian Connect sensor is worn on your arm to measure glucose via interstitial fluids. But unlike any other CGM currently on the market, the Guardian Connect compiles time in range data. This data tells you how long your glucose is in your personal ideal range on any given day.

The Guardian Connect is not available for children under the age of 14. The larger price tag is what you will pay for a system with all of these features. You need to change your sensor every 7 days.

What’s included: insertion device, sensor, transmitter and charger, tape, and SkinTac patch; app works with Apple and Android devices

Pros

  • The blood sugar range is shown throughout the day.
  • Every 5 minutes, it gives readings.

Cons

  • “It’s necessary to change sensor frequently.”
  • Not available for children under 14 years old.
  • It is expensive.
Shop now at Medtronic

Best for budget

Rite Aid TrueMetrix Meter

  • Price: $
  • Type: BGM

If you’re looking for an It is It is It is affordable… traditional blood sample meter, consider the Rite Aid TrueMetrix. This straightforward product allows you to program 4 reminder alarms, and the results can be processed in as quickly as 4 seconds. You can also store up to 500 test results on the device.

The TrueMetrix meter is available at drugstores. You will need to purchase lancets and test strips separately, which is what Rite Aid also sells.

What’s included: TrueMetrix reader, 3-volt battery, 3 lancets, lancing device, instructions, and carrying case

Pros

  • It is It is It is affordable…
  • Four test reminder alarms are programmed.

Cons

  • Must remember to take the test throughout the day.
  • Test strips are not included.
Shop now at Rite Aid

Best for extra features on a budget

Walgreens TrueMetrix Bluetooth Blood Glucose Meter

  • Price: $
  • Type: BGM

The Walgreens version of the TrueMetrix meter uses blood samples to determine the level of sugar in the blood.

The TrueMetrix is different from the original in that it has a built in ability to deliver results to your phone. It works on both the iPhone and theANDROID.

You can store twice as many test results as you can in the previous version. It claims to process your results in less than a second.

You will need to buy lancets and test strips from the same brand in addition to the cost of the meter. Walgreens sells the accessories without a prescription.

What’s included: TrueMetrix reader, 3-volt battery, 10 lancets, lancing device, logbook, instructions, and carrying case

Pros

  • It is It is It is affordable…
  • There are 1,000 results at one time.
  • It connects to Apple and other devices.

Cons

  • Must remember to take the test throughout the day.
  • Test strips are not included.
Shop now at Walgreens

Price Type Insurance accepted?
Care Touch Blood Glucose Monitoring System $$ BGM N/A
FreeStyle Libre depends on coverage CGM yes
Dexcom G6 depends on coverage CGM yes
depends on coverage CGM yes
Guardian Connect System depends on coverage CGM yes
Rite Aid TrueMetrix Meter $ BGM N/A
Walgreens TrueMetrix Bluetooth Blood Glucose Meter $ BGM N/A

If you have used a traditional glucose monitor in the past and are looking for a less painful, more portable option, then a CGM may be a better choice. The accuracy and duration of sensor wear are two of the features that may be considered when choosing a sensor.

While insurance and Medicare do cover CGMs, these monitors are more It is expensive. overall. Depending on your insurance, they may offer coverage for one type of CGM but not another. It’s important to check these details with your provider ahead of time.

If you don’t have insurance, you can check with your doctor or pharmacist for discounts on your CGM and accessories. It’s also possible to get coupons directly from the manufacturer to help offset the costs.

When browsing for a monitor online, you will notice that some versions, such as the TrueMetrix, are available for purchase over the counter, while other versions, such as the FreeStyle Libre or the G6, are not.

“You will need a doctor’s prescription to get a CGM system. You don’t need a prescription for the basic fingerstick meters we’ve included on our list. You can buy a CGM from a medical supply store online if you have a prescription.”

If you decide to purchase a meter online, you should know the total costs, including any test strips, lancets, and accessories that may be sold separately. You could also set up these accessories on an auto-ship basis.

What is a normal blood sugar range?

A blood sugar level of 99 mg/dL or below is considered normal for a fasting blood sugar test. For a glucose tolerance test, a level of 140 mg/dL is considered normal.

Do you need a prescription for a glucose monitor?

“You don’t need a prescription for a bloodglucose meter. You need one for a continuous monitor.”

Can a smartwatch monitor blood sugar?

Some watches can connect to the system to check your readings. None of them are capable of taking bloodglucose readings directly.

The best diabetes monitor for you is dependent on:

  • What features do you want?
  • Whether you want a traditional meter or a computer aided device.
  • Your budget.

When selecting a monitor, you should consider the benefits and drawbacks. You can talk to your doctor about the monitors.