Dexcom Stelo vs Abbott Lingo
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
Abbott Lingo
Sensor Technology
| Specification | Dexcom Stelo | Abbott Lingo |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor Type | Dexcom Stelo | Lingo biosensor |
| Accuracy (MARD) | 8.3% | 9.3% |
| Reading Frequency | Every 5 min | Every 1 min |
| Warm-up Time | 30 min | 60 min |
| Wear Time | 15 days | 14 days |
| Water Resistance | 8ft/24hr | 3ft/30min |
App Features & Coaching
| Feature | Dexcom Stelo | Abbott Lingo |
|---|---|---|
| Coaching Type | ✓ 1:1 Dietitian | App coaching |
| Food Logging | Manual + AI photo logging | Manual logging |
| Scoring System | Time in range only | Lingo score + Lingo Count |
| App Integrations | Apple Health, Apple Watch, Oura Ring, Nutrisense, Heads Up Health | Apple Health, Health Connect |
| Prescription Required | Not required | Not required |
| 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
Abbott Lingo
Best for: Budget-conscious users wanting affordable OTC CGM with app-based coaching
Key features: Real-time glucose tracking, Lingo Count daily metric, weekly progress reports, personalized recommendations, food/exercise logging, challenges
Not recommended for: Diabetics (not FDA-cleared for diabetes), insulin users
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.
Abbott Lingo 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.
Ready to Choose?
Based on this comparison, select the CGM service that best fits your health goals