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

Dexcom Stelo
Dexcom Stelo
Abbott Lingo
Abbott Lingo
Independent Analysis January 2026 Pricing Feature-by-Feature Comparison

Quick Comparison Summary

Best Value
Dexcom Stelo
Lower monthly cost
Best Accuracy
Dexcom Stelo
Lower MARD%
Best Support
Abbott Lingo
Better coaching
Longest Wear Time
Dexcom Stelo
Longer sensor life

Pricing & Plans Comparison

Sensor Technology

SpecificationDexcom SteloAbbott Lingo
Sensor TypeDexcom SteloLingo biosensor
Accuracy (MARD)8.3%9.3%
Reading FrequencyEvery 5 minEvery 1 min
Warm-up Time30 min60 min
Wear Time15 days14 days
Water Resistance8ft/24hr3ft/30min

App Features & Coaching

FeatureDexcom SteloAbbott Lingo
Coaching TypeAI-powered insightsApp coaching
Food LoggingManual + AI photo loggingManual logging
Scoring SystemTime in range onlyLingo score + Lingo Count
App IntegrationsApple Health, Apple Watch, Oura Ring, Nutrisense, Heads Up HealthApple Health, Health Connect
Prescription RequiredNot requiredNot 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)

Dexcom Stelo Details

$99 one-time or $89/mo subscription. 3-month option with 15% savings. First OTC CGM (March 2024). GenAI features added Dec 2024. Available direct and Amazon.

Abbott Lingo Details

OTC. $49 starter (2-week trial with 1 sensor). $84 per 4-week subscription (2 sensors). No prescription needed. Ages 18+ only.

Ready to Choose?

Based on this comparison, select the CGM service that best fits your health goals

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better:Dexcom Stelo or Abbott Lingo?
Dexcom Stelo is best for people wanting simple otc cgm with ai insights and no coaching commitment, while Abbott Lingo is ideal for budget-conscious users wanting affordable otc cgm with app-based coaching. Dexcom Stelo is more affordable at $89/month compared to Abbott Lingo's $91/month. The best choice depends on your specific health goals and budget.
How much do Dexcom Stelo and Abbott Lingo cost?
Dexcom Stelo costs $89/month ($1068/year), while Abbott Lingo costs $91/month ($1092/year). Both services are HSA/FSA eligible.
Which CGM sensor is more accurate?
Dexcom Stelo uses Dexcom Stelo with 8.3% MARD, while Abbott Lingo uses Lingo biosensor with 9.3% MARD. Lower MARD indicates better accuracy. Both are considered highly accurate for wellness purposes.
Do I need a prescription for Dexcom Stelo or Abbott Lingo?
Neither Dexcom Stelo nor Abbott Lingo requires a prescription. Both are available over-the-counter.
Which has better coaching support?
Dexcom Stelo offers AI-powered insights, while Abbott Lingo provides App coaching.
Can I use Dexcom Stelo or Abbott Lingo for weight loss?
Both services can be used for weight loss by helping you understand how different foods affect your blood sugar. Stable glucose levels can support weight management goals. CGMs help identify which foods spike your blood sugar, enabling dietary changes that support weight loss without medication.

Explore More CGM Options