The 4 Best CGM Devices For Measuring Blood Sugar in 2024

In the past few years, there have been many new developments in continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), both in terms of technology and ease of use. As of 2024, there are four major players we think are worth your consideration. 

Our Criteria For Reviewing The Top Glucose Monitors

There are a few things we considered when classifying the best glucose monitors in this list. These factors include:

• Accuracy
• Ease of use
• Accessibility

The first, of course, is accuracy. Luckily, each of these CGM devices are comparably accurate. When it comes to ease of use, the software used by a CGM is important. We believe that the most important aspect of a CGM app is the ability to generate information that is easy to understand—and easy to access. Data that is easy to access and interpret is more accessible, allowing anyone to gain deeper insight into their health and use this information to make healthier lifestyle choices.

Since there are only a handful of available CGM systems, we haven’t had to use any “tie-breaker” criteria, but as time passes and technology progresses, we'll share any new updates. 

4 Best CGM Devices for Measuring Blood Sugar

So, with four CGM devices on the market, which continuous glucose monitor should you choose? Here are four of the best CGM devices we think are worth your consideration.

1) Best for Overall Function: Dexcom G6

Dexcom had their first-generation product approved by the FDA in 2006 and has continued to iterate and innovate since then. Their current product is the G6, which uses interstitial fluid to estimate the level of glucose in a person’s blood and has a high level of accuracy. You can wear the G6 sensor on your belly or arm and replace it every 10 days. 

Why Choose this CGM

What makes the G6 our top pick is the fact that you don’t need to “wand” over the monitor to update your phone. What this means is that you will get a steady stream of glucose data from the CGM without having to do anything yourself. This allows for real time alerts, such as a dangerously low glucose value. 

Is The Dexcom G6 Compatible With iOS and Android Phones?

Yes, and it offers great compatibility with other glucose monitoring apps and regulating devices in general.  

Is It Compatible With Other Glucose Monitoring Apps?

Yes, and the FDA has approved the G6 to alter the level of insulin administered by a wirelessly connected insulin pump.

2) Best for Overall Value: Abbott FreeStyle Libre 

The FreeStyle Libre CGM is perhaps the single easiest system to use on our list, but that comes with an important caveat. Namely, that you have to scan the CGM with your smartphone in order to take a reading, but fortunately you can do this as often as you want. The device itself is about the diameter of a quarter, so it doesn’t take up much space on your arm.

When you join the Nutrisense program, you'll receive FreeStyle Libre CGMs to measure blood sugar levels.

Who Choose this CGM

Although it can be annoying to have to constantly flash the physical CGM on your arm, in exchange the device lasts for two weeks. The FreeStyle Libre boasts the longest lifespan of any external CGM on this list. It is also modestly priced compared to its direct competitors.

The FreeStyle Libre device is also the least expensive CGM available without insurance. Additionally, it is only approved for placement on the back of the arm instead of both the belly and arm like the Dexcom. If you don’t mind the extra step of physically scanning the device and are looking for a device that won't break the bank, this is the device for you. 

Is The Abbott FreeStyle Libre 2 Compatible With iOS and Android Phones?

Yes, all versions of the FreeStyle Libre CGM are compatible with iPhone and Android devices. It can also be paired with the FreeStyle LibreLink app, which was designed by Abbott. If you're a member of the Nutrisense program, you'll also be able to scan your FreeStyle Libre CGM using the Nutrisense app.

Is It Compatible With Other Glucose Monitoring Apps?

Yes, there are third-party glucose monitoring apps such as the Nutrisense app that can compile and chart the data from “flash” readings using a connected mobile device. 

Is the FreeStyle Libre 3 Available Yet?

The FreeStyle Libre 3 is the latest CGM developed by Abbott, and it was released in late 2022. The Libre 3 is said to be the world's smallest CGM and most discreet sensor on the market.

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3) Best for Adaptive Technology: Medtronic Guardian 3

Much like other devices on this list, the Medtronic Guardian 3 is worn on your arm and can connect to an insulin pump and regulate its output based on current blood glucose levels. Although the proprietary mobile app displays a number of useful statistics about blood glucose, the sensors themselves must be replaced every week.

Why Choose this CGM

As we mentioned above, a benefit of this CGM can communicate with a Medtronic insulin pump, which is always useful. But the Guardian Connect mobile app also uses SugarIQ, which can tell you about trends in your blood glucose levels using IBM Watson AI. The longer you use it, the more data it has and the more accurate its reports will be for you.

Is The Medtronic Guardian 3 Compatible With iOS and Android Phones?

Yes, the Guardian Connect mobile app is available for iPhone and Android.

Is It Compatible With Other Glucose Monitoring Apps?

No, unfortunately this device is only compatible with the Medtronic Guardian Connect app.

4) Best for Low-Maintenance Monitoring: Senseonics Eversense 

Unlike the other CGMs on this list, the Senseonics Eversense is a subcutaneous device, which means it sits underneath the skin, similar to a skin implant. As a result, you can’t activate or replace it on your own and need the assistance of a physician.

Once active, however, it monitors interstitial fluid, just like the other devices. The device only needs to be replaced every 90 days as opposed to every 14 days.

Why Choose this CGM

A significant advantage of this CGM is that it does not need to be replaced as frequently as the other devices on the market do. If you consider that the shortest “cycle” for CGM replacement on this list is seven days, this would be the equivalent of 13 of those devices in terms of how often it would need to be changed.

Since the device has acceptable accuracy and features, we can easily recommend it for people who need a basic CGM and can tolerate a subcutaneous device.  

Is The Senseonics Eversense Compatible With iOS and Android Phones?

Yes, the Eververse mobile app is available on Google Play and the App Store. 

Is It Compatible With Other Glucose Monitoring Apps?

No, at this time, the Eversense CGM is only able to be used with the Eververse app.