Dexcom Stelo Review: Is This Over-the-Counter CGM Worth It?

Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) are no longer just for people with diabetes—they’re becoming popular tools for anyone wanting to optimize their health, track their glucose response, and make smarter lifestyle choices. The Dexcom Stelo, launched in summer 2024, is the first over-the-counter CGM available—no prescription required.

I recently tested it out and, in this blog, I’m sharing my full review: what I liked, what I didn’t, and how it stacks up against other CGMs. If you’re curious about tracking your glucose but want to skip the doctor’s office, keep reading!

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✅ What is a CGM?

First, a quick refresher: A continuous glucose monitor tracks glucose levels in the interstitial fluid (the fluid between your cells), not directly from your blood. This provides real-time data and shows trends throughout the day, unlike finger-prick tests that only capture a single moment.

CGMs are an incredibly valuable tool for spotting glucose spikes, optimizing meal timing, and learning how your body responds to different foods and activities.

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🛒 Why I Tried the Dexcom Stelo

I’ve tested the Dexcom G7 and Freestyle Libre before, so when the Stelo hit the market, I was excited to see how it measured up. The biggest appeal? No prescription needed and a more affordable price point.

I used two sensors, each lasting 14 days, to get a full month’s worth of data. Here’s how it went.

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🟢 What I Liked

The Stelo has some clear advantages, especially for first-time CGM users or those looking for a budget-friendly option:

✔️ Easy Application: The Stelo uses the same applicator as the Dexcom G7—a simple button push that inserts the sensor painlessly.
✔️ No Need to Scan: Unlike the Freestyle Libre, the Stelo provides continuous readings via Bluetooth—no manual scanning required.
✔️ Affordable Price: At $99 per sensor (or $89 with a subscription), it’s significantly cheaper than prescription CGMs.
✔️ Fast Shipping: I was impressed that my sensors arrived the next day.
✔️ Extra Adhesive for Security: Each sensor comes with an additional sticker to keep it in place, which is a nice bonus.

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🔴 What I Didn’t Like

While the Stelo has its perks, it’s definitely not perfect—especially if you’re used to the accuracy and features of prescription CGMs:

❌ No Direct Levels App Connection: Since the Stelo is over-the-counter, it doesn’t sync directly with the Levels Health app. Instead, you have to connect it through Apple Health, which causes a 3-hour delay in Levels.
❌ Accuracy Concerns: I noticed frequent discrepancies compared to finger-prick tests—sometimes as much as 46 mg/dL off.
❌ Brief Sensor Issues: I occasionally received “brief sensor issue” messages, which were slightly annoying but not constant.

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⚖️ How the Stelo Compares to Other CGMs

If you’ve used prescription CGMs, you’ll notice some key differences with the Stelo. Here’s how it stacks up:

🆚 Stelo vs. Dexcom G7 & Freestyle Libre

• Ease of Use: The Stelo has the same easy application as the G7, but no scanning is required (unlike the Libre).
• Accuracy: The Stelo was less accurate than both the G7 and Libre in my experience, with frequent discrepancies.
• Alerts & Features: The G7 offers glucose alerts and better app integration. The Libre requires scanning but was more accurate than the Stelo.
• Pricing & Accessibility:
  • Stelo: $99/sensor (or $89 with a subscription), no prescription required.
  • Dexcom G7: Requires a prescription and is significantly more expensive.
  • Freestyle Libre: Cheaper than the G7 but still requires a prescription.

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💰 Pricing & Convenience

One of the biggest perks of the Dexcom Stelo is its price and accessibility.

• Price per sensor: $99 (without subscription) / $89 (with subscription)
• Shipping: Super fast—arrived in just one day.
• Subscription Tip: You can cancel the subscription immediately after purchasing if you don’t want ongoing orders.

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💭 Would I Buy It Again?

Maybe. The Stelo is a great option for:

• First-time CGM users who want to try glucose tracking without a prescription.
• Quarterly check-ins on glucose trends for people without chronic issues.
• Budget-conscious buyers looking for an affordable option.

However, if you want more accuracy, better app integration, and alerts, you’ll be better off with a prescription CGM.

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⭐️ Final Verdict: Is the Dexcom Stelo Worth It?

If you’re curious about CGMs but don’t want to deal with prescriptions, the Dexcom Stelo is a solid entry-level option. It offers real-time glucose tracking, no scanning, and easy accessibility.

✅ Pros:

• Affordable and accessible without a prescription.
• Painless application and continuous readings.
• Fast shipping and simple setup.

❌ Cons:

• Less accurate than prescription CGMs.
• No direct Levels app connection.
• No glucose alerts or advanced features.

💡 My Take: If you’re serious about long-term glucose tracking, I’d recommend sticking with the Dexcom G7 or Freestyle Libre. But if you just want a budget-friendly check-in, the Stelo is worth trying.

Would you try the Dexcom Stelo? Let me know your thoughts, and be sure to check out my full CGM comparison episode for a deeper dive into the pros and cons of each device!