Stelo vs Lingo: the two over-the-counter glucose monitors compared
Last updated September 3, 2026.
For the first time, you can buy a continuous glucose monitor without a prescription, and the choice comes down to two: Stelo by Dexcom and Lingo by Abbott. Both are small arm-worn biosensors streaming glucose data to your phone around the clock, aimed at people without diabetes who want to understand how food, exercise, stress, and sleep move their glucose.
What do they cost?
Both are cash-pay products, and both say no prescription is needed. Stelo is FSA/HSA eligible with free shipping, sold in packs and as a monthly subscription, per its own site. Lingo offers free shipping and a 30-day money-back guarantee on first purchases, per its own site. Expect the real comparison to come down to per-sensor pricing and how many sensors a month you plan to wear, so check both sites' current pack prices before committing.
What is the experience like?
Stelo builds on Dexcom's CGM heritage: 24/7 glucose insights with personalized tips, morning recaps, and an AI coach, on a sensor rated for up to 15 days of wear, with the honest disclosure that about 20% of sensors may not last the full 15 days. Lingo builds on Abbott's FreeStyle Libre lineage: minute-by-minute glucose tracking translated into habit coaching, educational content about glucose and metabolic health, and even a live session with an Abbott nutritionist for new users. Both are explicit that these are wellness devices: Stelo's own labeling says users are not intended to take medical action based on the device.
Which one should you pick?
Both do the core job well, so pick on ecosystem and price: Dexcom loyalists and subscription buyers lean Stelo, people wanting the money-back trial and Abbott's coaching content lean Lingo. And the important caveat for both: if you have diabetes, symptoms of diabetes, or any medical reason to monitor glucose, these wellness sensors are not the right tool, and a real evaluation comes first. Pymander's free AI doctor consult can help you figure out whether tracking makes sense for you at all. Emergencies bypass all of it: call 911. Pymander routes emergency red flags to 911, and its escalation logic is documented in its safety architecture working paper.
What a Pymander AI doctor consult looks like
Illustrative example, not a real member's messages.
Common questions
Do Stelo and Lingo require a prescription?
No. Both are over-the-counter glucose biosensors, no prescription needed, per their own sites. They are designed for people without diabetes who want lifestyle insight.
What is the difference between Stelo and Lingo?
Stelo is by Dexcom: up to 15-day sensor wear, AI coach, morning recaps, FSA/HSA eligible, subscription available. Lingo is by Abbott: minute-by-minute tracking, habit coaching and education, 30-day money-back guarantee on first purchases.
Can these diagnose or manage diabetes?
No. Both are wellness devices. Stelo's own labeling says users are not intended to take medical action based on the device. Anyone with diabetes or symptoms of it needs medical-grade monitoring and a clinician.
How much do they cost?
Both are cash-pay with per-sensor and multi-pack pricing that changes with promotions. Stelo offers a monthly subscription and is FSA/HSA eligible; Lingo offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. Check both sites for current pack pricing.
Which is more accurate?
Both come from the two companies that dominate medical CGM, Dexcom and Abbott, so sensor quality is strong on either. The real difference is the app philosophy: Dexcom's data-forward style versus Abbott's coaching-forward style.
What if it is an emergency?
A wellness sensor is not an emergency tool. Call 911. Pymander is built to recognize emergency red flags in your text and direct you to call rather than continue.