new Dexcom Stelo
Health Tech

Dexcom Stelo

The bottom line: Prices are stable. Factor in the $89/mo subscription โ€” that's $1157 in your first year.

The first over-the-counter continuous glucose monitor (CGM) available without a prescription. Tracks glucose every 5 minutes for up to 15 days per sensor, with smartphone integration for real-time insights.

$89.00 -9% vs last week
All-time low: $85.00Last tracked price ยท Verify on Amazon
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Released: August 2024Subscription: $89/moPlatform: iOS 16.0+, Android undefined+connectivity: Bluetooth to smartphone

Our take

The Dexcom Stelo scores 76/100 and represents a genuinely new product category: over-the-counter continuous glucose monitoring for people who aren't diabetic but want to understand their metabolic health at a granular level.

No prescription needed โ€” that's the game-changer that separates it from every other CGM on the market. Slap a sensor on the back of your upper arm, get glucose readings every 5 minutes for 15 days straight, and actually see in real time how that pizza, morning run, or stressful meeting affects your blood sugar. Ease of use scores a stellar 90/100 because the setup and daily experience genuinely just works. HSA/FSA eligible, waterproof for swimming and showering, and integrates with Apple Health and Google Health Connect for data portability.

The catch is the ongoing cost model: roughly $89-99 per month for sensor replacements, continuing indefinitely with no one-time purchase option. This is health monitoring as a subscription service, and that recurring cost drags the value score down to 65/100. The adhesive can irritate sensitive skin during the 15-day wear period, and sensor placement is limited exclusively to your upper arm.

At $97.77 currently, with a lowest recorded price of $85, the "Good price" green label is accurate โ€” you're at a reasonable entry point. CVS, Walgreens, Amazon, and Oura's store all carry it at essentially the same competitive price.

Bottom line: Buy if you're serious about understanding your metabolic health โ€” the data is genuinely eye-opening and often life-changing. Skip if a ~$100/month ongoing commitment for sensor replacements doesn't fit your budget.

Pros & cons

What we like

  • No prescription needed (first OTC CGM)
  • 15-day sensor wear time
  • Real-time glucose tracking with smartphone app
  • HSA/FSA eligible
  • Waterproof for swimming and showering

What could be better

  • Ongoing cost (~$89-99/month)
  • Not for insulin users (see Dexcom G7 instead)
  • Requires smartphone for data viewing
  • Adhesive can irritate sensitive skin
  • Sensor placement limited to back of upper arm

Key features

Over-the-counter (no prescription required)
Continuous glucose monitoring every 5 minutes
15-day sensor wear time
Smartphone app with glucose trend insights
Meal and activity logging
Time-in-range goals and spike alerts

Who is this for?

Best for

Health-conscious individuals who want to understand how food, exercise, and sleep affect their blood sugar without needing a doctor's prescription.

Not ideal for

People on insulin therapy (Dexcom G7 is more appropriate), or those unwilling to commit to ~$89/month ongoing sensor costs.

How it scores

Easiest to use
90
Best build quality
85
Top performance
80
Everyday essentials
75
Most compatible
70
Best value
65

Review scores

Tom's Guide 4/5
Optimize Biomarkers 4.2/5

Total cost of ownership

Device Price $89.00
Subscription (Required) $89/mo
1-Year Total Cost $1157.00
2-Year Total Cost $2225.00

Price history (estimated)

Specifications

sensor_duration 15 days per sensor
measurement Every 5 minutes, synced every 15 minutes
water_resistance 8 feet for 24 hours
connectivity Bluetooth to smartphone
prescription Not required (OTC)
price_model $89-99 per 2-pack (30 days)

Compatibility

iOS Supported (16.0+)
Android Supported (undefined+)
Companion App Stelo by Dexcom

Requires compatible smartphone. Works with Apple Health and Google Health Connect.

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