The Best At-Home CGMs: Levels vs. Nutrisense vs. Stelo vs. Lingo
Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) have undergone a radical shift in the last 24 months. What used to require a physician's prescription and a specific medical diagnosis is now available over-the-counter (OTC) or through subscription performance programs. If you're looking to optimize your metabolic health in 2026, these are the five major players you need to know.
1. Levels — Best for Data & Integrations
Price: $199/year membership + sensors | Sensor: Dexcom G7 / Abbott Libre | Coaching: None (AI-driven)
Levels remains the "gold standard" for pure data enthusiasts. Their app is the most polished in the industry, focusing on "Metabolic Score" and "Stability." It integrates seamlessly with Apple Health, Whoop, and Oura, allowing you to see how a poor night's sleep directly correlates to your morning glucose spike. They don't offer human coaching, preferring to give you the tools to be your own scientist.
Best for:
Quantified self-trackers, engineers, users who already have a high health IQ.
2. Nutrisense — Best for Human Support
Price: $225–$399/month | Sensor: Abbott Libre | Coaching: 1:1 Dietitian included
Nutrisense is the primary alternative to Levels. While the app is slightly less "tech-forward," every subscription includes access to a registered dietitian. For many users, having a human look at their charts and say, "That spike wasn't the rice, it was the stress of your 2 PM meeting," is the difference between success and failure. It is the most expensive option on this list.
Best for:
Users who want accountability, those new to nutrition tracking, and anyone who feels overwhelmed by raw data.
3. Stelo (by Dexcom) — Best No-Subscription Option
Price: ~$99 for 2 sensors | Sensor: Dexcom Stelo (Proprietary) | Coaching: None
Stelo is the first "true" OTC CGM from a major hardware manufacturer. It's essentially a Dexcom G7 sensor with a simplified app geared toward non-diabetics. There is no monthly membership fee — you just buy the sensors. It's the most "honest" pricing in the industry, though the app lacks the deep metabolic insights found in Levels.
Best for:
Budget-conscious buyers, users who hate subscriptions, those who just want to "check in" on their health occasionally.
4. Lingo (Abbott) — Cheapest Hardware Option
Price: $89 per 2-sensor pack | Sensor: Abbott Libre-derivative | Coaching: None
Lingo is Abbott's direct OTC CGM. Cheaper per sensor than Stelo, simpler app (focused on "metabolic resilience" score rather than raw glucose graphs), and the lowest barrier to trying a CGM. The trade-off: the app intentionally hides raw glucose values in favor of a derived score — frustrating if you actually want to see the data. Better as a try-before-Levels option than a long-term home.
Best for:
Cheapest first try, users who want a curated score rather than raw data, Abbott-ecosystem buyers.
5. Veri — Best for Long-Term Glucose Stewardship
Price: ~$199/yr app + sensors | Sensor: Abbott Libre | Coaching: Light
Veri is the EU-rooted competitor that positions itself between Levels (data tool) and Nutrisense (coaching service). The app focuses on long-term trends — your "metabolic age," 90-day glucose patterns, and slow-moving improvements rather than daily food spikes. Newer to the US market than the other four. Worth a look if you find Levels too data-heavy and Nutrisense too expensive.
Best for:
Long-term wearers, users who prefer trend views to daily logging, EU-aware buyers.
The Buying Decision
| Program | Price | Best Strength |
|---|---|---|
| Levels | $199/yr + sensors | Best app, integrations |
| Nutrisense | $225+/mo | 1:1 dietitian coaching |
| Stelo (Dexcom) | $99/mo | Dexcom hardware, no membership |
| Lingo (Abbott) | $89 / 2 sensors | Lowest entry cost |
| Veri | $199/yr | Long-term trend focus |
The Bottom Line
For most curious buyers, start with Stelo ($99/mo, no commitment) — best sensor, no commitment, you can stop after one month. If you want a polished software layer and integrations with your other wearables, go to Levels. Reach for Nutrisense only if you would otherwise hire a dietitian.