Wearable health tech is having a moment, and glucose biosensors are the latest trend in the space. CGM technology, which was once only available by prescription for diabetics, is now accessible to everyone who wants to monitor their blood glucose. Whether you’re looking to understand how diet and exercise affect your health, or you’re trying to improve your glucose levels to treat or avoid developing type 2 diabetes, glucose biosensors can help!
If you’re in the market for a glucose biosensor, you’ve probably heard of the two big names in glucose monitoring – Dexcom and Abbott. Both companies make glucose biosensors, and while similar, there are some key differences between them. We’re here to give you an in-depth comparison of the Dexcom Stelo vs the Abbott Lingo.
Sensor
At first glance, the sensors look similar. They’re both slim, round transmitters with a white adhesive patch and a small sensor in the form of a filament that lies beneath the skin. But while they may look the same, there’s more than meets the eye. Each of these sensors has unique features, which we compare below.
Dexcom Stelo Sensor
The Dexcom Stelo has a 15-day wear time, the longest on the market. It’s fully waterproof and can be submerged in eight feet of water for up to 24 hours. The Stelo website claims it’s the most accurate sensor on the market, with a 96% accuracy compared to a laboratory blood test. The sensor reads your blood glucose every 5 minutes, and the data is sent to the app every 15 minutes. Once inserted, the sensor takes 30 minutes to warm up, after which it will begin sending glucose readings. The Stelo also has a 12-hour grace period once the sensor session ends, so you can continue receiving readings after the sensor session has expired. If you insert your new sensor during this period and don’t remove the old one until after the warm-up time, you can receive glucose data uninterrupted until your new sensor warm-up time is over.
Abbott Lingo Sensor
The Lingo has a slightly shorter wear time at 14 days. It’s also waterproof and has an excellent accuracy rating. The sensor reads your glucose every minute and updates in real-time on the app, so you always know what your blood sugar is doing by the minute. Lingo sensors have an hour-long warm-up time, so you’ll have to wait a bit longer to start getting readings than with the Stelo.
Stelo vs Lingo accuracy
When measuring and comparing the accuracy of CGM technology, the industry-standard is a MARD percentage. The MARD (Mean Absolute Relative Difference) represents the average absolute difference between the CGM sensor’s readings and the actual blood glucose levels. The lower the MARD, the higher the accuracy.
Abbott’s Lingo, which is uses similar technology to the FreeStyle Libre, has a MARD of approximately 9.3%
The Dexcom Stelo, sharing technology with the Dexcom G7, has a MARD of 8.3%
App
In the biosensor app, you’ll see your real-time glucose data, track meals, and learn how to make healthier choices. Here are the features included in the Stelo and the Lingo app.
Dexcom Stelo App
The Stelo app provides real-time glucose data updated every 15 minutes, as well as several helpful features to help you make healthier choices based on the data. Spike detection alerts you to spikes in your blood glucose levels, and Weekly Spike Reports will show you how many spikes occurred and how serious they were. The Smart Food Log allows you to snap a pic of what you’re eating to conveniently track your meals. The app gives you insights, like your time in range, and has a calendar where you can look back at your data from the last 180 days. It also has learning materials to help you understand your blood glucose and improve your habits.
Abbott Lingo App
The Lingo app shows your blood glucose readings every minute, but it’s more than just data. The Lingo website describes it as a coaching program, as the app helps you make lifestyle improvements based on your blood glucose readings and meal tracking. It uses a system called Lingo Count to help you see how much your blood glucose is spiking and how much your meals will impact your blood glucose. It will also give you weekly reports with recommendations based on how your eating habits affect your blood sugar. The app also has a section with challenges to help motivate you to be active and healthy.
Integration
The Dexcom Stelo app is available on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store, and can also connect with an Apple Watch. It also integrates with health apps like Nutrisense and Apple Health, and the Oura ring.
The app for the Abbott Lingo is currently only available on the Apple App Store, so if you’re a diehard Android user, stick with the Stelo. It also integrates with the Apple Health app to combine your health data all in one spot.
Price
The Stelo costs $99 a month if you choose a one-time purchase, but if you choose a subscription you can get it for $89 per month.
The Abbott Lingo has an option to buy a single sensor, which lasts for 2 weeks, for $49. It’s a great option if you’re interested in trying out a biosensor without committing to a prescription. They also offer a 4-week and 12-week subscription plan, which cost $84 and $249 respectively.
(USA USD)
Additional Features
The Dexcom Stelo vs Abbott Lingo debate is all over the internet. So which one is best? Here are a few key features that are tipping the scales for some people.
Stelo-Only Features
- Easy insertion. The Stelo is an all-in-one insertion device – just press the button and your sensor is ready to go. It doesn’t require any assembly and is easy to apply one-handed.
- Overpatch included. Each Stelo biosensor comes with an adhesive overpatch in the box to help it stay on longer. Even if you prefer using NJAP overpatches, having a patch in the box can save you in a pinch if you run out.
- More integration. Stelo can be used with both Android and iPhone phones, as well as health apps and wearable devices. It’s also easy to share your data with your doctor using Dexcom’s clarity app.
Lingo-Only Features
- In-app education. Lingo’s app has tons of educational materials, articles, and recipes to help you make healthy changes based on your glucose data. Stelo has some info in their app as well, but Lingo is designed with more educational and coaching features.
- Updates every minute. If you want real-time data, Lingo updates every minute, so no need to wait to see what your blood sugar is doing.
- Only available on iPhone. If you’re an iPhone user, this isn’t a big deal. But it could be a downside if you’re an Android user. If you don’t have an iPhone and don’t want to switch to one, Lingo isn’t an option.
Stelo vs Lingo Reviews
With time and updates, reviews grow and ratings change.
Stelo reviews
Amazon: 2.9 Stars (1,577 ratings) (21/09/25)
Customers appreciating the educational value of tracking their glucose levels. However the functionality and accuracy are receiving mixed reviews.
Apple App Store: 3.1 Stars (1,150 ratings) (21,09,25)
A mix of reviews of customers raving about the insights and complaints about technical issues and lack of customer support when sensor comes off early.
Google Play: 2.4 Stars (782 ratings) (21/09/25)
Customers sharing a mix of delight in the ease of use and enjoy the insights, and other sharing complaints about accuracy and longevity of the sensor.
Lingo Reviews
Amazon: 3.1 Stars (1,797 ratings) (21/09/25)
Customers find the Lingo easy to apply and use. Most say it works well, however, others report inaccurate results and coming off early due to poor adhesion.
Apple App Store: 2.8 Stars (964 ratings) (21/09/25)
Customers enjoying the simplicity and ease of use. Common criticisms around sensor issues – not reading for a couple hours due to connectivity problems.
Google Play: NA
Which glucose biosensor is right for you?
The Dexcom Stelo and Abbott Lingo glucose biosensors are both excellent choices. Which one is right for you depends on why you want to use a biosensor and the features that are important to you.
Keep in mind that Stelo is made for people with prediabetes, type 2 diabetics who aren’t on insulin, and people who want a glucose biosensor for general health reasons. Lingo is not marketed to diabetics or prediabetics on the website, but is designed for those trying to improve their overall metabolic health. Dexcom and Abbott also make CGMs for type 1 diabetics, which you can read about here.
Whether you choose the Dexcom Stelo or the Abbott Lingo, be sure to get an overpatch that can keep it in place through your workouts, beach days, and whatever life throws your way. Check out NJAP’s range of durable, hypoallergenic patches here!
Do you use a glucose biosensor? Let us know what you think about the Stelo and Lingo biosensors over on NJAP Instagram!
Professional Content Writer | LinkedIn | haleighsparks.com
Haleigh has had type 1 diabetes since 2002 and is passionate about the diabetes community and emerging management technologies. She hopes her writing can help and inspire other type 1 diabetics to live their best lives. When she’s not writing, she loves hanging out with her rescue dog, trying new recipes, and traveling the world.
