A home blood glucose meter can record blood sugar levels at your convenience, allowing you to avoid multiple doctor's visits. It makes this device a must-have to manage diabetes and other health conditions. With one, you can also understand how your body responds to a variety of foods and activities, allowing you to go along with your daily routine while maintaining your sugar intake.
But not all glucose meters are created equal. There are factors to consider, like how much a test strip costs, the quality of the lancing device, how much blood the meter requires for an accurate reading, and whether it delivers a fast result.
CNET's wellness experts took these factors into account and found the best options on the market. So, whether you’re managing a condition like diabetes or just tracking how food and activity affect your levels, these are the most reliable options.
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I interviewed two doctors to get their insights on what to look for when you shop for a glucose meter. The five blood sugar meters below are curated based on the doctors' picks and are pulled from best-seller lists and reviews online. We update this list periodically.
As always, consult with your doctor before purchasing a blood glucose monitor. They can help you determine which is the best glucose meter your medical needs.
The Freestyle Libre is a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) that doesn't require a finger prick. It has a thin sensor that you insert under the skin (it's not painful) and wear all day. You then scan the sensor with the device to get your glucose reading.
"For people who are interested in deeper insights into their glucose levels, I'll often recommend the Freestyle Libre for continuous glucose monitoring," says Dr. Nate Favini, chief medical officer at Pair Team. "By placing a sensor on your arm, you can track your glucose constantly through the day and develop your understanding of what makes your sugar levels go up and down. People will often be surprised that foods that they assumed were good for their glucose levels may be causing spikes in their sugar. Though continuous glucose monitors are more expensive, they can help you understand what types of food and exercise are best for you."
Keep in mind that even if you use a CGM, you may still need to do blood glucose readings with a finger prick monitor. You may also be eligible for a free trial of the Freestyle Libre CGMs, which can give you a chance to experience it at no cost.
Dr. Josh Emdur, medical director of SteadyMD, recommends the Dexcom G6, a CGM for Type 1 diabetes and Type 2 diabetes patients. "I find continuous glucose monitoring to be a valuable tool in the management of both Type 1 and 2 diabetes," he says. "CGM data provides actionable insight to help patients track their glycemic response to dietary choices and activity levels."
The Dexcom G6 is similar to the Freestyle Libre in that it continuously monitors glucose levels in your body from a small sensor inserted in the skin, but you don't have to scan to get a glucose level reading. Your reading is sent wirelessly to the Dexcom handheld device, or you can pair with your smartphone or Apple Watch via an app.
The price can vary based on insurance.
The Contour Next One Blood Glucose Monitor is a bestseller and a budget-friendly at under $35 for the test kit. The blood sugar monitor is simple to use and provides a 5-second reading, plus it connects to the Contour Diabetes app via Bluetooth to keep a log of your readings to share with your doctor.
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