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Key takeaways
FreeStyle Libre is a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) used to test blood glucose readings in people with diabetes.
Continuous glucose monitors have become popular as they help people better manage glucose levels, have fewer low blood glucose emergencies, and need fewer finger sticks.
Alternative continuous glucose monitors include Dexcom G7, Dexcom Stelo, and Eversense 365.
FreeStyle Libre is a type of continuous glucose monitor (CGM) used to test blood glucose (blood sugar) readings in people with diabetes. Blood glucose monitoring is an important part of managing diabetes as it can help determine if a person is hyperglycemic (high blood sugar) or hypoglycemic (low blood sugar). Traditional blood glucose meters (BGMs) involve using fingersticks that provide a snapshot of glucose levels, but continuous glucose monitoring provides a complete picture of blood sugar patterns to help healthcare providers and patients make informed decisions. FreeStyle Libre works through a wearable sensor placed on the skin that transmits the CGM data to a small recording device.
FreeStyle Libre is available in two models, FreeStyle Libre 2 and FreeStyle Libre 3, each of which differs in how it tests blood sugar. FreeStyle Libre 2 performs intermittent scanning (also called flash glucose monitoring) that requires scanning the CGM sensor with either the reader or a compatible smartphone for each retrieval of glucose readings, while FreeStyle Libre 3 constantly transmits glucose readings directly to the reader or phone without having to scan the sensor. Some people may seek an alternative glucose monitor for various reasons, including ease of use, cost, and compatibility with mobile devices.
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RELATED: How to get free diabetic supplies
What can I use instead of FreeStyle Libre?
Other options are available for glucose monitoring. Alternative continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices include Dexcom G7, Dexcom Stelo, and Eversense 365 (Medtronic will discontinue the CGM device Guardian Connect in October 2025). Blood glucose meter (fingerstick) options include Contour Next One and FreeStyle Lite. These options may be more suitable for certain individuals due to convenience, cost, and ease of use.
Compare FreeStyle Libre alternatives |
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|---|---|---|---|
| Drug name | Price without insurance | SingleCare price | Savings options |
| FreeStyle Libre | $98 for 1, 1 device box | $77 for 1, 1 device box | See latest prices |
| Dexcom G7 | $437 per 1, 1 device box | $255 per 1, 1 device box | See latest prices |
| Dexcom Stelo | Pricing unavailable | Pricing unavailable | See latest prices |
| Eversense 365 | $1,040 per 1, 1 miscellaneous box | $675 per 1, 1 miscellaneous box | See latest prices |
| BluLink Glucose Monitoring | $40 per 1, 1 device box | $51 per 1, 1 device box | See latest prices |
| Contour Next One | $33 for 1, 1 device box | $51 for 1, 1 device box | See latest prices |
| Embrace Evo | $65 per 1, 1 kit box | $46 per 1, 1 kit box | See latest prices |
| FreeStyle Lite | $41 for 1, 1 device box | $51 for 1, 1 device box | See latest prices |
| Ge100 Blood Glucose System | $10 per 1, 1 device box | $51 per 1, 1 device box | See latest prices |
| Iglucose Monitoring System | $90 per 1, 1 kit box | $63 per 1, 1 kit box | See latest prices |
| Pip Blood Glucose Monitoring | $36 per 1, 1 box device | $51 per 1, 1 box device | See latest prices |
Prescription drug prices often change. These are the most accurate medication prices at the time of publishing. The listed price without insurance references the price of brand-name drugs (unless otherwise specified). The listed SingleCare price references the price of generic drugs if available. Click the “Savings options” link to see the latest drug prices.
Top 5 FreeStyle Libre alternatives
The following are some of the most common alternatives to FreeStyle Libre.
1. Dexcom G7
Dexcom G7 is a continuous glucose monitoring system that provides real-time blood sugar readings without fingersticks (the manufacturer is phasing out another model called Dexcom G6). The Dexcom CGM system can send the results directly to the Dexcom app on a smart device such as a smartphone or smart watch. Dexcom allows users to customize alerts to best fit their needs. For example, specific high and low alerts designated by a healthcare provider can help identify when blood glucose levels are out of a specific range. The app can also be used to log daily activities, meals, and medications to better understand how exercise, food, and medications impact blood sugar levels. The G7 sensor can be worn for up to 10 days, with a 12-hour grace period at the end, and should be worn on the back of the upper arm or upper buttocks for children 2 to 6 years old.
RELATED: Dexcom vs. Freestyle Libre: Differences, similarities, and which one is better for you
2. Eversense 365
Eversense 365 is a continuous glucose monitoring system that provides one year of real-time blood glucose readings. Other continuous glucose monitor sensors, like FreeStyle Libre, have to be changed every 7 to 15 days depending on the system. The Eversense 365 sensor has to be inserted by a healthcare professional under the skin in the upper arm. Eversense has an app that can transmit CGM readings to a smartphone or smart watch, providing glucose level trend reports and alerting the user of high or low glucose levels. This alternative may be more convenient for certain individuals as the regular task of frequent sensor changes is eliminated.
3. Dexcom Stelo
Dexcom Stelo is an over-the-counter (OTC) continuous glucose monitoring system that does not require a prescription, unlike Dexcom G7, which does require a prescription. Dexcom Stelo is designed for adults not on insulin diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes or prediabetes, who are not at risk for low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), and are interested in tracking glucose data. Dexcom Stelo offers personalized insights into how food, exercise, and sleep impact blood glucose levels. The monitor can detect when blood glucose levels are spiking and transmit data directly to a smartphone app. The Stelo sensor can be worn for up to 15 days, with a 12-hour grace period at the end, and should be worn on the back of the upper arm.
4. Contour Next One
Contour Next One is a blood glucose meter that uses fingersticks, also called finger pricks. While continuous glucose monitors have advantages, fingerstick meters like Contour Next One provide a precise and immediate reading at a specific moment. For people managing diabetes, these blood glucose readings can be crucial in certain situations. Another advantage of finger stick meters is that they are often more affordable and readily available than continuous glucose monitors. Contour Next One has a smartLIGHT feature that provides instant feedback on blood sugar readings by color coding certain ranges so that people can make informed decisions about diabetes care.
5. FreeStyle Lite
FreeStyle Lite is a blood glucose meter that uses fingersticks and is made by the same manufacturer as FreeStyle Libre. Certain individuals prefer fingerstick meters as they are familiar and simple to use. With precise real-time glucose readings, fingerstick meters like FreeStyle Lite are optimal for confirming low or high blood sugar symptoms. The FreeStyle Lite meter is compact for ease of carrying, fast with readings provided in seconds, and has a backlit screen for convenient day or night use.
How to switch to a FreeStyle Libre alternative
1. Discuss diabetes management with a healthcare provider
It’s important to discuss diabetes management with a healthcare provider to prevent serious health complications and improve quality of life. A significant part of diabetes management is keeping blood sugar levels within a target range. Before switching to an alternative, discussing all blood glucose monitoring options is important to find the right fit.
2. Do not suddenly stop using FreeStyle Libre without medical advice
Awareness of blood sugar levels is essential for managing diabetes. Without a blood glucose monitoring device, a person with diabetes may be at risk for dangerously low or high blood sugar levels. Discuss with a healthcare provider before stopping use of a blood glucose monitoring device like FreeStyle Libre.
3. Learn how to use a new blood glucose monitoring device
Blood glucose monitors vary in how they are used and what additional features they may have, so it’s important to learn about a new device. Alternatives like Dexcom and Eversense have informational videos and reading materials available online to help better understand these devices.
RELATED: What are normal blood sugar levels?
Choosing the right path for diabetes treatment
Each diabetes treatment plan is unique because diabetes management varies from person to person. Effective treatment is possible by establishing a partnership with a healthcare provider. It’s important to learn proper technique for blood glucose monitor devices as they differ in how they are set up and maintained. Diabetes education specialists and pharmacists are accessible resources for blood glucose monitor device education.
Other continuous glucose monitors, such as Dexcom G7, Dexcom Stelo, and Eversense 365, and blood glucose meters (fingersticks), such as Contour Next One and FreeStyle Lite, are alternatives. Proper diabetes management can help reduce the risk of long-term complications, such as heart disease, kidney failure, nerve damage, and vision loss.
- Guide to continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), American Association of Clinical Endocrinology (AACE)
- Continuous glucose monitoring, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
- Devices and technology, American Diabetes Association (ADA)
- Abbott FreeStyle Libre 2 and 3, Abbott
- Dexcom, Dexcom Inc.
- Eversense, Ascensia
- Stelo by Dexcom, Dexcom Inc.
- Guardian Connect FAQs, Medtronic
- FreeStyle Lite, Abbott
- Contour Next One, Ascenisa