Freestyle Libre 2 vs. Freestyle Libre 3: Differences, similiarties, and costs

In this article:

• Main differences between FreeStyle Libre 2 and 3
• FreeStyle Libre 2: Features, benefits, and cost
• FreeStyle Libre 3: Features, benefits, and cost

In this article

• Main differences between FreeStyle Libre 2 and 3
• FreeStyle Libre 2: Features, benefits, and cost
• FreeStyle Libre 3: Features, benefits, and cost

FreeStyle Libre 2 and FreeStyle Libre 3 are two versions of continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) which are considered durable medical equipment. The trade name is owned by Abbott Diabetes Care, a part of Abbott Laboratories. 

These personal CGM systems monitor the blood sugar level of eligible patients with diabetes, including gestational diabetes. The device works by sending real-time readings of those glucose levels to users’ mobile devices through a smartphone app. (In other words, no more finger sticks needed to measuring glucose levels.) 

While the two versions have some similarities, they also have some core differences.

Main differences between FreeStyle Libre 2 and 3

Use of the FreeStyle Libre 2 and 3 is similar in several ways. For example, both CGM devices read blood glucose levels effectively, sound alarms within minutes when the level is too high or low, require a 60-minute warm-up, have to be replaced with a new sensor every 14 days, and can be used by young people four years old or older.

Those similarities are noted by healthcare professionals, too. “Personally, I have not seen much of a difference in preference with the patients that I have treated who have both,” says Dr. Deepak Khanna, DO, an internist and family medicine physician at UPenn and the founder of dandRX.

He notes there are some differences between the FreeStyle Libre 2 and FreeStyle Libre 3, of course. For starters, the benefits of the FreeStyle Libre 3 include advanced features such as automatic data and better accuracy. Other primary differences relate to size and transmitter range.

“To me, it’s about convenience for the patient,” Dr. Khanna continues. “My insulin pump patients love Libre 3 because it is automatic and makes their pump adjustments easier. For everyone else, it doesn’t really matter 2 versus 3.”

See the table below for more differences and the great benefits mentioned by the American Diabetes Association (ADA), Dr. Khanna, and Dr. Akhil Shenoy, MD, an endocrinologist and medical advisor at Aeroflow Diabetes.

FreeStyle Libre 2: Features, benefits, and cost

The FreeStyle Libre 2 is a bigger CGM. As mentioned, it retrieves blood sugar data, and to access that data, the user has to manually scan it with their smartphone. The 2’s transmitter range is about one and a half inches. 

Research also says the FreeStyle Libre 2 is less accurate than the FreeStyle Libre 3 but still accurate. According to a 2022 study, the FreeStyle Libre 2 positively impacts blood sugar levels and, therefore, blood sugar control.

With a SingleCare coupon for FreeStyle Libre 2, people can purchase it for as little as $143.13 at retail pharmacies and online stores. Regarding health insurance, most (but not all) commercial plans cover FreeStyle Libre 2. Without insurance, the two sensors cost $235.

FreeStyle Libre 3: Features, benefits, and cost

The 3 is the newer FreeStyle Libre. Compared to the 2, it’s smaller (so less noticeable, if that’s a concern), more accurate, and has an extended transmitter range of 33 feet. Rather than having to scan the sensor with a smartphone manually, the sensor consistently provides blood sugar level information to your phone in real time.

With a SingleCare savings coupon for FreeStyle Libre 3, people can purchase it for as little as $133.99. Some insurance plans cover FreeStyle Libre 3. Uninsured patients will pay $235 for two sensors, which covers 28 days of use. 

Dr. Shenoy shares his patients’ take on the product. “Many of my patients, particularly those motivated by the information, are empowered by CGMs, which has a large positive impact on diabetes care,” he says. “This is particularly true with the new Libre 3 model, which offers greater convenience.”

FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus and FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus

It’s important to note that both the FreeStyle Libre 2 and FreeStyle Libre 3 will be discontinued on September 30, 2025. At that point, the FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus and FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus will become available. 

Their features and benefits include extended wear time, insulin pump compatibility, better patient reach (even 2-year-old kids can use them), and a more affordable cost. 

Users will need a new prescription for the Plus version. If you have further questions about that, contact a pharmacist or healthcare provider.

If insurance doesn’t cover the cost, people can buy the sensor for as low as $153.22 with a SingleCare FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus Sensor coupon or a SingleCare FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus Sensor coupon.