Dexcom G7 Vs Stelo: Which One Is Better?

As someone managing type 2 diabetes for years, I’ve tested many glucose monitors, including Dexcom’s latest. The G7 and Stelo share reliable tech but serve different purposes—one for intensive management with alerts, the other for simple tracking. Here, I share my hands-on experiences with both, updated for late 2025 including the newly launched G7 15 Day, to help you pick what suits your life.

A briefly Comparison Table

Feature	Dexcom G7	*Stelo*
Prescription Required	Yes	No (Over-the-counter)
Target Users	People with diabetes, ages 2+ (15 Day version: 18+), including insulin users	Adults 18+, not on insulin
Wear Time	10 days (standard) or up to 15.5 days incl. grace (15 Day version, launched Dec 2025)	Up to 15 days + 12-hour grace (~20-26% may not last full)
Real-Time Alerts/Alarms	Yes (customizable, urgent low, predictive)	No alerts or alarms
Accuracy (MARD)	8.2% (standard); 8.0% (15 Day version)	8.3%
Integration	Insulin pumps, Apple Watch direct, Clarity	Apple Health only
Calibration	Optional	No calibration allowed
Cost (approx., out-of-pocket)	Higher (often insurance-covered)	~$89-99/month subscription
App Features	Advanced reports, sharing, predictive	Basic trends, educational insights

My Experience With Dexcom G7

I started with the Dexcom G7 years ago and recently tried the new 15 Day version since its December launch. The one-push applicator stays effortless—place on my arm, press, and it’s set. Warm-up is only 30 minutes.

Readings every five minutes provide constant reassurance, and predictive alerts have stopped lows before symptoms hit. I adjust settings to match my routine perfectly.Family sharing through Follow eases concerns, and Clarity reports simplify doctor discussions. The extended wear in the 15 Day version means fewer changes.

Occasional compression lows happen if I sleep on the sensor, but positioning fixes it. Early failures are rare now, with quick support replacements.

My Experience With Stelo

I switched to Stelo last year as an OTC option during stable non-insulin phases. Ordering online skips doctor visits completely.

Application feels just like the G7—fast and painless.15-day wear reduces changes nicely. The app highlights patterns from food or activity without disruptive notifications.

It’s cost-effective for regular use and encourages small adjustments via clear insights.Without alarms, I check the app more often for safety. About 20-26% of sensors end early based on reports. First-day readings sometimes vary before stabilizing.

Pros Of Dexcom G7

Outstanding Accuracy: Achieves 8.2% MARD standard or 8.0% in the 15 Day, performing best in lows and fast changes. I depend on it for accurate choices, minimizing fingersticks. Reliability builds strong daily trust.
Powerful Customizable Alerts: Offers predictive lows and rate warnings for essential protection. They’ve prevented issues for me repeatedly. Fine-tuning prevents overload while maintaining safety.
Deep Integrations: Connects smoothly to pumps for automation and shows directly on Apple Watch. This streamlines my full management. Clarity provides thorough reports for analysis.
Fast Warm-Up: Begins in 30 minutes, cutting wait times. New sensors activate quickly. Convenience beats previous devices easily.
Robust Sharing Options: Follow app shares real-time data with caregivers. It lowers anxiety on busy days or travel. Doctors view shared info simply.
Optional Calibration: Permits adjustments if readings shift. This adds flexibility on off days. It often runs flawlessly without changes.
Wide Approval Range: Includes ages 2+ (15 Day 18+), fitting families. It supports diverse diabetes needs. Performance stays consistent.
Extended Grace Period: Includes 12 hours extra for easy switches. This avoids sudden data breaks. Change planning relaxes.
Ideal for Active Management: Works with loops and precise dosing reliably. It suits demanding routines. Results improve clearly.
Easy Insertion Process: Involves minimal pain, remains discreet under clothing. Comfort holds during workouts or wear. Usability rises.

These features position the G7 as vital for proactive, alert-driven diabetes monitoring.

Cons Of Dexcom G7

Expense Without Insurance: Out-of-pocket remains steep compared to OTC. Coverage differences affect access. Budgets feel the strain long-term.
Variable Wear in Standard: 10-day original needs more applications than longer versions. Changes interrupt occasionally. 15 Day resolves this.
Rare Sensor Issues: Early endings create short gaps rarely. Replacements delay slightly. Continuity dips temporarily.
Compression Effects: Overnight pressure causes false lows sometimes. Adjustments and awareness help. Sleep tweaks resolve it.
Adhesion Variability: Activity or sweat challenges the patch. Overpatches turn routine. Extras boost hold.
Alert Management Needed: Early notifications overwhelm at first. Customization demands time. Balance develops gradually.
Prescription Barrier: Requires doctor sign-off. This delays starting. Access slows for some.
Bluetooth Occasional Drops: Distance or interference loses signal. Habits keep most connections. Attention maintains it.
Placement Restrictions: Mainly arm for best approval. Variety limits choices. Rotation aids skin.
Natural Fluctuations Shown: Displays normal ups and downs clearly. Beginners see it as unstable. Knowledge eases views.

These drawbacks impact those wanting ultimate ease, but adjustments often manage them.

Pros Of Stelo

Convenient OTC Purchase: Buy online instantly without visits. Access opens for wellness tracking. I ordered and started same-week.
Longer Standard Wear: Up to 15 days halves applications. Schedules gain flexibility. Effort drops overall.
Affordable Ongoing: $89-99 monthly reduces out-of-pocket burden. Subscriptions add savings. Long use stays practical.
Reliable Trend Accuracy: 8.3% MARD shows patterns well for guidance. Adjustments turn informed. Visibility grows steadily.
Clean App Focus: Prioritizes simple education and habits. Views motivate gently. Complexity stays low.
Comfortable Design: Hides easily, feels natural extended. Routines continue smoothly. Discretion integrates.
Silent Operation: Avoids buzzes for calm days. Checks turn deliberate. Focus improves.
Easy Health Sync: Merges with Apple Health seamlessly. Data combines broadly. Motivation builds.
Quick Activation: 30-minute start speeds sessions. Readings begin fast. Transitions smooth.
Educational Emphasis: Clarifies choice impacts effectively. Habits form sustainably. Growth feels gradual.

Stelo broadens glucose awareness simply for lighter needs.

Cons Of Stelo

Absent Alerts: Skips warnings for extremes. Manual checks demand discipline. Caution suits hypo risks.
Adult-Only Approval: 18+ restricts younger users. Family use unavailable. Reach narrows.
Fixed Calibration: Blocks manual fixes if offsets occur. Readings lock in. Initial patience required.
Limited Connections: No pump or Watch links. Data stays separate. Automation absent.
Inconsistent Longevity: 20-26% end early per data. Expectations adjust. Replacements rise.
Simpler Analytics: Lacks deep sharing options. Reviews need extras. Exports limit.
Wellness Orientation: Avoids direct medical actions. Consults recommended. Depth caps.
Startup Variances: Early inconsistencies appear sometimes. Time settles them. Checks verify.
No Forecasting: Omits proactive predictions. Views stay reactive. Prevention lowers.
Provider Workflow Gaps: Fits clinical less optimally. Robustness trails prescription. Support varies.

These limits make Stelo supportive, not primary for intensive cases.

Maintenance Tips For Dexcom G7

Site Preparation: Clean upper arm fully with alcohol wipes and dry a full minute to remove oils or residue impacting adhesion. Strong prep secures from start. Skipping once caused edge lifts for me.
Use Overpatch: Add included or extra overpatch immediately, smoothing firmly against showers or sweat. Protection handles friction well. It guarantees complete wears.
Avoid Compression: Shift sleep to spare sensor pressure, adding pillows if helpful. False lows drop away. Changes ended my nighttime alerts.
Monitor Early Days: Compare fingersticks in first 48 hours to spot quirks and calibrate optionally. Verification speeds confidence. Every sensor starts trusted.
Keep Phone Close: Hold 20-foot Bluetooth range for steady alerts. Pocket habits work outdoors. Drops vanish reliably.
Rotate Sites: Switch arms routinely for recovery and less irritation. Rotation maintains health months-long. Comfort persists.
Store Properly: Place boxes cool and dry, avoiding humidity swings. Conditions preserve fully. Issues avoided.
Update App Regularly: Install updates soon for stability gains. Checks catch enhancements. Performance rises.
Report Failures Promptly: Photo errors and submit fast for replacements. Action shortens gaps. Responses prove efficient.
Protect from Impacts: Tape extra on active days and watch bumps. Safeguards keep integrity. Freedom grows.

These make G7 routine and high-performing.

Maintenance Tips For Stelo

Clean Insertion Site: Wipe arm well with alcohol and dry completely to clear sweat or lotions. Prep locks adhesion long. Time always helps.
Secure with Overpatch: Apply provided overpatch right away, pressing edges solid. Reinforcement manages motion. Sessions extend fully.
Check Adhesion Daily: Press borders morning and night to find loose areas early and tape. Vigilance maintains data. Issues prevent.
Avoid Extreme Heat/Cold: Guard from extremes to keep function. Moderation avoids errors. Stability lasts.
Keep Smartphone Nearby: Stay 20-foot for smooth syncing. Carry ensures capture. No gaps.
Rotate Arms: Alternate sides to even exposure. Rotation reduces sensitivity. Irritation falls.
Store in Cool, Dry Place: Cabinet stable away from moisture. Quality holds. Openings succeed.
Monitor for Early Expiration: Note app signs and backup ready. Management eases. Claims quicken.
Log Patterns Manually: App notes link trends personally. Logging personalizes. Insights tailor.
Restart App if Needed: Reopen on glitches to refresh. Fixes restore instantly. Flow returns.

These sustain Stelo for steady daily value.

Comparison With Other Brands

Versus Freestyle Libre 3: G7 stronger low detection and continuous alerts no scans; Libre lower cost but scan occasional. Stelo matches wear better. Dexcom connects superior.
Versus Abbott Lingo: Stelo similar OTC with Dexcom proven tech; Lingo coaches differently. Alarm-free both. Clarity edges Stelo.
Versus Medtronic Guardian: G7 quicker warm-up, better accuracy; Medtronic pump ties tighter. Stelo non-pump simple. Ease leans Dexcom.
Versus Eversense Implant: G7/Stelo noninvasive easy remove; Eversense longer procedural. Wearable wins most. Accuracy equals.
Versus Older Dexcom G6: G7 transmitter-free, faster start; G6 sticks sometimes better. Stelo close align. Advances clear.
Versus Signos/Nutrisense: Stelo hardware direct cheaper no coaching. Enhancements possible. Value stands.
Versus Guardian Connect: G7 precision, interface superior; Medtronic tied ecosystem. Stelo wellness wide. Connectivity leads.
Versus Simplera: G7 real-world established; Simplera newer. Stelo OTC advantage. Reliability strong.
Versus Libre Variants: Stelo no-scan continuous, similar wear. Trends match focus. Consistency holds.
Versus New OTCs: Stelo Dexcom experience ahead. Others developing. Bar high.

Brands vary by priorities like cost, alerts, or connections.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How accurate are Stelo readings?

Highly accurate with 8.3% MARD, tracking trends reliably for non-insulin or wellness use.

What do doctors say about Stelo?

Many suggest it for prediabetes, non-insulin type 2, or awareness, but recommend G7 for insulin and alerts.

What are the downsides of the Dexcom G7?

Higher cost uncovered, occasional compression lows or failures, prescription needed.

Conclusion

Neither the Dexcom G7 nor Stelo is outright better—it depends on your situation. If insulin use or tight control with safety alerts matters most, choose the G7, especially the new 15 Day version for longer wear, unmatched integrations, and precision that protect and guide you confidently. For habit-building, prediabetes monitoring, or non-insulin tracking, pick Stelo—you get affordable, quiet trends that motivate better choices without extra interruptions. I’ve gained from both in different phases, and sticking with consistent monitoring, whichever fits you, delivers the real health improvements.