Get reliable results in seconds
We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Foamwerks Straight Cutter
Daily blood sugar testing is a vital component of any successful diabetes management plan. Luckily, a wide variety of glucometers exist on the market today to help you keep your blood sugar levels in range.
Before purchasing a glucose meter, check with your insurance company about what they will cover. According to Matt Petersen, Vice President of Medical Information and Professional Engagement at the American Diabetes Association, "There are a lot of choices, but fundamentally they all work. The choices come down to cost, your personal desire for the features."
Some glucometers require testing strips that are compatible with the device, which come at an extra cost. Understanding what your insurance might cover can help you budget. In addition to price, we researched dozens of glucometers and evaluated them for the result delivery time, size, additional features, and display size.
A doctor double board-certified in internal medicine and endocrinology from our Medical Expert Board reviewed the contents of this article for medical accuracy surrounding the proper use and accuracy of glucometers, as well as how to interpret their results.
No calibration required on test strips
Allows you to set reminder alarms
Saves pre- and post-meal glucose levels
More expensive than other devices
This device is an all-in-one kit that includes a Contour NEXT EZ diabetes monitor, 100 Contour NEXT test strips, 100 Active Forward lancets, a Microlet lancing device, a monitor manual, a data logbook, and a carrying case, making it the best overall.
The glucometer itself is both fast and accurate, providing test results within five seconds. There is no coding (or calibration) required with new boxes of test strips. If you tend to forget to check your blood sugar, you can set several reminder alarms on the device. And if you’re focused on using your data trends to better manage your diabetes, this glucometer saves pre- and post-meal glucose level test results in 7-, 14-, and 30-day averages.
Result Speed: 5 seconds | Included in Kit: Meter, 100 test strips, lancets, lancing device, carry case
Requires minimal blood sample for less pain
Tracks up-to 90-day glucose averages
Expensive test strips sold separately
This glucometer model from AccuChek is well-known as one of the most accurate blood sugar-monitoring devices on the market. It uses AccuChek Aviva Plus test strips, which fill quicker with less blood (0.6 microliters), making it a more comfortable device to use. It has more than 150 system integrity checks that help detect and prevent unreliable results.
The device itself is simple in design and easy to handle. Similar to the Contour NEXT EZ diabetes monitor, it doesn’t require any coding and it comes with several customizable test reminders. The AccuChek Softclix lancing device is proven to be less painful than other brands, and you can use it on multiple test sites on the body. The monitor’s test results are ready within five seconds, and it has a downloadable 500-value memory, offering 7-, 14-, 30-, and 90-day averages.
Result Speed: 5 seconds | Included in Kit: Meter, lancing device, lancets
Works on multiple testing sites
Small enough to fit pockets
Less accurate than non-travel meters
When you’re on the move, a compact and minimally invasive glucometer can be the key to successful diabetes management. This pick from FreeStyle is designed with travel in mind. It’s small enough to fit easily in your pocket or purse, and it has a large enough LED display to be easy to read. It requires a smaller blood sample size than most monitors to provide an accurate reading in just five seconds, and it works on several testing sites, so you can give your fingertips a rest whenever necessary.
The FreeStyle Lite doesn’t require coding, keeping your testing process simple no matter where you are. The monitor can store up to 400 results, noting both the date and time, and it provides 7-, 14-, and 30-day averages, too. It also comes with four alarm reminders to help keep you on track when your daily routine fluctuates.
Result Speed: 5 seconds | Included in Kit: Test light, reminder alarms, test strips sold separately
Does not include control solution
When you’re testing from the comfort of your own home, it’s easier to get a little bit more high tech with your monitoring system. This glucometer from AUVON utilizes cutting-edge test trips that consistently surpass international accuracy standards. The strips are produced using an automatic carbon printing technique, which ensures that they remain both stable and precise.
The lancet device used to retrieve your blood sample is also said to be less painful than others, which may help you better stick to your testing regimen. The monitor itself fits comfortably in the palm of your hand, is easy to read, and stores continuous 7-, 14-, and 30-day average results.
This kit comes with the AUVON DS-W blood glucose monitor, one battery, 150 blood test strips, 25 lancets, one lancing device, a meter use guide, and a test strip user guide. It does not include a control solution.
Result Speed: N/A | Included in Kit: Monitor, 150 test strips, lancing device, lancets, batteries, carrying bag
Test strips compatible with other OneTouch glucometers
Single battery lasts 6 to 12 months
This glucometer is one of the most commonly used monitors—and with good reason. The device has larger display numbers for easier readouts, and it’s very simple to operate. It only takes five seconds to deliver your results, and it provides before-and-after meal averages so you can better understand how the foods you eat impact your blood glucose.
The monitor can store up to 500 test results in its internal memory, and a single battery can power the device for six to 12 months, depending on how frequently you test your blood sugar.
One of its best features is that it uses test strips that are compatible with at least a half-dozen other glucometers from One Touch and are available at almost every store that stocks diabetic supplies. Users say that the lancing device it uses is gentler than others, making for a more comfortable testing experience.
Result Speed: 5 seconds | Included in Kit: Batteries, lancing device, lancets, carrying case
Download test results to your computer
If you're visually impaired, trying to read a glucometer several times a day can feel really frustrating. Fortunately, this monitor can guide you through the testing process and read your results aloud for you. It communicates in four different languages—English, Spanish, French, and Arabic.
It’s one of the best glucose monitors in terms of accuracy, so you feel confident in your reading. It doesn’t require you to code new test strips each time, either.
This kit includes the Prodigy Autocode blood glucose monitoring system, 100 test strips, an adjustable depth lancing device, 10 twist-top lancets, two batteries, a carrying case, a data logbook, and a user manual. The device itself can store up to 450 readings in its internal memory, and it has a standard USB port that enables you to download your test data to your computer for easier management.
Result Speed: 7 seconds | Included in Kit: 100 test strips, meter, lancing device, lancets, batteries, carrying case
Device connects to phone, no batteries required
Free app for data tracking
Emergency hypoglycemia alert pairs with GPS location
Not compatible with all Android phones
For those who are hyperfocused on analyzing trends in their blood sugar reading data, our experts recommend this iPhone-compatible device from Dario. The smart, pocket-sized meter connects directly to the phone via its charging port so you don’t have to deal with any cables or batteries.
All results are automatically recorded in the accompanying app on your phone, which also analyzes your results and makes it easier for you to track diabetes-specific metrics, such as carbohydrate consumption, physical activity, and medication adherence. You can even opt to share this data with your caregivers or family members.
The meter itself is fast and accurate, providing readings in less than six seconds. It also features a built-in emergency hypoglycemia alert paired with your GPS location so you can feel as safe as possible as you self-manage your blood sugar. The kit comes with the glucometer, 25 test strips, 10 lancets, and 10 disposable covers.
Result Speed: 6 seconds | Included in Kit: 25 test strips, lancets, disposable covers
4.8 to 5 stars: These are the best glucometers we reviewed. We recommend them without reservation.
4.5 to 4.7 stars: These glucometers are excellent—they might have minor flaws, but we still recommend them.
4.0 to 4.5 stars: We think these are great glucometers, but others are better.
3.5 to 3.9 stars: These glucometers are just average.
3.4 and below: We don't recommend glucometers with this rating; you won't find any on our list.
To determine which glucometers to feature in our roundup, we consulted with endocrinologist Akankasha Goyal, MD, at NYU Langone Health and Matt Petersen, Vice President of Medical Information and Professional Engagement at the American Diabetes Association about the most important factors to consider when choosing a glucometer. Then, we researched dozens of glucometers from the most popular and trusted retailers. We ultimately chose the best braces based on accuracy, ease of use, blood sample size, and display and monitoring features.
Akankasha Goyal, MD, says the most important consideration when researching glucometers is if it will be covered under your insurance company. “It has to be cost effective at the end of the day because people check their blood glucose at least once or twice per day,” she says.
You don’t just want to select a glucometer that is covered under your health insurance, but you also want the test strips, or a portion of the strips, to be covered as they are the item that really adds up when it comes to price. So when purchasing a meter, pay attention to what specific test strips it requires and how expensive they would be under your health insurance. That should help you narrow down the options available on the market.
The quality of your glucometer and the quality of the testing strips used in your glucometer can dramatically impact the overall accuracy of your blood glucose monitoring tests. Some meters are known for giving readings that show blood glucose levels up to 15% higher or lower than they actually are. That variance is accepted by the Food and Drug Administration, but the more accurate readings you can get from your glucometer, the better.
Once you know what your insurance company will cover you can start to differentiate devices based on the additional features they offer. Considering most people need to use their glucometers multiple times per day, it’s important to pick one that you find easy and as comfortable as possible to use.
For some, that means a very simple interface that just reports and records the numbers you need. For others, that means features like Bluetooth connectivity so you can easily keep track of your data on your smartphone.
Looking for a larger screen? Then you can likely eliminate any monitors that make it more difficult to read the numbers. Looking for a device easy to carry around? Then you should definitely consider the size and where you would likely store the device when taking it on the go. Regardless, your glucometer should empower you to manage your health successfully on a daily basis.
When using a glucometer, reading and understanding your blood glucose reports needs to be a quick and somewhat automatic process. Many people prefer LED screens with high contrast and large readouts so they don’t strain their eyes as they read off their numbers on the handheld device multiple times per day. It’s also important to pick a device with data review settings that feel intuitive to you so you can reduce the burden of frequent testing.
Most glucometers store about 50 to 100 readings, but there are others on the market that can store up to 500 readings. The difference can matter for some because more readings allow you to discover patterns in when your blood glucose levels dip and rise. Dr. Goyal recommends purchasing a device with more memory storage, but only if your insurance company covers the glucometer.
Glucometers require different sizes of blood droplets on the test strips in order to accurately determine your blood glucose levels. “Less expensive meters tend to require a larger amount of blood,” says Matt Petersen, vice president of medical information and professional engagement at the American Diabetes Association.
If pain is a key factor in your decision then you will want to consider a more expensive device that will allow for a smaller drop of blood. But if this consideration isn’t a deal breaker for you then you can likely get away with using a more inexpensive device that requires more blood.
Follow these steps, according to the American Diabetes Association:
To test blood glucose, there are two main types of devices used:
The specific level of blood glucose that's considered ideal for you depends on many factors, including your age, how long you have had diabetes, medications you take, and any other medical conditions you may have.
That said, the American Diabetes Association suggests the following targets for non-pregnant adults:
To measure the accuracy of your meter, take it with you when you have a lab glucose test and check your blood immediately after. For best results, ask the lab to process your blood sample within 30 minutes.
As a seasoned health writer, Alena Hall understands how important it is to know exactly what you’re getting in a product intended for medical use. Over the years, she has reviewed dozens of products, from athletic recovery aids to condition-specific products to homeopathic essential oils, to help readers like you discover products that can help you live your best life.
Additional reporting for this story by Danielle Zoellner
As a seasoned health writer, Danielle Zoellner knows the importance of finding just the right product to fit your medical needs. Throughout her career, Danielle has interviewed a variety of experts in the medical and health fields while reviewing dozens of products. Her experience and knowledge in the field work together to help readers like yourself find the best products for your daily life.
Kocher S, Tshiananga JK, Koubek R. Comparison of lancing devices for self-monitoring of blood glucose regarding lancing pain. J Diabetes Sci Technol. 2009;3(5):1136-1143. doi:10.1177/193229680900300517
American Diabetes Association. The big picture: Checking your blood glucose.
Heinemann L, Boecker D. Lancing: quo vadis? J Diabetes Sci Technol. 2011 Jul 1;5(4):966-81. doi:10.1177/193229681100500420
Heinemann L, Drossel D, Freckmann G, Kulzer B. Usability of medical devices for patients with diabetes who are visually impaired or blind. J Diabetes Sci Technol. 2016;10(6):1382-1387. doi:10.1177/1932296816666536
Doupis J, Festas G, Tsilivigos C, Efthymiou V, Kokkinos A. Smartphone-based technology in diabetes management.Diabetes Ther.2020;11(3):607-619.doi:10.1007/s13300-020-00768-3
Food and Drug Administration. Self-monitoring blood glucose test systems for over-the-counter use.
Weinstock RS, Aleppo G, Bailey TS, et al. The Role of Blood Glucose Monitoring in Diabetes Management. Arlington (VA): American Diabetes Association.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Continuous glucose monitoring.
Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up.
There was an error. Please try again.
Oscillating Blade Contour Cutter By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts.