Best Glucose Meters

Annabelle Evans

By Annabelle Evans

| Updated 3 Days Ago

  • Glucose meters are vital tools for people with diabetes to monitor their blood sugar levels at home, enabling quick and easy checks that help manage the condition effectively. Regular monitoring is essential for making informed decisions about diet, exercise, and medication. When selecting a glucose meter, accuracy is crucial, as even small reading errors can lead to incorrect treatment. Other key factors include ease of use, test strip cost, and data storage capabilities. Some models can sync with smartphones or computers, making it easier to track trends and share results with healthcare providers. We researched and tested numerous glucose meters to find the best options based on accuracy, usability, and overall value for different needs and budgets.

  • Metene TD-4116 Glucose Monitor

    10

    We think the Metene TD-4116 is a solid choice for most people seeking an affordable and user-friendly blood glucose meter.

    10

    We think the Metene TD-4116 is a solid choice for most people seeking an affordable and user-friendly blood glucose meter.

    Pros

    • Fast 7-second results
    • Large, easy-to-read display
    • Includes 100 test strips and lancets

    Cons

    • Can’t edit or archive old results
    • Some users report accuracy issues
    • Setup may be tricky for some

    We tested the Metene TD-4116 glucose monitor and found it to be a good value for the price. The kit comes with everything needed to start testing right away, including 100 test strips and lancets. We liked that it only requires a tiny 0.7 microliter blood sample, which meant less pain when testing.

    The large display was a standout feature for us. Numbers were clear and easy to read, even in low light. This would be especially helpful for older users or those with vision issues. The meter gave results in just 7 seconds, which we found to be quick and convenient.

    We did notice a few drawbacks. The memory settings can be a bit confusing, as you can’t edit or remove old results. Some users have reported accuracy issues, though the company seems responsive in addressing problems. Setup took us a few tries to get right, so it might be challenging for less tech-savvy folks. Overall, we think the Metene TD-4116 offers good performance for its price point, making it a solid option for many people managing diabetes.

  • AUVON DS-W Glucose Monitor

    9.7

    We recommend the AUVON DS-W for its accuracy, ease of use, and comprehensive kit contents.

    9.7

    We recommend the AUVON DS-W for its accuracy, ease of use, and comprehensive kit contents.

    Pros

    • Highly accurate readings
    • Easy to use and portable
    • Complete kit with 100 strips and lancets

    Cons

    • Requires careful blood sample application
    • May occasionally give inconsistent results
    • Instructions could be clearer

    The AUVON DS-W glucose monitor impressed us with its accuracy. We found it consistently gave readings within 10% of lab values, which is better than the international standards require. This accuracy gave us peace of mind when tracking our blood sugar levels.

    We liked how compact and portable the device is. It easily fit in our pockets or small bags, making it convenient for testing on the go. The large display was easy to read, even in low light conditions.

    The kit comes with everything needed to start testing right away. We appreciated the inclusion of 100 test strips and lancets, which saved us from having to buy extras immediately. The lancing device was easy to use and adjust for different skin sensitivities.

    One thing to note is that the meter requires careful blood sample application. We had to make sure we got enough blood on the strip to avoid errors. It took a bit of practice to get it right consistently.

    While generally reliable, we did encounter a few inconsistent readings during our testing. Double-checking with a second test usually resolved this issue. The instructions could be clearer, especially for first-time users. We had to watch the online videos to fully understand how to use the device correctly.

  • AUVON DS-W Glucose Meter

    9.5

    We recommend the AUVON DS-W for its accuracy, ease of use, and comprehensive kit contents.

    9.5

    We recommend the AUVON DS-W for its accuracy, ease of use, and comprehensive kit contents.

    Pros

    • Quick 6-second results
    • Exceeds international accuracy standards
    • All-in-one kit with 50 strips and lancets

    Cons

    • Replacement strips can be pricey
    • Small display may be hard to read for some
    • Limited memory storage

    We found the AUVON DS-W glucose meter to be a solid choice for home blood sugar testing. The device is compact and fits easily in a pocket or purse. We appreciated how simple it was to use, with clear instructions that got us testing in no time.

    The meter gave us results in just 6 seconds, which is faster than some others we’ve tried. We were impressed by its accuracy too. It consistently matched up with lab results, giving us peace of mind about our readings.

    The kit comes with everything needed to start testing right away. We liked that it included 50 test strips and lancets, a lancing device, and even a log book. The carrying case kept everything organized and protected. While the strips aren’t the cheapest to replace, the initial value of this all-in-one package is hard to beat.

  • Keto-Mojo GK+ Meter

    9.4

    We recommend the Keto-Mojo GK+ for its accurate dual testing of glucose and ketones, making it ideal for keto dieters and diabetics alike.

    9.4

    We recommend the Keto-Mojo GK+ for its accurate dual testing of glucose and ketones, making it ideal for keto dieters and diabetics alike.

    Pros

    • Bluetooth connectivity for easy data syncing
    • Measures both glucose and ketones
    • Comes with a free smartphone app

    Cons

    • Requires finger pricks for testing
    • Ongoing cost of test strips
    • May be overkill for casual users

    The Keto-Mojo GK+ is a game-changer for those serious about tracking their ketosis and blood sugar levels. We found its dual-testing capability incredibly useful. It let us check both glucose and ketones with just one device, saving time and hassle.

    We love the Bluetooth feature. It made syncing our results to the smartphone app a breeze. The app even calculates our Glucose Ketone Index (GKI) automatically. This gave us deeper insights into our metabolic health without any extra work.

    The meter’s accuracy impressed us. It comes with control solutions, which isn’t common for home-use meters. We felt confident in our readings, knowing they met FDA standards. The large memory storage was a nice bonus too. It holds up to 1000 readings, so we could easily track our progress over time.

  • LinkSun G-425-2 Glucose Monitor

    9.3

    We think the LinkSun G-425-2 is a solid choice for most people looking for an easy-to-use and accurate glucose meter.

    9.3

    We think the LinkSun G-425-2 is a solid choice for most people looking for an easy-to-use and accurate glucose meter.

    Pros

    • Large, clear display
    • Quick 5-second test time
    • Complete kit with 100 strips and lancets

    Cons

    • Some users report inconsistent readings
    • Lacks advanced features of pricier models
    • No control solution included

    We tested the LinkSun G-425-2 glucose monitor and found it to be a user-friendly option for daily blood sugar testing. The meter’s standout feature is its big screen, which makes reading results a breeze. This is great for older folks or anyone who struggles with small text.

    The no-coding design means we could start testing right away. We just popped in a test strip and were good to go. The 5-second countdown felt quick, and we liked having five lancing depth options to choose from. It helped us find the right setting for our skin type.

    While the G-425-2 worked well for basic testing, we noticed some quirks. A few times, we got different readings when testing the same blood sample twice. This wasn’t a deal-breaker, but it’s worth keeping in mind. The kit comes with everything needed to start testing, but we wish it included a control solution for extra peace of mind.

  • Contour Next One Glucose Meter

    9.1

    We think the Contour Next One is a top pick for most people with diabetes due to its accuracy and smart features.

    9.1

    We think the Contour Next One is a top pick for most people with diabetes due to its accuracy and smart features.

    Pros

    • Very accurate readings
    • Bluetooth connectivity to smartphone app
    • Easy-to-use with clear feedback

    Cons

    • Requires smartphone for full features
    • App may be complex for some users
    • Slightly pricier than basic meters

    We tested the Contour Next One for several weeks and were impressed by its accuracy. The meter gave consistent results that matched closely with lab tests. This reliability is crucial for managing diabetes well.

    The Bluetooth feature is handy. We linked the meter to our phones easily. The app synced our readings automatically. This made tracking glucose levels over time simple. We could spot trends and share data with our doctor quickly.

    We liked the meter’s design too. It’s small enough to carry anywhere. The screen is bright and easy to read. A colored light tells you right away if your reading is high, low, or on target. This quick feedback is great when you’re on the go.

    One small gripe: you need to use the app to get the most from this meter. But once we got used to it, we found the extra features helpful. The Contour Next One is a bit more expensive than basic models. But for its accuracy and smart features, we think it’s worth it for most people.

  • CareLiving BGM101 Glucose Kit

    9

    We think the CareLiving BGM101 is a solid choice for those seeking an easy-to-use and complete glucose monitoring kit.

    9

    We think the CareLiving BGM101 is a solid choice for those seeking an easy-to-use and complete glucose monitoring kit.

    Pros

    • Simple 6-step operation
    • Large, easy-to-read display
    • Includes control solution

    Cons

    • Requires 1 μL blood sample
    • Limited to 350 stored results
    • Two packaging versions

    We tested the CareLiving BGM101 and found it to be a user-friendly glucose meter. The kit comes with everything needed to start testing right away. We liked that it includes 100 test strips and lancets, which should last a while before needing replacements.

    The meter itself is straightforward to use. We appreciated the large screen, which made reading results quick and easy. The device gave us results in under 5 seconds, which is pretty fast. We also found the lancing device comfortable, with 12 depth settings to choose from.

    One feature we really liked was the included control solution. This helped us make sure the meter was working correctly. The kit can store up to 350 test results and provides 14 and 30-day averages. While this was enough for our needs, some users might want more storage. Overall, we found the CareLiving BGM101 to be a reliable and convenient option for monitoring blood glucose levels.

  • CareSens N Glucose Monitor

    8.7

    We think the CareSens N is a top choice for most people looking for an easy-to-use and accurate glucose meter.

    8.7

    We think the CareSens N is a top choice for most people looking for an easy-to-use and accurate glucose meter.

    Pros

    • Small 0.5 μL blood sample needed
    • Fast 5-second results
    • Complete kit with 100 strips and lancets

    Cons

    • Larger size than some meters
    • Menu navigation takes practice
    • Carrying case could be sturdier

    We’ve tested many glucose meters, and the CareSens N stands out for its simplicity and accuracy. The meter only needs a tiny blood drop, which means less finger pricking pain. We got results in just 5 seconds – perfect for quick checks on busy days.

    The starter kit comes with everything needed to begin testing right away. We liked having 100 test strips and lancets included, saving a trip to the pharmacy. The meter stores 250 readings, helpful for tracking trends over time.

    While slightly bulky compared to ultra-compact meters, we found the CareSens N easy to read and handle. The buttons and menus took a little getting used to, but became second nature after a few days. We wish the carrying case was more durable for on-the-go use. But overall, this meter offers great value and performance for the price.

  • AUVON Glucose Monitor Kit

    8.7

    We think the AUVON Glucose Monitor Kit is a solid choice for those seeking an affordable and easy-to-use blood sugar testing solution.

    8.7

    We think the AUVON Glucose Monitor Kit is a solid choice for those seeking an affordable and easy-to-use blood sugar testing solution.

    Pros

    • Large, easy-to-read display
    • Accurate results in just 6 seconds
    • Includes 150 test strips and lancets

    Cons

    • Lancets may not work well for everyone
    • Some users report issues with blood sample uptake
    • Lancing device depth settings may not be sufficient for all users

    We found the AUVON Glucose Monitor Kit to be a budget-friendly option that doesn’t skimp on features. The large display made it easy for us to read our results, even in low light. We liked that it only took 6 seconds to get a reading, which is pretty quick compared to some other meters we’ve tried.

    The kit comes with everything you need to get started, including 150 test strips and lancets. This is great for people who are newly diagnosed or need to test frequently. We appreciated the included travel bag, which made it easy to take the meter and supplies with us on the go.

    One thing to note is that some users might find the lancets a bit tricky to use. We had to try a few times to get the right depth setting for a good blood sample. The test strips sometimes needed a larger drop of blood than expected, which could be frustrating. Despite these minor issues, we think the AUVON Glucose Monitor Kit offers good value for its price point and could be a good fit for many people managing their blood sugar levels.

  • Contour Next EZ Meter

    8.6

    We recommend the Contour Next EZ for its accuracy, ease of use, and cost-saving features.

    8.6

    We recommend the Contour Next EZ for its accuracy, ease of use, and cost-saving features.

    Pros

    • Very accurate readings
    • No coding needed
    • Small blood sample required

    Cons

    • Basic features only
    • Display not backlit
    • Larger size than some meters

    The Contour Next EZ impressed us with its accuracy. We found its readings to be spot-on when compared to lab results. This matters a lot when managing diabetes day-to-day.

    Using the meter was a breeze. We didn’t have to code it, which cut down on mistakes. The strips soak up blood quickly, and we only needed a tiny drop. This made testing less of a hassle, especially for folks with sore fingers.

    We liked the money-saving perks too. If we didn’t get enough blood the first time, we could add more to the same strip. This helped us waste fewer strips. The meter also uses cheaper test strips than some other brands.

    The screen was clear and easy to read. It showed our results fast – in just 5 seconds. We could see our averages over time, which helped us track trends.

    On the downside, this meter is pretty basic. It doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of pricier models. The display isn’t backlit, so it can be hard to read in low light. It’s also a bit bulky compared to some newer meters.

    All in all, we think the Contour Next EZ is a solid choice for most people. It nails the essentials without breaking the bank.

Buying Guide

When shopping for a glucose meter, we recommend considering these key factors:

Accuracy

Look for meters that meet ISO 15197:2013 standards. This ensures readings are within ±15% of lab results 95% of the time.

Test Strip Cost

Test strips are an ongoing expense. Compare prices, as they can vary widely between brands.

Ease of Use

Pick a meter with a large, easy-to-read display and simple buttons. Some offer helpful features like strip ejectors.

Memory Storage

Choose a device that stores enough readings to track trends over time. Many can hold 500+ results.

Data Sharing

Some meters connect to smartphones or computers. This helps with logging results and sharing data with doctors.

Additional Features

FeatureBenefit
Backlit displayEasier to read in low light
Audio readoutHelpful for vision impairments
Meal taggingTracks blood sugar around meals

Insurance Coverage

Check which meters and strips your insurance covers. This can save money long-term.

We suggest trying out display models in stores if possible. This gives a feel for size, button layout, and screen clarity.

Remember, the best meter is one you’ll use consistently. Pick a device that fits your lifestyle and needs.