Best glucose monitors (2025)

Glucose monitoring has evolved beyond its traditional role in diabetes management, with an increasing number of people using these devices to track blood sugar levels for overall health and wellbeing.

Whether you're managing a medical condition, optimising athletic performance, or simply looking to understand how food affects your energy levels, choosing the right glucose monitor is essential.

With various options available, from basic finger-prick tests to advanced continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), selecting the best one depends on your needs and lifestyle, so here’s what to consider when choosing a glucose monitor. We spoke to expert Eleanor Hoath, registered nutritionist from Healf who highlights what to consider when choosing a glucose monitor.

According to Hoath, there are several types of glucose monitors, each designed for different uses and effectiveness.

If you need a monitor for occasional checks, a finger-prick device might be sufficient. However, if you want continuous data without frequent testing, a flash monitor or CGM could be a better choice.

Different monitors may vary in accuracy. Look for devices that are clinically validated and have positive user reviews regarding reliability. Some CGMs require calibration with a finger-prick test to ensure accuracy.

“While finger-prick monitors are generally more affordable, CGMs and flash monitors can be expensive, especially if they require sensors that need regular replacement. Consider the long-term costs, including test strips, sensors, and subscription fees if applicable,” says Hoath.

Many modern glucose monitors sync with smartphone apps to provide detailed reports, trends, and insights. If you want to track your glucose levels over time, choose a device that offers clear data visualisation and easy app integration.

Hoath says: “If you have diabetes, a CGM or flash glucose monitor might be the best option for continuous monitoring. For those monitoring glucose for general health, weight management, or fitness, a simpler device may be sufficient.”

Some monitors are designed for children or individuals with specific medical needs, so check for suitability before purchasing.

The best glucose monitor depends on your individual needs. Hoath explains: “If you want a simple and affordable way to check your blood sugar occasionally, a traditional finger-prick monitor will do the job. For those who prefer real-time insights and minimal hassle, a flash glucose monitor or CGM may be a better investment.”

Before choosing a glucose monitor, consider speaking to a healthcare professional, especially if you have a medical condition that requires regular glucose monitoring.

The ES Best Shopping team put a range of glucose monitors to the test in real-world scenarios to see how useful they were for different lifestyles. One of us is currently training for a marathon and wanted to track how different pre-run meals affected endurance. As a professional bodybuilder, I used glucose monitoring to optimise what I eat before cardio and weight training, ensuring stable energy levels for performance and recovery.

Other team members frequently experience the dreaded 3pm slump, so they used these monitors to identify which foods might be causing mid-afternoon crashes. By wearing and testing these devices throughout daily activities, workouts, and meals, we assessed their accuracy, ease of use, and how well they provided actionable insights for energy management.

Read on for more.