7 Best Glucose Meters for Blood Sugar Testing (Lab Check & Customer Reviews) in 2022

We, our expert healthcare professionals at Act1diabetes research, test & review products independently. Learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

What's Inside

The best glucose meter for blood sugar testing found in our extensive research is  Accu Check Aviva Plus.

Read our extensive methodology on how we tested & classified the best glucose meters here. Also Read about the other factors we considered.

According to the blood glucose monitoring system surveillance program by the Diabetes Technology Society, only 6 out of 18 blood glucose meters have passed the DTS standard for meter accuracy which is within 15% of the laboratory test.

The first step towards managing your type 1 or type 2 diabetes is regular and accurate monitoring of your blood sugar levels, for which you will need the best glucose meters available in the market today.

Finding the right glucose meter will allow you to monitor what makes your numbers go up and can help prevent diabetes complications such as stroke, heart attack, kidney disease, diabetic eye disease, and foot ulcers.

A glucose meter works by testing the amount of glucose present in your blood sample. In general, you prick your finger with a small needle called the lancet to get a drop of blood. Then you place the drop of blood on a disposable test strip which is inserted into the glucose meter. The glucose in your blood reacts with the chemicals in the test strip and is measured by the glucose meter, to give you your blood sugar levels. 

The accuracy of this test mainly depends on the quality of the glucose meter and the quality of the test strips. However, choosing the best glucose meter for you is not an easy task as they come in varying sizes with varying features. Factors you would need to consider before deciding to buy a glucose meter include the ease of use, accuracy of the device, testing speed, the amount of blood needed for each test, ability to store and transfer test data, pricing, and more.

Quick Look Into Some Of The Best Glucose Meters For Blood Sugar Testing

  • Care Touch Diabetes Testing Kit – All-In-One Blood Glucose Meter
  • FreeStyle: Best finger-prick-free glucose meter
  • Dario LC Blood Glucose Monitor Kit: Best smartphone-compatible glucose meter
  • Accu-chek Aviva Plus METER: Most accurate blood glucose meter
  • OneTouch Ultra Mini Blood Glucose Monitoring System: Best portable glucose meter
  • KETO-MOJO: Best ketone blood glucose meter:
  • Glucoleader’s Blood glucose meter: Best glucose meter with rapid absorption strips

How We Choose The Best Glucose Meter?

1. Accuracy and Consistent Performance
Accuracy in the readings is a must to get reliable blood sugar values from the device. In addition to this, we have selected glucose meters that provide consistent test results as well. So, we have chosen glucose meters offering accurate readings and consistent results. 

2. Ease of Use
We have listed glucose meters that are easy to use and follow a simple mechanism. With this, you can easily read your blood sugar levels. 

3. Coding 
The glucose meters we have listed here are “No Code” devices. This implies that you needn’t manually calibrate the meter for each new box of test strips. 

4. Equipped with Special Features
Whether you are looking for Bluetooth connectivity, vibration alarms, or other features, you will find the one that you need in the glucose meters mentioned here. 

5. Portability 
The glucose meters you will find here are portable and most of them come with carrying cases enabling you to carry and use the device to measure your blood sugar from anywhere. 

6. Customer Responses

We have also selected the glucose meters based on real customer feedback, both good and bad. 

7. Pricing and Affordability
The glucose meters listed here are affordable and some come with an insurance policy. So, based on your budget you can choose any one device.  

To make the task of choosing a glucose meter easier for you, our experts have compiled a list of the best glucose meters you can get online, based on recommendations put forward by the FDA and the CDC. You are guaranteed to find at least one device in this list that will suit your medical needs, budget, and personal preferences.

Accu Check Aviva Plus (Most Accurate)

Best Glucose Meter Accu Check Aviva Plus

Accu-chek Aviva Plus METER is one of the easiest to handle and quick-fill test strips, which makes it glucose checking process easy.

The glucose meter fills quickly at any point along the tip with only a tiny drop. And more than 150 system integrity checks help detect and prevent unreliable results. However, to make you understand better way. 

Overall, the AccuChek Aviva Plus METER can be pricey. But the good part is that it has quite a lot of features which make your job pretty easy. Plus, it is highly accurate. So yes, you should surely consider getting this one.

4.1 / 5

Price: $26.48


Display: LCD

Brand: Roche

Size: 40mm (H) x 28mm(W)

Measurement Range:
0.6-33.3 mmol/L

Details: More than 150 system integrity checks

Results: 5 sec


PROS

  • Highly accurate: This one is a highly accurate glucose meter. Even it has received awards for being so accurate.
  • Data transfer: One of the best parts of this one is that you will be able to download your test results to your computer. This is pretty useful for keeping track of your blood sugar level.
  • Data annotation: You can use this one to indicate if you have taken a test before or after a meal.

CONS

  • Price: The thing about this glucose meter is that it is a bit pricey compared to the other models available on the market.

Care Touch Diabetes Testing Kit

Best Glucose Meter Care Touch Diabetes Testing Kit

Care Touch Diabetes Testing Kit is one of the most user-friendly home glucose monitoring systems available on the market today thanks to a glucose meter that is equipped with an in-built code scanner and hygienic test strip release ejector. 

However, beyond the ease of use, Care Touch glucose meters are also one of the most efficient monitors out there, giving you results in as little as 5 seconds. It requires only a small blood sample size of 0.5 microliters and also allows alternate-site testing. The device can also store up to 300 readings.

But the best part about this glucose monitoring system is that you get everything you’d need to monitor your blood levels in a single kit including an FDA-approved glucose meter, 100 test strips, 1 lancing device, 30 gauge lancets – 100 counts, a battery, and even a carry bag.

Overall, if you are looking for something inexpensive as well as easy to use. Then it is a great option that you should consider. But if you are looking for accurate results, I would suggest you get something else.

4.1 / 5

Price : $26.48


Display: LCD

Brand: CareTouch

Size: 96.55 (L) x 60.5(W)x 22 (H) mm

Measurement Range:
0.6-34.3 mmol/L

Details: Available 50 test strips

Results: 5 sec


PROS

  • Easy to use: Thanks to the inbuilt code scanner, the glucose meter automatically recognizes the batch codes encrypted on each test strip so that you do not have to enter the codes manually.
  • Fast result: Care Touch glucose meters are among the fastest in the industry, giving you results in 5 seconds or less.
  • Innovation: The glucose meter comes with novel features such as 14-day average reading, options to add details such as “post-meal” or “pre-meal” flag to any test result, alternative site-testing, and automatic off to help extend battery life.
  • All-in-one: The Care Touch Diabetes Testing kit includes a monitor along with 100 test strips, a lancing device, 30 gauge lancets-100 count, a 3-volt lithium battery, instructions for use, and even a carrying bag.
  • Value for money: Perhaps the best reason to buy the Care Touch Diabetes Testing Kit is that it is quite affordable. The Care Touch test strips are also reasonably priced which means you won’t have to break the bank to get a new pack.

CONS

  • Not so accurate: The only drawback about this one is that it is not as accurate as any other model out there. Some readings may show blood glucose levels that are up to 20% higher or lower than they actually are. Although, this would not be an issue, as it falls within the FDA’s standards only. But if you need accurate results, this surely is not a good option for you.

Dario LC Blood Glucose Monitor Kit

Best Glucose Meter Dario LC Blood Glucose Monitor Kit

Dario LC Blood Glucose Monitor Kit is one of the fast and best glucometers you will find out there. Even the best part is that it comes with an app that displays results in just 6 seconds with a tiny drop of blood.

It requires only 0.3 μl of blood. Another thing that I like a lot about this one is that it comes in pocket size. This pocket-sized meter is all you need for checking your blood glucose levels.

In the end, all I would say is that this app offers you quite a lot of features. And you will be able to see most of the details on your mobile phone only. But yes, it comes with expensive test strips. But overall, technology is innovative.

4.1 / 5

Price: $26.48


Display: LCD

Brand: Dario

Size: 6.06×5.04×2.6 inches

Measurement Range:
0.5-36.1 mmol/L

Details: Requires only 0.3 μl of blood

Results: 6 sec


PROS

  • Works with smartphones: As mentioned above, it has a mobile app. As a result, it becomes easy for you to track your blood sugar levels.  
  • Saves space: It saves a lot of space. It does not have the traditional two devices model. Instead, it comes with a device and your Smartphone.
  • Compatible with Android and iOS: The app is compatible with both Android and iOS devices. However, you should know that there are two different devices for different mobile platforms. Make sure to pick the right one.
  • All-in-one kit: It comes with an all-in-one kit. The kit includes things like a lancing device, and testing strips.
  • Advanced data analysis: The app also helps you with advanced data analysis. Like, you can use it to count carbs, share your results with doctors, and monitor your physical activities, and so on. 
  • Emergency alerts: You can configure the device to send alerts automatically if your blood sugar reaches a critical level. 

CONS

  • Pricey test strips: It comes with pricey test strips. 

OneTouch Ultra Mini Blood Glucose Monitoring System

Best Glucose Meter OneTouch Ultra Mini Blood Glucose Monitoring System

The OneTouch Ultra Mini Blood Glucose Monitoring System is one of the simplest glucose meters you will find on the market. As the name says, it is so portable that it can be carried anywhere and anytime

The OneTouch Ultra Mini Blood Glucose Meter is a unique rectangular shape glucose meter that comes in the most vibrant pallet of colors available on the market today. This one is colorful, small, and fast. And it offers you fast results. It can offer you accurate results in just 5 seconds. Plus, it comes with a 3-step testing process and offers you a large, easy-to-read screen.

All I would say in conclusion is that it comes with portability features, and it works pretty great. Along with that, it comes with everything you need to test your blood sugar. Also, you might not require changing the strips too frequently. Hence, there is no recoding required.

4.1 / 5

Price: $26.48


Display: LCD

Brand: OneTouch

Size: 8.2×5.3×3 inches

Measurement Range:
0.5-26.3 mmol/L

Details: Simplest glucose meters

Results: 5 sec


PROS

  • Portable: This one is extremely portable. As a result, you will be able to take it anywhere pretty easily. Along with that, you will also be getting a handy carrying case. So taking it anywhere would be pretty easy for you. 
  • Supports data transfer: It supports data transfer. As a result, you can simply download your test result to your computer by plugging the UltraMini into a computer using a USB cable.
  • Fast and Accurate test result: This one also offers you a fast and accurate result. You may think that this small-sized device won’t do any wonders when compared to other options. However, it only takes 5 seconds to calculate results with accuracy.

CONS

  • Lacks an auto code feature: One of the drawbacks of this one is that there is no auto code feature. It may come with a bunch of convenient features. But you have to recode the UltraMini every time you insert a new batch of test strips.
  • Doesn’t come with test strips: Another thing is that it does not come with test strips. Of course, you will b getting 10 lancelets. But there are no testing strips. So you will have to purchase them separately.

Contour NEXT EZ Diabetes Testing Kit

Best Glucose Meter Contour NEXT EZ Diabetes Testing Kit

The Contour NEXT EZ Diabetes is a complete starter kit that you need to check your glucose level. It comes includes a Contour NEXT EZ Diabetes Monitor, 100 Contour NEXT Test Strips, 100 Active Forward Lancets (30g), Microlet Lancing Device, Contour NEXT Control Solution, Manual, Log Book & Diabetic Carry Case.

Overall, this one is a pretty inexpensive glucose meter that you can use. It comes with many innovative features which makes it a perfect choice for senior citizens. Also, it comes with cheap test strips, which is something you need to look for.

4.1 / 5

Price: $26.48


Display: LCD

Brand: NextEZ

Size: 4.75 x 2.75 x 6.56 inches

Measurement Range:
0.6-21.3 mmol/L

Details: 100 Contour NEXT Test Strips

Results: 20 sec


PROS

  • Complete Kit: The best part about this one is that it comes with a complete kit. It has all the equipment mentioned above. So it would not be a hard thing for you to check your glucose levels.
  • Fast and accurate results: This one is also one of the most highly accurate meters that you can find out there. The best part is that it can give you results in just 5 seconds. Also, it needs a tiny blood sample only.
  • Easy to use: The Contour NEXT EZ Diabetes Testing Kit is also pretty easy to use. It requires no coding and comes with alarm reminders. Plus, you will get options for saved pre & post-meal glucose level tests of 7, 14, & 30-day averages. Overall, it is a pretty great option for senior patients.
  • Affordable Strips: It also comes with affordable strips. One single strip costs you a few cents only.

CONS

  • Alternate site testing is not possible: It is not possible to perform alternate site testing on this one. You will only need to use a fingertip blood sample.

FORA 6 Connect Blood Glucose Testing Meter Kit

Best Glucose Meter FORA 6 Connect Blood Glucose Testing Meter Kit

The FORA 6 Connect Blood Glucose Testing Meter Kit can also help you with fast and accurate results. It is one of the best Bluetooth glucometers in its range you will be able to check your sugar readings in just 5 seconds with a tiny drop of blood. It only requires 0.5 microliters of blood. 

Overall, it comes with quite a lot of features, and the device is extremely easy to use. But the lack of test strips is something that would stop most of the users from buying this one. But the good part is that you can order them through the official store of Flora.

4.1 / 5

Price: $26.48


Display: LCD

Brand: FORA 6

Size: 7.8 x 4.29 x 2.36 inches

Measurement Range:
0.5-23.4 mmol/L

Details: Only requires 0.5 microliters of blood

Results: 6 sec


PROS

  • User friendly. Anyone can operate this machine with the help of the instruction guide provided.
  • Provides accurate and precise results.
  • The no-coding mechanism is applicable here. All the work is done through the buttons.
  • Portable and handy. As it is pocket sized, we can take it along if needed.

CONS

  • All the other equipment other than the meter should be bought separately as the kit isn’t available.
  • The price is a bit expensive as there is no other needed product tagged along.

Accu Chek Performa Nano Glucometer Kit

Best Glucose Meter Accu Chek Performa Nano Glucometer Kit

The Accu Chek Performa Nano Glucometer Kit comes with quite a lot of features. With this one, you will be getting a complete kit that includes Lancets, and 100 test strips with a long expiration date with English manuals. As well as for easy portability, it includes a very comfortable case. 

In a nutshell, all you can say is that the Accu Chek Performa Nano Glucometer Kit is a pretty great device that has some great features. As well as it offers you accurate results. But yes, you have to spend a lot on the meter and the testing strips.

4.1 / 5

Price: $26.48


Display: LCD

Brand: ACCU-CHEK

Size: 6 x 4 x 4 inches

Measurement Range:
0.6-33.4 mmol/L

Details: 100 test strips with a long expiration date

Results: 5 sec


PROS

  • It has an LCD Meter Display: It comes with an LC meter display. As a result, you will be able to check all the details on the screen itself. As well as it makes using the device pretty easy.
  • Auto power off and on: This one gets automatically powered on in just 90 seconds with strip insertion. Plus, it will automatically get switched off in 2 minutes if unused.
  • A bunch of features: It also comes with a bunch of features. Like you will be getting a hypo indicator, 4 customizable test reminders, a general flag, auto control ID, automatic recognition, and rejection of expired test strips.
  • Fast Test Time: It also offers you a fast test time. Within just 5 seconds, you will be able to check your blood sugar level. Plus, it requires a tiny blood sample only. 

CONS

  • Price: The thing with Accu Chek products is that they are pretty expensive. And this is the same case with this one too.

KETO-MOJO Bluetooth Blood Ketone and Glucose Testing Kit

Best Glucose Meter KETO-MOJO Bluetooth Blood Ketone and Glucose Testing Kit

Keto Mojo’s Ketone and Glucose meter kit is handy and easy to use. It has a one-touch button and a screen whose display is user-friendly. In addition to that, it has a one-touch strip ejector and the meter can store up to 1000 test results. This meter reads ketone and glucose blood testing strips and shows the ketone reading in mmol/L and the glucose reading in mg/DL.

The company also provides instructional videos to optimize the testing results if anything goes wrong with the fault in the meter or process. 

This company’s meter kit includes 10 blood ketone test strips, 10 blood glucose test strips, and one code chip along with the meter. These meters are endorsed by their leading industrial doctors, scientists, and researchers. This product is a 4.2 Bluetooth integrated, portable and it has an adjustable date and time functioning.

To use their lancing device, all you need to do is to wash your hands and take the meter, removing its cap by twisting it to the right. Insert the sterile lancet into the device and prepare the lancing device. Now puncture your finger and place the blood on the strip and insert it back to read the readings.

4.1 / 5

Price: $26.48


Display: LCD

Brand: KETO MOJO

Size: 4 x 6.25 x 2.25 inches

Measurement Range:
0.5-34.3 mmol/L

Details: Can store up to 1000 test results

Results: 5 sec


PROS

  • It has an LCD Meter Display: It comes with an LC meter display. As a result, you will be able to check all the details on the screen itself. As well as it makes using the device pretty easy.
  • Auto power off and on: This one gets automatically powered on in just 90 seconds with strip insertion. Plus, it will automatically get switched off in 2 minutes if unused.
  • A bunch of features: It also comes with a bunch of features. Like you will be getting a hypo indicator, 4 customizable test reminders, a general flag, auto control ID, automatic recognition, and rejection of expired test strips.
  • Fast Test Time: It also offers you a fast test time. Within just 5 seconds, you will be able to check your blood sugar level. Plus, it requires a tiny blood sample only. 

CONS

  • Price: The thing with Accu Chek products is that they are pretty expensive. And this is the same case with this one too.

Other Glucose Meters To Consider According To The Type & Utility

For detailed glucose data

Dario blood glucose monitor kit provides detailed glucose data and tracks and shares your progress with your doctor. It doesn’t require any coding or batteries. Simply plug in the meter to your smartphone and download the Dario app.

Blood Glucose Meter With The Cheapest Strips

A blood glucose meter is a portable machine that helps to measure the level of glucose in the blood. Care Touch Diabetes Testing Kit is the best and affordable blood glucose meter. It comes with the cheapest test strip and is extremely easy to use.  

Blood sugar monitor without finger pricks

It is important to keep a tab on the blood sugar readings for diabetic patients. But pricking the fingertips daily to get blood samples can be painful for them. This is a time-consuming process too. Here comes the importance of a blood sugar monitor without finger pricks. FreeStyle Libre is one of the best blood sugar monitors that does not require finger pricks. It’s a user-friendly monitor and has a fast test time.    

Read more about selecting the best blood sugar monitor without finger pricks.

Best glucose meter for non-diabetics

Tracking the blood glucose level is also important for non-diabetics to improve their overall health. Metene TD-4116 blood glucose monitor kit is an ideal and affordable glucose meter for non-diabetes. It has 4 reminder alarms that could be set every day to remind you to do a test. Also, it has a larger display to show the results more clearly.    

Read more about tracking blood sugar for non-diabetics.

Best wearable glucose monitors

A wearable blood glucose monitor or a CGM is capable of measuring blood sugar levels using sensors. Dexcom CGM system is one of the best wearable glucose monitors that measure blood glucose levels 24 hours a day. It is a CGM that consists of a tiny sensor that measures glucose level, a transmitter that transmits data to the display device, and a smart device that displays real-time information. The sensor tracks the glucose level in your interstitial fluid and the sensor is capable of testing the level of blood sugar every few minutes. The sensors present in a continuous glucose monitor can change the tracked information into electrical signals and can display it. 

More info on selecting the best wearable glucose monitor.

Best for budget

Accu check is a budget-friendly and affordable blood glucose meter. It has large storage memory and can store up to 500 test results. Accu Chek glucose meter also provides you with the average test results of around 90 days. You can differentiate the measured glucose level before and after the meal using this blood glucose meter.

User friendly

PRODIGY no coding blood glucose test strip is one of the most reliable and user-friendly glucose meters that provides accurate results through a simple test process. It can read your results aloud for you and does not require any coding. The whole kit includes a blood glucose meter, test strips, lancing device, lancets, batteries, carrying case, and a user manual.

Best for travel

A blood glucose meter that fits in your pocket or purse is perfect to use when you travel. One Touch ultra mini blood glucose meter is a small blood glucose monitoring system that comes with a carrying case for travel. It delivers the procedure results within 5 seconds and is very easy to use. 

Buying guide for the Best Blood Glucose Meter

So those were some of the suggestions for the best accurate glucose meters. Now the question is how to pick the right one for yourself? Well, to make it easy for you, here are some of the things that you need to take in consideration:

One of the most important parts is the result delivery time. There are quite a lot of meters that offer you results in just a few seconds. But some of the best glucometer too take some time. However, waiting for a few minutes to get your test done does not seem like a big deal, though. But a meter with a short delivery time will surely make your job easy.

Blood volume required for sample

The next thing is how much blood volume is required for a single test? In most of the glucose meters, the minimum requirement is about 0.3 microliters. But in some cases, it might require about 0.4 to 0.5 microliters of blood. And the thing with the blood glucose meters that requires more blood may force you to run a test all over again. Because it did not extract the needed blood volume in the first attempt.

Test strip replacement expenses

In the end, you need to take the test strip replacement expenses as a consideration. You have to check how much the test strip is costing you. There are lots of meters that have inexpensive testing strip pricing and vice versa. So you need to ask yourself how much you are willing to spend on test strips.

Our Methodology Of Testing (Accuracy Of Glucose Meter)

To select the best glucose meter for blood sugar testing in 2022, we have analyzed around 20 standard glucose meters. From this, only the most efficient glucose meters have been listed based on the following criteria:

For this in our lab, we ‘ve tested about 20 blood glucose meters that is available in the commercial market in this experiment. The aim was to check the accuracy of glucose meters with respect to blood glucose levels and hemoglobin values.

The blood glucose levels used in this experiment are between 50 – 400mg/dl. The hemoglobin level tested varied from 10 to 15g/dl.

The accuracy of blood glucose levels by glucose meters varies. By taking reference from the FDA, accurate blood glucose meter results shows between ±15% from the lab test. In other words, if you have a blood glucose level of 170, glucose meter reading levels from 145 to 190 are categorized as accurate.

Final Verdict On Selecting The best Glucose Monitor

From detailed research and analysis, we have selected the 19 best glucose meters for blood sugar testing mentioned here. Each blood sugar monitor has been chosen based on data collected from top medical forums, interaction with the manufacturers about clinical quality and safety, and tests carried out in our standard lab facilities. 

Based on this, the best glucose meter currently available is the Accu Check Aviva Plus blood sugar monitor. Among all the monitors listed here, this seems to be the most accurate and easy-to-use device for measuring blood sugar with a score of 98% given by the Diabetes Technology Society. The other devices are also worth trying. For safety, you can take expert advice about the monitors and start using the most suitable one for your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions By Our Audience

No. You needn’t require a prescription or medical advice for using a glucose meter. However, you should make sure to use an accurate and efficient glucose meter for getting reliable blood sugar results.

No. You needn’t require a prescription or medical advice for using a glucose meter. However, you should make sure to use an accurate and efficient glucose meter for getting reliable blood sugar results.

Yes, FreeStyle seems to be better than Accu Check as it is finger-prick-free, user-friendly, and has a fast test time.

Among the ones listed here, the best blood sugar testing machine is created by the brand named Care Touch. It is the most affordable and easy-to-use glucose meter currently available on the market.

The most popular blood glucose monitor available on the market is the AccuCheck Aviva Plus Meter.

Scientific References

  • Glucose Meters: A Review of Technical Challenges to Obtaining Accurate Results (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2769957/)
  • Glucose Meter Study By ClinicalTrials.gov (https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00782496)
  • Assessing the Quality of Glucose Monitor Studies (https://academic.oup.com/clinchem/article/53/6/1122/5627469)

About Tim Mathew

Tim Mathew is an Endocrinologist specialized in general endocrinology, diabetes, and lipid metabolism. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in a science-related discipline and completed a medical school program in New York. Once Tim Mathew quoted that Endocrinology is both a challenging and rewarding medical specialty, so he wants to specialize in it. To know more about Tim Mathew kindly go through our about page.

[wd_hustle id="2" type="embedded"/]

Leave a Comment