Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
Blood sugar meters range from basic models to ones with voice guidance and ketone testing.
You might want to choose a meter based on how easy it is to use, the features that fit your lifestyle, and how portable it is.
Test strips, accessories, and long-term costs can be just as important as the meter itself.
If you have diabetes, you know how important it can be to keep tabs on your blood sugar levels. A solid blood sugar meter gives you the numbers you need to keep things under control. Your options can range from super affordable, no-frills meters to products with extras like voice guidance and portability. It helps to know how each type actually works and which features might make life easier.
How Do Blood Sugar Meters Work?
A blood sugar meter is a small gadget that checks how much glucose is in your blood. These meters are used with disposable test strips. You’ll prick your finger, put a drop of blood on the strip, and then read your glucose level on the meter, usually in mg/dL if you’re in the U.S.
With a blood glucose meter, you can often see patterns, like how diet, exercise, medications, or even stress can cause your numbers to jump around. That information can be useful for making decisions day to day.
When you’re looking for a meter, you may want to look for one that’s:
Accurate
Easy to use
Quick to give results
Needing the least amount of blood
Able to store your glucose levels for easy tracking
The FDA says you should follow the manufacturer’s instructions for storing and handling blood glucose monitoring devices if you want your results to stay accurate.
Examples of Popular Blood Sugar Meters
Blood sugar meters come in all shapes and sizes. Some are extremely simple and accessible, while others can connect to your phone and allow you to easily track your readings. Here are a few you might see in stores or online, and what makes each one stand out.
True Metrix Go
A small, travel-friendly meter you can take anywhere. The True Metrix Go gives results in just a few seconds and only needs a tiny drop of blood. It’s easy to toss in your bag or pocket if you check your sugar on the go. It also twists directly onto a vial of test strips, so everything stays together for convenience.
TRUE METRIX GO® Meter Kit with 100 Strips and 100 Lancets
$ 57.00
$ 71.25
The small TRUE METRIX GO® blood glucose meter is twisted onto a vial of TRUE METRIX Test Strips, while enhanced performance features make this the ideal meter for users seeking everyday testing convenience. Enhanced performance features, such as 7-, 14-,… read more
TRUENESS Blood Glucose Meter
This blood sugar meter is straightforward and dependable. It’s simple to use, shows your number clearly on the screen, and works with TRUENESS test strips. The TRUENESS meter is the right choice if you want fast, no-coding results and the ability to store and track up to 500 readings. It also offers useful features like meal tagging and ketone alerts, making it a more complete option than other basic meters.
TRUENESS™ Meter Starter Bundle
$ 19.49
$ 25.98
TRUENESS Meter Starter Bundle Includes: TRUENESS Blood Glucose Meter Starter Kit 100 TRUENESS Blood Glucose Test Strips 100 TRUEplus Single-Use Lancets 30 Gauge TRUEdraw Lancing Device TRUENESS Control Solution Test with confidence with the TRUENESS Blood Glucose Monitoring System. TRUENESS… read more
Contour Next ONE
One of the most accurate blood sugar meters out there. The Contour Next ONE can connect to an app on your phone so you can track trends and share results with your doctor. The display is bright, and you can even add more blood to the strip within a short time if you didn’t get enough the first try.
Bayer Contour Next ONE Meter Kit w/ 100 Test Strips
$ 89.58
$ 111.98
It isn't always easy managing your diabetes, keeping a record of all your blood glucose results and understanding how your activities impact them. Wouldn't it be great to take some of the hassle out of your diabetes management with a… read more
Contour Next EZ
The Contour Next EZ made for people who want something easy and accurate without Bluetooth or apps. No coding required—just insert a strip, test, and read your number on a big, clear screen.
Bayer Contour Next EZ Glucose Meter Kit (Meter with 100 Test Strips)
$ 82.38
$ 102.98
The Bayer Contour Next EZ meter technology evaluates a single sample 7 times for exceptionally accurate results. Bayer Contour Next EZ Glucose Meter Features: For self-testing, monitoring and management of blood glucose Proven accuracy Ready to use out of the… read more
Embrace TALK Meter
The Embrace TALK Meter says your results out loud, which is great if you have trouble reading the screen. It walks you through each step, so testing can feel a little less intimidating. The buttons are big and easy to find by touch, and it gives you your number fast.
Embrace TALK Meter with 50 Glucose Test Strips
$ 17.17
$ 21.46
The Embrace TALK blood glucose monitoring system was built with the end user in mind. The primary objective was to create a meter which maintained a high degree of accuracy while providing an overwhelming ease of use. The large display… read more
NovaMax Plus
A good all-in-one option if you want fewer gadgets to keep track of. The NovaMax Plus pulls double duty by checking both blood sugar and ketones (with the right strips). That’s especially helpful if you’re following a low-carb or keto diet and want to keep an eye on both. It’s small enough to carry anywhere and gives you results in just a few seconds.
NovaMax Plus Diabetes Monitoring Kit Combo (Meter Kit, 10 Ketone Strips, and 50 Glucose Test Strips)
$ 33.42
$ 41.78
The Nova Max Plus blood glucose & ketone meter kit is quick, simple, and smart. Nova Max has the newest and most advanced technology that is unique to only Nova Max - semiconductor and nanotechnology - no coding, fastest total test… read more
Prodigy Voice
Made for people with vision loss, this meter guides you through the whole process by speaking out loud. It goes through setup, testing, and results. The Prodigy Voice doesn’t need coding and stores plenty of past readings. A great fit if you need a meter that’s fully accessible without looking at a screen.
No matter which meter you choose, the best one is the one you’ll actually use every day. Think about what matters most to you, whether that’s size, price, or tech features, and go with the one that fits your lifestyle.
Prodigy Voice Meter Kit Combo (Meter Kit and Test Strips 100ct)
$ 60.09
$ 75.11
Having trouble reading your glucose meter's screen? Its so hard to get quality products that work well for those who need them most. That's why the Prodigy Voice Glucose Meter was developed. It will give you a clear reading of… read more
Tips for Using the Right Blood Sugar Meter
Picking a blood sugar meter really depends on what you need, what you want to spend, and how easy you want things to be. Take some time to compare what’s out there before you settle on one.
Once you pick a meter, spend a little time getting the hang of it. If your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist can show you how, even better. Less guesswork means better readings and better outcomes in the long run.
Even if you find the right blood glucose meter, it won’t matter if you don’t know how to use it correctly. In most cases, the instructions to use one are virtually the same across different models. The basic instructions include:
Wash and dry your hands.
Insert a new test strip.
Prick your finger with a lancet.
Put a drop of blood on the strip.
Wait for your number to show up.
Bottom Line
Picking a blood sugar meter really comes down to what you need, your budget, and how comfortable you are with tech. Some people prefer the classic fingerstick meters where you insert, test, and read the result quickly on a screen. Others might be interested in specific features, like portable sizes, voice readings, and the ability to test ketones. Don’t forget to add up your potential costs (like strips, sensors, random accessories). That way, you’re getting the most value out of your setup.
Sources
How to Eat Healthy, American Diabetes Association (n.d.)
Blood Glucose Monitoring Devices, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (2024)
Check Your Blood Glucose, American Diabetes Association (n.d.)
FAQs
How do I find a good blood sugar meter?
When you’re looking for a meter, you may want to look for one that’s accurate, easy to use, quick to give results, needs the least amount of blood, and is able to store your glucose levels for easy tracking
What kind of blood sugar meter should I get?
Picking a blood sugar meter really comes down to what you need, your budget, and how comfortable you are with technology. Some people prefer the classic fingerstick meters where you insert, test, and read the result quickly on a screen. Others might be interested in specific features, like portable sizes, voice readings, and the ability to test ketones.
What should I consider when choosing a blood sugar meter?
Don’t forget to add up your potential ongoing costs like strips, sensors, and accessories. That way, you’re getting the most value out of your setup.
