FreeStyle Libre vs. Lingo: 6 Things to Know When Comparing These CGMs

People living with diabetes are familiar with monitoring glucose (sugar) levels. And many people do this using a continuous glucose monitor (CGM). CGMs are wearable devices that take hundreds of glucose readings every day. But recently, there’s been a surge of people without diabetes using CGMs.

You used to need a prescription to purchase a CGM. But in early 2024, the FDA cleared the first over-the-counter (OTC) CGM. This allowed people without diabetes to more easily access these devices.

Abbott is one of several CGM manufacturers. The FreeStyle Libre is their most well-known line of CGMs. But in June 2024, they released a new device called Lingo. At first glance, you may not be able to tell Lingo apart from the Libre line. But don’t be fooled; they’re not the same. So what’s the difference between FreeStyle Libre and Lingo?

1. FreeStyle Libre is prescription only, while Lingo is available over the counter

One of the biggest differences between FreeStyle Libre and Lingo is how you obtain them. FreeStyle Libre is a prescription-only device. Lingo is available OTC.

There are currently three FreeStyle Libre models available: Libre 14 Day, Libre 2, and Libre 3. All of them require a prescription. You can compare the three Libre models here.

Lingo currently only has one model available. This may change after the device has been on the market for a while. But the Lingo line is one of Abbott’s OTC CGMs. The other OTC device is called Libre Rio, and it has different uses and features than Lingo.

EXPERT PICKS: WHAT TO READ NEXT

• All about continuous glucose monitors (CGMs): Learn how CGMs can help people living with diabetes manage their glucose (sugar) levels.

• No prescription needed: CGMs are available over the counter now. But the research isn’t clear on the health benefits of using them if you don’t have diabetes.

• How much are CGMs? Prices vary depending on the model. Learn how much CGMs cost with and without insurance.

2. FreeStyle Libre is FDA cleared for diabetes management, while Lingo is cleared for general health and wellness

Another difference between FreeStyle Libre and Lingo is their FDA-cleared uses. Given this difference, it’s important to discuss which CGM is the right option for you with your healthcare team first. They can help you decide whether a CGM is appropriate for you, and which one might be the best choice.

Good to know: “FDA cleared” is a term used to describe medical devices that the FDA has reviewed for safety and effectiveness. Many people use the terms “FDA cleared” and “FDA approved” interchangeably. But FDA approval is a different process, and it’s typically only used to review medications and vaccines.

FreeStyle Libre uses

All three FreeStyle Libre devices are cleared for people living with diabetes. This includes people with Type 1, Type 2, and gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy).

You can use the Libre CGMs to help monitor glucose levels. The Libre 2 and 3 models can also help alert you to hyperglycemia (high glucose) and hypoglycemia (low glucose). This can be especially helpful if you use insulin, or if you’re prone to frequent glucose ups and downs.

Keep in mind that there are differences in the FDA-cleared age ranges for the three Libre models. For instance, Libre 14 Day is only cleared for adults age 18 and older. The Libre 2 and 3 models are cleared for use in adults and children age 2 and older.

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Lingo uses

Lingo is FDA cleared for adults age 18 and older. It’s meant for people looking to support their overall health and well-being. You shouldn’t use Lingo if you have diabetes, as it’s not FDA cleared to help manage the condition. 

Lingo doesn’t provide alerts for hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia. And not knowing if you have high or low glucose can be dangerous (or even life-threatening), especially when it comes to hypoglycemia.

Another point to consider is that Lingo can only report glucose levels that are between 55 mg/dL and 200 mg/dL. It’s common for people living with diabetes to have glucose levels outside of this range from time to time. For comparison, the Libre line can report glucose levels that are between 40 mg/dL and 400 mg/dL (and up to 500 mg/dL for the Libre 14 Day system).

3. The FreeStyle Libre and Lingo sensors are about the same size

Having a relatively small CGM sensor makes the device more comfortable to wear. It’s also less likely to get snagged on clothes.

One of the Libre 3’s standout qualities is that it’s the smallest and thinnest CGM on the market. It’s the same size as two U.S. pennies stacked on top of each other. The Libre 14 Day and Libre 2 sensors are slightly larger — about the size of two U.S. quarters stacked up.

Lingo sensors appear to be a similar size to the Libre 14 Day and Libre 2 sensors. So you can expect a similar feel once it's inserted.

4. FreeStyle Libre and Lingo sensors last for different amounts of time

There may be a small difference in how long FreeStyle Libre and Lingo sensors last. But it depends on your CGM model and sensor type.

Original Libre and Lingo sensors last for up to 14 days. The newest Libre Plus sensors last for up to 15 days. They can be used with the Libre 2 and 3 systems. They can also connect with certain automated insulin delivery systems.

Good to know: FreeStyle 14 Day systems don’t have a Plus sensor available. The sensors for this system last for up to 14 days.

5. FreeStyle Libre and Lingo use two different smartphone apps

Many people use a CGM smartphone app to track their glucose levels and trends. All Abbott CGMs have an app that connects to the sensors using Bluetooth technology.

But the apps aren’t interchangeable. You have to use the app that’s compatible with your CGM system. So make sure you’ve downloaded the right one. You can find the name of the app to download in your device’s user guide.

With Lingo, you can’t share your glucose data with others. But with Libre models, you can use the LibreLinkUp app to share glucose data with your healthcare team and others.

The Libre apps are compatible with both Apple and Android mobile phones. Currently, Lingo is only compatible with certain iPhones. But this is expected to change in the future.

6. Insurance coverage is different for FreeStyle Libre and Lingo

Insurance coverage typically is the biggest deciding factor when a healthcare professional recommends a certain CGM system and model. Many insurance plans cover CGMs in similar ways to other diabetes testing supplies. Depending on your specific plan and health history, one of the FreeStyle Libre CGMs may be covered by insurance.

But it’s highly unlikely that insurance plans will cover Lingo. Most plans don’t cover OTC products. What’s more, you can only purchase Lingo directly through Abbott’s website at this time. Unlike the Libre CGMs, Lingo isn’t available in community pharmacies.

Keep in mind that you may be able to use flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA) funds when purchasing CGMs. Check with your FSA or HSA customer service department to see if FreeStyle Libre or Lingo are eligible expenses.

How do you pick between FreeStyle Libre and Lingo?

Simply put: If you have diabetes, don’t use Lingo. It’s recommended that people living with diabetes use a CGM that’s FDA cleared for the condition, such as FreeStyle Libre.

As mentioned earlier, Lingo isn’t FDA cleared to help manage diabetes. It isn’t able to alert you about out-of-range glucose levels. And this can lead to serious (or even life-threatening) complications related to hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia.

If you don’t have diabetes, consider discussing CGM use with your healthcare professional before buying one. In some cases, such as when you have prediabetes, a healthcare professional may still prefer that you use FreeStyle Libre or another prescription-only CGM. Your healthcare team can help weigh the pros and cons of whether a CGM is a good option and which one might be best for you.

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Written by:

Christina Aungst, PharmD

Christina Aungst, PharmD, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. She began writing for GoodRx Health in 2019, transitioning from freelance writer to editor in 2021.

Reviewed by:

Jewels Doskicz, RN, BA

Jewels Doskicz, RN, BA, is an Arizona-based registered nurse with 22 years of hospital-wide clinical nursing experience and 11 years of medical writing and editing experience. She was a former healthcare content creator for a digital health tool at HealthLoop and director of clinical content operations at GetWellNetwork.

Reviewed by:

Sophie Vergnaud, MD

Sophie Vergnaud, MD, is the Senior Medical Director for GoodRx Health. An experienced and dedicated pulmonologist and hospitalist, she spent a decade practicing and teaching clinical medicine at academic hospitals throughout London before transitioning to a career in health education and health technology.

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