Stelo alternative: Helsa vs Stelo by Dexcom
Stelo by Dexcom is an over-the-counter glucose biosensor for adults who don't use insulin: $99 buys two sensors of up to 15 days each, or $89 a month on subscription, and its free app includes an AI coach. Helsa is a sensor-free alternative that's free to start and coaches you from your meals, sleep, stress, activity and lab results on iPhone or Android.
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Disclosure: Helsa is our product. We aim to be fair: every fact about another app links to the public source we checked, and we point out where other apps are the better fit.
Helsa vs Stelo by Dexcom at a glance
| Feature | Helsa | Stelo by Dexcom |
|---|---|---|
| CGM required | No — works from logged meals and habits, plus Apple Health data | Yes — the Stelo biosensor (up to 15-day wear) is required; the app is free |
| Price | Free tier; Premium subscription unlocks all features (US App Store lists $9.99 and $79.99; 7-day free trial) | $99 one-time for 2 sensors, $89/month subscription (2 sensors), or $252 every 3 months (6 sensors) |
| Platforms | iOS and Android | iOS and Android, plus Apple Watch |
| AI coach | Yes — 24/7 AI health coach chat | Yes — in-app AI coach with personalized tips |
| Meal logging | Photo or voice, with AI nutrition analysis | AI photo logging that turns photos into meal descriptions |
| Blood markers / labs | Yes — analyzes lab results such as A1C, cholesterol and triglycerides | Optional add-on dietitians (Nutrisense) can review your labs |
| Sleep & stress | Yes — tracks sleep and stress; syncs with Apple Health | Connects Oura, Apple Health and Health Connect data |
| Insurance / HSA | Self-pay in-app subscription through Apple or Google | HSA/FSA eligible, including subscription plans |
“Not verified” means we couldn’t confirm it from a public source, so we left it out rather than guess.
Who should choose which?
Choose Helsa if…
- You'd rather not wear a sensor or pay for new ones every month
- You want sleep, stress and blood markers in one metabolic score
- You want to log meals by voice as well as by photo
Choose Stelo by Dexcom if…
- You want real glucose readings, refreshed every 5 minutes
- You want your glucose on your Apple Watch, even without your phone nearby
- You want to connect Oura or partner programs such as Nutrisense or Levels
Pros and cons
Helsa
AI metabolic health coach app for blood sugar, weight and overall metabolic health that works without a CGM.
Pros
- No CGM or wearable needed to get started
- Holistic metabolic score that connects diet, sleep, stress, activity, body composition and blood markers
- Fast meal logging by photo or voice with AI nutrition analysis
- AI coach you can ask about meals, spikes and your blood test results
Cons
- Doesn't measure glucose itself — insights come from your logs, wearables and lab results, so they are less precise than real CGM readings
- A Premium subscription is required to unlock all features
- Informational only — not a medical device or a substitute for your doctor
Stelo by Dexcom
Over-the-counter glucose biosensor and app from Dexcom for adults 18+ who don’t use insulin.
Pros
- Up to 15-day sensor wear with a 12-hour grace period
- Glucose can go straight to Apple Watch even when your phone isn’t nearby
- Integrates with Oura and partner programs such as Nutrisense, Levels and Signos
- Glucose data refreshes every 5 minutes (app update of September 2026)
Cons
- Only available within the United States
- All sales are final — no returns or exchanges
- About 20% of sensors may not last the full 15 days
- No low-glucose alerts
Frequently asked questions
How much does Stelo cost?
Dexcom lists Stelo at $99 for a one-time purchase of two sensors, $89 a month for a subscription with two sensors, or $252 every three months for six sensors. Stelo is HSA/FSA eligible, including subscription plans.
Does the Stelo app have an AI coach?
Yes. Dexcom's Stelo app includes an AI coach and AI photo meal logging, and Dexcom notes that tips from the AI coach are not medical advice. Helsa also has a 24/7 AI coach, but it works without any sensor.
Does Stelo alert you to low blood sugar?
No. The FDA notes that Stelo is not designed to alert users to low blood sugar, and it's intended for people who don't use insulin.
Is Stelo available outside the US?
Dexcom says Stelo is currently only available within the United States.
Should I use Stelo or Helsa for prediabetes?
If you want to see exactly how specific meals affect your glucose, a sensor like Stelo gives you real data. If you want to build healthier routines around food, activity, sleep and stress without wearing a device, Helsa is designed for that. Some people wear a CGM for a few weeks to learn their patterns, then keep the habits going with a coaching app.
Sources
Prices and features change. We checked each source on the date shown; please confirm current details on the company’s own site.
- apps.apple.com/us/app/helsa-blood-sugar-coach/id6736939841 — checked
- play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=helsa.health — checked
- stelo.com/en-us/buy-stelo-one-time — checked
- apps.apple.com/us/app/stelo-by-dexcom/id6475610406 — checked
- stelo.com/en-us/compatibility — checked
- stelo.com/en-us/app-download — checked
- stelo.com/en-us/nutrisense — checked
- stelo.com/en-us/how-it-works — checked
- stelo.com/en-us/hsa-fsa — checked
- stelo.com/en-us/partners — checked
- stelo.com/en-us/faq — checked
- fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-clears-first-over-counter-continuous-glucose-monitor-children — checked