Smart Glucose Meter
Dexcom G7 vs. Freestyle Libre 3 Plus: Five Reasons to Choose Dexcom CGM
Published: Feb. 19, 2026
14 min read
The Dexcom G7 Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) System and the FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus are both CGM systems that consist of a wearable sensor that sends glucose readings to a connected display device, enabling you to check your glucose without routine fingersticks.* However, there are a few important differences between these two CGM systems that impact your glucose monitoring experience every day.
An Intuitive Experience with Powerful Features
What sets Dexcom G7 apart from FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus is that it combines nearly two decades of CGM technology innovation with an intuitive experience designed around customer feedback. Dexcom was the first company to put CGM on the market in 2007 and released the first CGM that was compatible with smartphones in 2016. Dexcom G7 offers more powerful insights about your glucose that are simple to understand so you can take proactive action to improve your diabetes management.
Here is a closer look at five reasons Dexcom G7 might be the right CGM system for you:
Gain Greater Confidence Around Glucose Management
Monitoring your glucose is a 24/7 job. It’s important to choose a system that meets your unique needs. Unlike FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus, Dexcom G7 supports individuals 2 and older with all types of diabetes and offers a more flexible experience with the ability to use connected insulin pumps, health apps, and display devices to help manage your diabetes.
Available for All Types of Diabetes
Dexcom G7 is clinically proven to lower A1C, reduce hypoglycemia, and increase time in range (TIR)—generally defined by Diabetes Canada as being between 3.9–10.0 mmol/L—for anyone living with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes.1-7 It’s the only CGM approved in Canada for children as young as two years old and for use during pregnancy. FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus can be used by children two and up, and has not been approved for pregnant individuals.
Dexcom G7 is clinically proven to lower A1C, reduce hypoglycemia, and increase time in range (TIR)—generally defined by Diabetes Canada as being between 3.9–10.0 mmol/L—for anyone living with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes.1-7 It’s the only CGM approved in Canada for children as young as two years old and for use during pregnancy. FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus can be used by children two and up, and has not been approved for pregnant individuals.
Automated Insulin Delivery Compatible
Especially important for people living with diabetes treated with insulin, Dexcom G7 powers multiple automated insulin delivery (AID) systems such as the Tandem t:slim X2 and Omnipod 5 insulin pumps. Glucose data from the Dexcom G7 integrates seamlessly into these state-of-the-art systems to calculate and administer insulin doses so you don’t have to. AID systems like these can help you improve your glucose management by avoiding the highs and lows that come with giving yourself insulin. While Dexcom G7 connects to two different AID systems, as of fall 2025 Freestyle Libre 3 Plus doesn’t connect to any.
Especially important for people living with diabetes treated with insulin, Dexcom G7 powers multiple automated insulin delivery (AID) systems such as the Tandem t:slim X2 and Omnipod 5 insulin pumps. Glucose data from the Dexcom G7 integrates seamlessly into these state-of-the-art systems to calculate and administer insulin doses so you don’t have to. AID systems like these can help you improve your glucose management by avoiding the highs and lows that come with giving yourself insulin. While Dexcom G7 connects to two different AID systems, as of fall 2025 Freestyle Libre 3 Plus doesn’t connect to any.
Glucose Readings Across Connected Devices and Apps
With Dexcom G7 and Freestyle Libre 3, you can get real-time glucose readings directly on your compatible smart device† or receiver, eliminating the need for routine fingersticks.* However only Dexcom G7 can send data directly to your Apple Watch¶ and share with more than one display device at once. With real-time readings on your preferred device, you can see where your glucose has been and where it’s headed, empowering you to make informed decisions about glucose management. Parents, loved ones, or caregivers of those living with diabetes can monitor glucose remotely with the Dexcom Follow app.‡§ This can provide caregivers with a little extra peace of mind and offer a greater sense of independence to kids and individuals living with disabilities.
With Dexcom G7 and Freestyle Libre 3, you can get real-time glucose readings directly on your compatible smart device† or receiver, eliminating the need for routine fingersticks.* However only Dexcom G7 can send data directly to your Apple Watch¶ and share with more than one display device at once. With real-time readings on your preferred device, you can see where your glucose has been and where it’s headed, empowering you to make informed decisions about glucose management. Parents, loved ones, or caregivers of those living with diabetes can monitor glucose remotely with the Dexcom Follow app.‡§ This can provide caregivers with a little extra peace of mind and offer a greater sense of independence to kids and individuals living with disabilities.
Get Extra Peace of Mind Around Hypoglycemia
Going low can be stressful and even scary as serious lows may lead to an emergency. Constantly worrying about where your glucose is headed can be exhausting. Dexcom G7 has several features that are proven to help reduce hypoglycemia.2-7
Know Before You Go Low
Dexcom G7 can provide alerts about your glucose when it matters most. Dexcom G7 offers a built-in Urgent Low alert that can notify you when you’re at or below 3.1 mmol/L. Unlike FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus, this alert is automatically on and doesn’t need to be turned on manually. Dexcom G7 also provides a predictive Urgent Low Soon alert that can let you know up to 20 minutes before you’re likely to experience a serious low under 3.1 mmol/L. This empowers you to take proactive action to prevent lows before they happen. FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus only provides an alert when you drop below 3.1 mmol/L. Both systems offer customizable alerts that can tell you when you’re high or low.
Dexcom G7 can provide alerts about your glucose when it matters most. Dexcom G7 offers a built-in Urgent Low alert that can notify you when you’re at or below 3.1 mmol/L. Unlike FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus, this alert is automatically on and doesn’t need to be turned on manually. Dexcom G7 also provides a predictive Urgent Low Soon alert that can let you know up to 20 minutes before you’re likely to experience a serious low under 3.1 mmol/L. This empowers you to take proactive action to prevent lows before they happen. FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus only provides an alert when you drop below 3.1 mmol/L. Both systems offer customizable alerts that can tell you when you’re high or low.
Help Prevent and Treat Nighttime Hypos
The predictive Urgent Low Soon alert is unique to Dexcom CGM Systems and isn’t provided by FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus—which only provides an alert the moment you go below 3.1 mmol/L.|| With the FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus system, you have to constantly check your device to see whether your levels are dropping rapidly if you want to prevent a low before it happens. This can pose an issue when you’re not looking at your device, such as when you’re asleep. If you experience nighttime hypos, Dexcom G7 can sound an alert to wake you up before you experience a low. Getting extra peace of mind can help you have a better night’s sleep.8
The predictive Urgent Low Soon alert is unique to Dexcom CGM Systems and isn’t provided by FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus—which only provides an alert the moment you go below 3.1 mmol/L.|| With the FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus system, you have to constantly check your device to see whether your levels are dropping rapidly if you want to prevent a low before it happens. This can pose an issue when you’re not looking at your device, such as when you’re asleep. If you experience nighttime hypos, Dexcom G7 can sound an alert to wake you up before you experience a low. Getting extra peace of mind can help you have a better night’s sleep.8
Get Ahead of Hypo Unawareness
Those who experience hypoglycemia unawareness can also benefit from the Urgent Low Soon alert. With hypo unawareness, the body begins to adapt to low glucose and, over time, stops triggering low glucose symptoms. This makes it hard for individuals to feel when they might be going low. Children may also have difficulty noticing and communicating the symptoms of a low. The Urgent Low Soon alert can give you a heads-up about falling glucose levels, taking some of the pressure off from trying to identify whether you’re going low.
Those who experience hypoglycemia unawareness can also benefit from the Urgent Low Soon alert. With hypo unawareness, the body begins to adapt to low glucose and, over time, stops triggering low glucose symptoms. This makes it hard for individuals to feel when they might be going low. Children may also have difficulty noticing and communicating the symptoms of a low. The Urgent Low Soon alert can give you a heads-up about falling glucose levels, taking some of the pressure off from trying to identify whether you’re going low.
Experience Comfortable and Convenient Sensor Wear
It’s important to consider how a wearable glucose sensor feels on your skin and whether it can stand up to your everyday routine—even if you’re sweating it out in the gym or playing with your kids at the pool. The wearable Dexcom G7 sensor is the only waterproof CGM, while the Freestyle Libre3 is only water-resistant.
Discreet and Comfortable
Dexcom G7 features a sensor that’s 60% smaller than its predecessor, the Dexcom G6 CGM System.9 Although the FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus sensor is slightly smaller, Dexcom G7 can be worn in more locations on the body. The sensor can be attached to the back of the arms or either side of the lower abdomen. Children two to six years old can also wear the sensor on their upper buttocks. This allows you—or your child—to wear the sensor wherever it is most comfortable and convenient. Anywhere you place it, the low-profile design of the sensor is so compact that many report forgetting they're wearing it.10
Dexcom G7 features a sensor that’s 60% smaller than its predecessor, the Dexcom G6 CGM System.9 Although the FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus sensor is slightly smaller, Dexcom G7 can be worn in more locations on the body. The sensor can be attached to the back of the arms or either side of the lower abdomen. Children two to six years old can also wear the sensor on their upper buttocks. This allows you—or your child—to wear the sensor wherever it is most comfortable and convenient. Anywhere you place it, the low-profile design of the sensor is so compact that many report forgetting they're wearing it.10
FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus, on the other hand, can only be worn on the back of the arm and there are no additional wear location options for kids.11 That means you can only trade between each arm every time you switch your sensor. With more options for wearing your Dexcom G7, you can give the skin at each wear location longer breaks between switches, which may help you keep your skin in good condition and limit the risk of irritation.12
Fast Warm-Up and Extended Sensor Change Grace Period
Dexcom G7 can also reduce the stress around looking after your glucose in between changing your wearable sensor. Dexcom G7 has a 30-minute warmup time, while FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus takes 60 minutes to warm up, which means you will spend more time checking your glucose with finger pricks with Freestyle Libre 3 Plus.11 With Dexcom G7, you can get some additional peace of mind around putting on a new sensor as there is a 12-hour grace period at the end of your sensor wear period. This lets you change your sensor when it’s convenient for you.
Dexcom G7 can also reduce the stress around looking after your glucose in between changing your wearable sensor. Dexcom G7 has a 30-minute warmup time, while FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus takes 60 minutes to warm up, which means you will spend more time checking your glucose with finger pricks with Freestyle Libre 3 Plus.11 With Dexcom G7, you can get some additional peace of mind around putting on a new sensor as there is a 12-hour grace period at the end of your sensor wear period. This lets you change your sensor when it’s convenient for you.
Create a Glucose Monitoring Routine that Fits Your Lifestyle
The right CGM system for you is the one that fits into your everyday life as seamlessly as possible. Dexcom G7 offers more flexibility with wear locations and alarm customization than FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus to support the way customers want to use it in their routines.
Alert Settings for Every Situation
Dexcom G7 alerts were redesigned based on customer feedback to be as subtle or as obvious as you need them to be. You can choose from a library of alert sounds and set up alerts to have different sounds at different times of the day. For example, if you’re in a meeting, you can switch your alerts to vibrate only or silence all alerts for the duration. The built-in Urgent Low alert will sound if you don’t acknowledge it, even if you’re on vibrate, giving you a little extra peace of mind around knowing when you’re low. FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus does not have alert scheduling, which means they may be disruptive or distracting in some scenarios.
Dexcom G7 alerts were redesigned based on customer feedback to be as subtle or as obvious as you need them to be. You can choose from a library of alert sounds and set up alerts to have different sounds at different times of the day. For example, if you’re in a meeting, you can switch your alerts to vibrate only or silence all alerts for the duration. The built-in Urgent Low alert will sound if you don’t acknowledge it, even if you’re on vibrate, giving you a little extra peace of mind around knowing when you’re low. FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus does not have alert scheduling, which means they may be disruptive or distracting in some scenarios.
Check Your Readings When it Works for You
Even though FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus users no longer have to scan their sensor, the system is still more hands-on than Dexcom G7. If you want to know where your glucose is headed using FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus, you have to check your readings on your device unless you set up alarms. However, Freestyle Libre alarms can only let you know the moment your glucose hits the threshold you’ve set. In addition to the predictive Urgent Low Soon alert, Dexcom G7 offers customizable Rising Fast and Falling Fast alerts that can let you know when your glucose is changing rapidly.
Even though FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus users no longer have to scan their sensor, the system is still more hands-on than Dexcom G7. If you want to know where your glucose is headed using FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus, you have to check your readings on your device unless you set up alarms. However, Freestyle Libre alarms can only let you know the moment your glucose hits the threshold you’ve set. In addition to the predictive Urgent Low Soon alert, Dexcom G7 offers customizable Rising Fast and Falling Fast alerts that can let you know when your glucose is changing rapidly.
Some FreeStyle Libre users rely on picking up their phone or reader and looking at their readings more frequently, but this might not fit into your ideal glucose monitoring routine. It may give you a greater sense of well-being to be able to put your phone down and be present in the moment, knowing that you can be notified about important changes in your levels ahead of time and as they happen. Using Dexcom G7 may give you a greater sense of freedom from constantly checking your glucose levels.
Get Truly At-a-Glance Glucose Readings
Dexcom G7 and FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus can both provide glucose readings in the palm of your hand. However, Dexcom G7 offers more options for viewing your glucose readings and offers a truly at-a-glance experience.
More Convenient Ways to See Your Readings
Unlike FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus, Dexcom G7 readings can be sent directly to an Apple Watch.¶ This makes it more convenient to check your glucose levels when you’re exercising, at a meeting or performance. It also enables you to get readings even when you don’t have your phone with you. The Dexcom G7 smartwatch app displays your glucose number and direction arrows as well as your glucose graph. FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus can only push alerts and notifications to your smartwatch, not detailed readings.
Unlike FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus, Dexcom G7 readings can be sent directly to an Apple Watch.¶ This makes it more convenient to check your glucose levels when you’re exercising, at a meeting or performance. It also enables you to get readings even when you don’t have your phone with you. The Dexcom G7 smartwatch app displays your glucose number and direction arrows as well as your glucose graph. FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus can only push alerts and notifications to your smartwatch, not detailed readings.
Dexcom G7 also offers more ways to get your glucose readings on your smart device. Dexcom G7 is compatible with Siri on iOS, giving you the option to simply ask for your readings when you can’t look at your device. You can also set custom home and lock screen widgets on iOS devices to view your glucose readings. FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus doesn’t have these features.
User-Friendly Receiver Display Device Option
Dexcom G7 and Libre3 can also be used with a receiver instead of a compatible smart device. Using a receiver may be more convenient for those who don’t use a smart device. This makes the system a little more straightforward and intuitive to use, no matter how tech-savvy you are.
Dexcom G7 and Libre3 can also be used with a receiver instead of a compatible smart device. Using a receiver may be more convenient for those who don’t use a smart device. This makes the system a little more straightforward and intuitive to use, no matter how tech-savvy you are.
Find Out if Dexcom G7 is Right for You
Dexcom G7 can help you manage diabetes with greater confidence with flexible features you can customize to fit into your everyday routines. With Dexcom G7, you can work towards your diabetes management goals and take informed action to feel your best as often as possible.
* If your glucose alerts and readings from the Dexcom CGM do not match symptoms or expectations, use a blood glucose meter to make diabetes treatment decisions.
† For a list of compatible smart devices, please visit www.dexcom.com/compatibility
‡ Followers must have compatible smart devices to use the Dexcom Follow app. To view a list of compatible devices, visit dexcom.com/compatibility.
§ Separate Dexcom Follow app required. Internet connectivity required for data sharing. Followers should always confirm readings on the Dexcom G7 app or receiver before making treatment decisions.
|| FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus User's Manual
¶ Compatible smartphone is required to pair a new Dexcom G7 sensor with an Apple Watch. Dexcom G7 users must continuously have their smartphone within 20 feet to utilize the Share/Follow features. Apple Watch is not capable of Share/Follow.
† For a list of compatible smart devices, please visit www.dexcom.com/compatibility
‡ Followers must have compatible smart devices to use the Dexcom Follow app. To view a list of compatible devices, visit dexcom.com/compatibility.
§ Separate Dexcom Follow app required. Internet connectivity required for data sharing. Followers should always confirm readings on the Dexcom G7 app or receiver before making treatment decisions.
|| FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus User's Manual
¶ Compatible smartphone is required to pair a new Dexcom G7 sensor with an Apple Watch. Dexcom G7 users must continuously have their smartphone within 20 feet to utilize the Share/Follow features. Apple Watch is not capable of Share/Follow.
1 Imran AS, et. al. Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Prevention and Management of Diabetes in Canada: Targets for Glycemic Control. Can J Diabetes. 2018:42(S42–S46). doi: 10.1016/j.jcjd.2017.10.030
2 Beck RW, et al. Effect of Continuous Glucose Monitoring on Glycemic Control in Adults With Type 1 Diabetes Using Insulin Injections: The DIAMOND Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA. 2017;317(4):371-378. doi:10.1001/jama.2016.19975
3 Beck RW, et al. Continuous Glucose Monitoring Versus Usual Care in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Receiving Multiple Daily Insulin Injections: A Randomized Trial. Ann Intern Med. 2017;167(6):365-374. doi:10.7326/M16-2855
4 Martens T, et al. Effect of Continuous Glucose Monitoring on Glycemic Control in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Treated With Basal Insulin: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA. 2021;325(22):2262-2272. doi:10.1001/jama.2021.7444
5 Laffel LM, et al. Effect of Continuous Glucose Monitoring on Glycemic Control in Adolescents and Young Adults With Type 1 Diabetes: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA. 2020;323(23):2388-2396. doi:10.1001/jama.2020.6940
6 Welsh JB, et al. Comparisons of Fifth-, Sixth-, and Seventh-Generation Continuous Glucose Monitoring Systems. J Diabetes Sci Technol. Published online June 13, 2022. doi:10.1177/19322968221099879
7 Heinemann L, et al. Real-time continuous glucose monitoring in adults with type 1 diabetes and impaired hypoglycaemia awareness or severe hypoglycaemia treated with multiple daily insulin injections (HypoDE): a multicentre, randomised controlled trial. Lancet. 2018;391(10128):1367-1377. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(18)30297-6
8 Avoiding Nighttime Hypoglycemia. Joslin Diabetes Center. Accessed February 7, 2023. https://www.joslin.org/patient-care/diabetes-education/diabetes-learning-center/avoiding-nighttime-hypoglycemia
9 Garg SK, et al. Diabetes Technol Ther. 2022;24(6):373-380.
10 Dexcom, Data on file, 2023.
11 FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus User Guide
12 Diedisheim M, et al. Prevalence and Description of the Skin Reactions Associated with Adhesives in Diabetes Technology Devices in an Adult Population: Results of the CUTADIAB Study. Diabetes Technol Ther. 2023;25(4):279-286. doi:10.1089/dia.2022.0513
2 Beck RW, et al. Effect of Continuous Glucose Monitoring on Glycemic Control in Adults With Type 1 Diabetes Using Insulin Injections: The DIAMOND Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA. 2017;317(4):371-378. doi:10.1001/jama.2016.19975
3 Beck RW, et al. Continuous Glucose Monitoring Versus Usual Care in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Receiving Multiple Daily Insulin Injections: A Randomized Trial. Ann Intern Med. 2017;167(6):365-374. doi:10.7326/M16-2855
4 Martens T, et al. Effect of Continuous Glucose Monitoring on Glycemic Control in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Treated With Basal Insulin: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA. 2021;325(22):2262-2272. doi:10.1001/jama.2021.7444
5 Laffel LM, et al. Effect of Continuous Glucose Monitoring on Glycemic Control in Adolescents and Young Adults With Type 1 Diabetes: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA. 2020;323(23):2388-2396. doi:10.1001/jama.2020.6940
6 Welsh JB, et al. Comparisons of Fifth-, Sixth-, and Seventh-Generation Continuous Glucose Monitoring Systems. J Diabetes Sci Technol. Published online June 13, 2022. doi:10.1177/19322968221099879
7 Heinemann L, et al. Real-time continuous glucose monitoring in adults with type 1 diabetes and impaired hypoglycaemia awareness or severe hypoglycaemia treated with multiple daily insulin injections (HypoDE): a multicentre, randomised controlled trial. Lancet. 2018;391(10128):1367-1377. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(18)30297-6
8 Avoiding Nighttime Hypoglycemia. Joslin Diabetes Center. Accessed February 7, 2023. https://www.joslin.org/patient-care/diabetes-education/diabetes-learning-center/avoiding-nighttime-hypoglycemia
9 Garg SK, et al. Diabetes Technol Ther. 2022;24(6):373-380.
10 Dexcom, Data on file, 2023.
11 FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus User Guide
12 Diedisheim M, et al. Prevalence and Description of the Skin Reactions Associated with Adhesives in Diabetes Technology Devices in an Adult Population: Results of the CUTADIAB Study. Diabetes Technol Ther. 2023;25(4):279-286. doi:10.1089/dia.2022.0513