| Wear time | 10 days + 12-hour grace period | 10 days | 14 days (15 days for 3 Plus) | 14 days (15 days for 2 Plus) | 365 days (implanted sensor) | 7 days |
|---|
| Warm-up | 30 minutes | 2 hours | 60 minutes | 60 minutes | 24 hours after insertion | 2 hours |
|---|
| Calibration | Factory calibrated; optional | Factory calibrated; optional | Factory calibrated; none allowed | Factory calibrated; none allowed | Weekly fingerstick calibration | No fingersticks required in SmartGuard |
|---|
| Form factor | All-in-one sensor + transmitter, ~60% smaller than G6 | Separate reusable transmitter that snaps into sensor | Smallest applicator; sensor about the size of two stacked pennies | Round sensor, larger than Libre 3 | Implanted sensor + removable adhesive transmitter | Sensor + rechargeable Guardian Link transmitter |
|---|
| Display options | Phone app, Dexcom receiver, Apple Watch direct | Phone app, Dexcom receiver | Phone app; reader for Libre 3 Plus | Phone app or dedicated reader | Phone app; on-body vibration alerts | MiniMed pump screen and phone app |
|---|
| Sharing | Up to 10 followers via Dexcom Follow | Up to 10 followers via Dexcom Follow | LibreLinkUp followers | LibreLinkUp followers | Eversense app followers | CareLink Connect followers |
|---|
| Works with pumps | Omnipod 5, t:slim X2, Tandem Mobi, iLet | Omnipod 5, t:slim X2 | Tandem t:slim X2 and Mobi (3 Plus) | Tandem t:slim X2 and Mobi (2 Plus) | Standalone (no pump integration) | MiniMed 770G / 780G |
|---|
| Water rating | Submersible 8 ft / 24 hrs | Submersible 8 ft / 24 hrs | Water resistant, 3 ft / 30 min | Water resistant, 3 ft / 30 min | Transmitter removable; sensor unaffected | Transmitter water resistant, 8 ft / 30 min |
|---|
| Approved ages | 2 years and up, incl. pregnancy | 2 years and up, incl. pregnancy | 4 years and up (3 Plus 2 years and up) | 4 years and up (2 Plus 2 years and up) | 18 years and up | 7 years and up (with 780G) |
|---|
| Best suited for | The go-anywhere minimalist Best for people who want the smallest, fastest-starting sensor and the widest choice of pumps and watches. If you move a lot — travel, gym, shift work — the 30-minute warm-up and 12-hour grace period mean you're rarely without data. | The steady creature of habit Best for people already in a groove with G6 supplies, accessories and insurance coverage. If your routine works and you'd rather not relearn a system, the mature accessory ecosystem and familiar alerts are a real advantage. | The set-it-and-forget-it planner Best for people who want the longest wear with the fewest changes and the lowest-profile sensor. Great for anyone budgeting supplies carefully or who simply doesn't want a device visible under clothing. | The practical, low-tech household Best for people who want continuous data without depending on a smartphone — the standalone reader keeps things simple for kids, grandparents, or anyone who'd rather not manage another app. | The adhesive-weary long hauler Best for adults with sensitive skin or adhesive fatigue, and for anyone who hates weekly insertions. One placement a year plus on-body vibration alerts means fewer supplies, fewer site rotations, and alerts you feel even when your phone isn't nearby. | The all-in-one-brand simplifier Best for people who want one company for sensor, pump, app and support. If a single phone number for troubleshooting matters more than mixing best-in-class parts, the closed Medtronic loop is the tidiest path. |
|---|