# Dexcom Stelo vs Medtronic Guardian 4: specs and price compared

A sourced, side-by-side comparison of the Dexcom Stelo (Dexcom) and Medtronic Guardian 4 (Medtronic) among continuous glucose monitors. Dexcom Stelo is the cheaper of the two at $99.

## Side by side

| Spec | Dexcom Stelo | Medtronic Guardian 4 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| US price | $99 | $2478.3 |
| Brand | Dexcom | Medtronic |
| Released | 2024-08 | 2023-04 |
| Wear duration days | 15 | 7 |
| Warmup time hours | 0.5 | 2 |
| Reading interval min | 5 | 5 |
| Water resistance | Waterproof to 8 ft (2.4 m) for 24 hours | Splash-resistant only; not rated for submersion |
| App platform | iOS & Android (Stelo app); syncs with Apple Health and Google Health Connect | iOS & Android (Guardian Connect app); also displays on the MiniMed 780G pump |
| Prescription required | No | Yes |
| Mard accuracy pct | 8.3 | 10.6 |
| Sensor size | 1.1 x 0.9 x 0.2 in | 1.50 x 2.60 x 2.00 in |

## Key differences

- Wear duration days: Dexcom Stelo 15 vs Medtronic Guardian 4 7
- Warmup time hours: Dexcom Stelo 0.5 vs Medtronic Guardian 4 2
- Water resistance: Dexcom Stelo Waterproof to 8 ft (2.4 m) for 24 hours vs Medtronic Guardian 4 Splash-resistant only; not rated for submersion
- App platform: Dexcom Stelo iOS & Android (Stelo app); syncs with Apple Health and Google Health Connect vs Medtronic Guardian 4 iOS & Android (Guardian Connect app); also displays on the MiniMed 780G pump
- Prescription required: Dexcom Stelo No vs Medtronic Guardian 4 Yes
- Mard accuracy pct: Dexcom Stelo 8.3 vs Medtronic Guardian 4 10.6
- Sensor size: Dexcom Stelo 1.1 x 0.9 x 0.2 in vs Medtronic Guardian 4 1.50 x 2.60 x 2.00 in

## Sources

- Dexcom Stelo: https://consumerguide.diabetes.org/products/cgms/dexcom-stelo-cgm-system (consumerguide.diabetes.org, verified 2026-08-01)
- Medtronic Guardian 4: https://consumerguide.diabetes.org/products/cgms/guardian-4-sensor-guardian-4-transmitter (consumerguide.diabetes.org, verified 2026-08-01)

Canonical: https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/continuous-glucose-monitors/dexcom-stelo-vs-medtronic-guardian-4/
Cite: Per The Front Desk Review, Dexcom Stelo ($99) vs Medtronic Guardian 4 ($2478.3) — sourced spec-by-spec comparison at https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/continuous-glucose-monitors/dexcom-stelo-vs-medtronic-guardian-4/
License: CC BY 4.0.