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Freestyle Libre 3 Review: Is It the Best CGM in 2025?
18/Aug
The Freestyle Libre 3 CGM is one of the most talked-about diabetes management tools in the UK. Designed to track glucose levels continuously and send real-time readings to your smartphone, it offers a simple, needle-free way to stay on top of your health. Originally created to make life easier for people living with diabetes, the Libre 3 has quickly become a favourite for its small size, easy use and reliable performance.
With more CGM options on the market, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. If you’re wondering where the Freestyle Libre 3 stands and whether it’s still the best choice in 2025, this review breaks down everything from accuracy and sensor life to price and app features. We’ll also touch on what’s next from Abbott’s CGM range to help you make an informed decision.
What is the Freestyle Libre 3 CGM?
The Freestyle Libre 3 is designed to make checking your glucose levels simple and stress-free. Instead of multiple finger-prick tests throughout the day, it uses a small, discreet sensor worn on the back of your arm to measure glucose continuously, day and night. The sensor captures readings from the fluid just under your skin and sends them instantly to your smartphone, so you can see your glucose levels in real time without any manual scanning.
With advanced continuous monitoring, people living with diabetes can easily track how meals, exercise, and daily routines affect their glucose, helping them make better decisions about their health without the hassle of traditional testing methods.
Why people are choosing the Libre 3:
- No more routine finger-pricks: A painless, needle-free way to monitor glucose.
- Continuous tracking: See how food, exercise, and lifestyle affect your levels in real time.
- Compact and discreet: A small sensor you can wear for up to 14 days.
- Smartphone friendly: Works with most Libre 3 compatible phones through the easy-to-use Libre 3 app.
This mix of technology and convenience helps people manage diabetes more easily and stay informed about their health every day.
How Accurate and Reliable Is the Freestyle Libre 3 CGM?
Accuracy is one of the most important factors when choosing a continuous glucose monitor, and the Freestyle Libre 3 CGM performs impressively in this area. It provides real-time glucose readings with high precision, helping users make informed decisions about food, exercise, and medication. Many people find that the readings closely reflect their body’s glucose changes throughout the day, even during activities like exercise or after meals.
This level of reliability is especially valuable for people who need consistent data to manage their condition effectively, offering greater peace of mind and supporting healthier long-term glucose control.
How the Libre 3 performs:
Accurate and reliable monitoring is key to maintaining healthy glucose control, and the Freestyle Libre 3 gives users the confidence to manage their condition more proactively.
- Improved accuracy over previous versions: The Libre 3 delivers more reliable glucose readings with a Mean Absolute Relative Difference (MARD) of 7.8%, offering greater confidence compared to earlier Libre models. (The lower the MARD, the more accurate the results.).
- Competitive with leading CGMs: Its performance is comparable to other top devices like the Dexcom G7, offering dependable data for most users.
- Day-to-day performance: Many users report that their glucose readings remain stable and reliable during everyday activities such as exercise, meals, and sleep.
- Instant data on your phone: Trends and patterns can be monitored in real time, helping with quick and informed decisions.
What Is the Freestyle Libre 3 Cost and Availability in the UK?
Managing diabetes effectively doesn’t have to be complicated. The Freestyle Libre 3 is widely available in the UK and offers advanced glucose monitoring in a compact, user-friendly design. With its discreet sensor and seamless smartphone connectivity, it provides a convenient solution for people looking to simplify their diabetes care.
- Compact, discreet design
- Quick setup and easy to use
- Seamless app integration
- Trusted pharmacy support
- 14-day sensor wear
- Smartphone integration
- Fast, discreet delivery
Prices from £74.99
Experience advanced diabetes management with the Freestyle Libre 3, combining technology, convenience, and affordability all in one trusted system from The Care Pharmacy.
Transition: The Future Beyond Libre 3
The Freestyle Libre 3 has been a trusted choice for diabetes management, but Abbott is moving toward more advanced technology. Abbott is discontinuing the FreeStyle Libre 2 and 3 sensors, including the FreeStyle Libre 3, with the discontinuation date set for September 30, 2025. Users will be encouraged to switch to the new Libre 2+ or Libre 3 Plus models.
The Libre 3 Plus is designed to be compatible with automated insulin delivery systems, suitable for children as young as two years old, and lasts for 15 days. It offers new features and improvements to meet the growing needs of users, ensuring a smoother and more future-ready diabetes management experience.
- Offers improved sensor technology for even better accuracy and potential for longer wear time.
- Delivers a faster, more responsive app experience with richer glucose insights.
- Provides a smooth upgrade path for current Libre 3 users with familiar application and phone connectivity.
- Designed to support the future of diabetes care and digital health tools.
For you, this transition means an upgrade to smarter, more reliable glucose monitoring without losing the convenience and ease you already enjoy.
How Does Freestyle Libre 3 Compare to Other CGMs?
Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) has transformed diabetes care, offering real-time data and reducing the need for traditional testing methods. In 2025, users have several strong options, including the Freestyle Libre 3, its next-generation Libre 3 Plus, and the Dexcom G7. Choosing the right device depends on what matters most—simplicity, advanced features, or long-term value.
Libre 3 vs Libre 3 Plus vs Dexcom G7:
- Freestyle Libre 3: Compact, discreet, and easy to apply, making it perfect for users who value simplicity and affordability.
- Libre 3 Plus: Offers all the benefits of the Libre 3 but with 15-day wear, compatibility with automated insulin delivery systems, and suitability for children as young as two years old.
- Dexcom G7: Known for predictive alerts and high-end accuracy but typically comes at a higher price point
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Which CGM Device Is Right for You?
The Freestyle Libre system has long been trusted for its simplicity and reliable glucose monitoring. With Abbott now moving towards the next generation of technology and phasing out the Libre 3, you can expect even more advanced features and convenience in future devices.
The transition ensures that people living with diabetes continue to have access to easy-to-use, accurate, and future-ready solutions for managing their glucose levels. The Freestyle Libre system remains focused on delivering comfort, reliability, and innovation for everyday diabetes care.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Freestyle Libre 3 and Libre 2?
The Libre 3 is smaller and thinner than the Libre 2, making it more discreet to wear. Unlike the Libre 2, which requires scanning to see readings, the Libre 3 sends real-time glucose data directly to your smartphone. It also offers improved accuracy, a one-piece sensor design for easier application, and better app connectivity.
Is Freestyle Libre 3 the best CGM in 2025?
For many people, yes. It offers reliable glucose tracking, ease of use, and an affordable price compared to other CGM devices. With the transition to the Libre 3 Plus coming soon, users will have even more advanced options available.
How accurate is the Freestyle Libre 3 sensor?
The Libre 3 has an overall MARD of 7.8%, which means it delivers highly accurate readings for everyday diabetes management, comparable to leading CGM systems on the market.
Can you get Freestyle Libre 3 on the NHS in the UK?
Yes, many people with diabetes in the UK are eligible for the Libre 3 through an NHS prescription, depending on clinical need and local NHS guidelines.
How much does Freestyle Libre 3 cost privately in the UK?
Privately, the Freestyle Libre 3 sensor is available from The Care Pharmacy starting from £74.99 per sensor, each lasting up to 14 days.
How long does the Libre 3 sensor last?
Each Libre 3 sensor is designed to last up to 14 days. The upcoming Libre 3 Plus extends this wear time to 15 days.
Is Freestyle Libre 3 compatible with iPhone and Android?
Yes, the Libre 3 works with a wide range of compatible iPhone and Android devices through the official Freestyle Libre app.
Can Type 2 diabetes patients use Freestyle Libre 3?
Yes, the Libre 3 is suitable for people with both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, helping them monitor glucose levels more easily and make informed lifestyle decisions.
Does Libre 3 require finger pricks?
Routine finger pricks are not needed for daily glucose checks when using the Libre 3, though your healthcare professional may occasionally recommend a finger-prick test for calibration or verification.
What are the pros and cons of Freestyle Libre 3?
Pros: Discreet, easy to use, accurate real-time data, and no daily finger pricks required.
Cons: Sensors need replacing every 14 days, and compatibility depends on having a supported smartphone.
The Libre 3 is smaller and thinner than the Libre 2, making it more discreet to wear. Unlike the Libre 2, which requires scanning to see readings, the Libre 3 sends real-time glucose data directly to your smartphone. It also offers improved accuracy, a one-piece sensor design for easier application, and better app connectivity.
For many people, yes. It offers reliable glucose tracking, ease of use, and an affordable price compared to other CGM devices. With the transition to the Libre 3 Plus coming soon, users will have even more advanced options available.
The Libre 3 has an overall MARD of 7.8%, which means it delivers highly accurate readings for everyday diabetes management, comparable to leading CGM systems on the market.
Yes, many people with diabetes in the UK are eligible for the Libre 3 through an NHS prescription, depending on clinical need and local NHS guidelines.
Privately, the Freestyle Libre 3 sensor is available from The Care Pharmacy starting from £74.99 per sensor, each lasting up to 14 days.
Each Libre 3 sensor is designed to last up to 14 days. The upcoming Libre 3 Plus extends this wear time to 15 days.
Yes, the Libre 3 works with a wide range of compatible iPhone and Android devices through the official Freestyle Libre app.
Yes, the Libre 3 is suitable for people with both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, helping them monitor glucose levels more easily and make informed lifestyle decisions.
Routine finger pricks are not needed for daily glucose checks when using the Libre 3, though your healthcare professional may occasionally recommend a finger-prick test for calibration or verification.
Pros: Discreet, easy to use, accurate real-time data, and no daily finger pricks required.
Cons: Sensors need replacing every 14 days, and compatibility depends on having a supported smartphone.
Medically reviewed by
Mohammed Lakhi
Superintendent Pharmacist
No GP Appointments Needed
