# 23andMe vs Stelo by Dexcom

The clearest difference is rating: 23andMe at 4.8 against Stelo by Dexcom's 2.5. 23andMe also leads on ratings volume (561K vs 678) and update cadence (weekly vs every 5 weeks). Stelo by Dexcom's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases). On price, in-app purchases, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

23andMe holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 2.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: 23andMe has 561K ratings behind it against 678, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 40% of 23andMe's written reviews are positive against 18% of Stelo by Dexcom's.

23andMe ships an update weekly, Stelo by Dexcom every 5 weeks. Both last shipped on October 26, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | 23andMe | Stelo by Dexcom |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (561K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/23andme-dna-testing/id952516687/reviews)** | [2.5 (678 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/stelo-by-dexcom/id6475610406/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **561K** | 678 |
| Positive reviews | **39.7% of reviews** | 18.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Weekly** | Every 5 weeks |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Best chart rank | — | **#116** |
| Size | 107 MB | 311 MB |
| Requires iOS | **17.0** | 18.6 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, Apple Watch |
| Age rating | 12+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [23andMe, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/524497400) | [DexCom, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/457035738) |

## What reviewers say

### 23andMe

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/23andme-dna-testing/id952516687)

Explore your genetic heritage and potential health predispositions. Connect with DNA relatives and gain personalized insights into your ancestry and wellness. Offers tiered services for deeper health analysis and research participation.

**Highlights:** Ancestry exploration by region, Personalized health insights, Connect with DNA relatives, Premium health reports, Research participation option, Data privacy controls

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Detailed ancestry and health reports
- 👍 Easy to navigate app
- 🎉 Found biological family members
- 💡 Interesting genetic insights
- 🧬 Confirmed family history

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Buggy app performance
- 📤 Difficult to download raw data
- 💰 Expensive subscription fees
- 🔍 Lacking in-depth ancestry details
- 🚫 Does not recognize Palestinian ancestry

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes and freezes frequently
- Relatives not showing up in family tree
- Messaging functionality unreliable
- Inconsistent data updates across user profiles

**Requested features**

- Improved family tree functionality
- More detailed regional ancestry breakdowns
- Better messaging and relative connection features
- Ability to view health reports without additional fees


### Stelo by Dexcom

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/stelo-by-dexcom/id6475610406)

**Currently charting:** #116 Top Free · Health & Fitness (US App Store)

Easily track your glucose levels 24/7 without fingersticks or a prescription. Gain personalized insights to understand how diet and exercise impact your health. This app empowers you to build healthier habits and take control of your well-being.

**Highlights:** 24/7 glucose tracking, No fingersticks required, Personalized health insights, Diet and exercise personalization, Form healthy habits, No prescription needed

**Features:** Apple Watch app

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Easy sensor setup
- 👍 Intuitive app interface
- 🔍 Helpful for understanding glucose trends
- 💡 Integrates with Apple Health

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Sensor accuracy issues
- 🔍 Limited data history and analysis
- 🤖 Lack of human customer support
- 🔍 Inability to calibrate sensor
- 🔍 Inconsistent Apple Watch integration

**Reported bugs**

- Sensor session ending prematurely
- Inconsistent data syncing with Apple Health
- App freezing and crashing issues

**Requested features**

- Ability to view and export historical glucose data
- Option to customize glucose target ranges
- Integration with more fitness/nutrition apps
- Improved Apple Watch support with complications
- Enhanced meal and activity tracking features


## Frequently asked questions

### Is 23andMe free?

23andMe is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Stelo by Dexcom free?

Stelo by Dexcom is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, 23andMe or Stelo by Dexcom?

23andMe is rated higher. 23andMe averages 4.8 out of 5 from 561K ratings, while Stelo by Dexcom averages 2.5 from 678 ratings.

### Do 23andMe or Stelo by Dexcom have ads?

23andMe shows ads; Stelo by Dexcom does not.

### Which is updated more often, 23andMe or Stelo by Dexcom?

23andMe ships an update weekly, and Stelo by Dexcom every 5 weeks. Most recently, 23andMe was updated on October 26, 2026 and Stelo by Dexcom on October 26, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*