Test strips represent the ongoing cost of diabetes management—and choosing the wrong ones can cost you thousands of dollars per year. At 4 tests daily (1,460 per year), the difference between $0.30 and $1.00 per strip equals $1,022 annually or $5,110 over 5 years.
But price isn't everything. Accuracy matters critically, especially for insulin users. A strip that saves money but gives readings 15% off can lead to dangerous dosing errors, emergency room visits, and poor long-term control.
This comprehensive analysis reviews the best glucose test strips of 2025, comparing accuracy (MARD), cost per strip, insurance coverage, and real-world reliability to help you find the optimal balance of performance and affordability.
What You'll Find in This Review
- 3 top test strip options with complete accuracy and cost analysis
- 5-year cost comparison showing true ownership expenses
- MARD accuracy data from independent laboratory testing
- Insurance coverage insights and pharmacy pricing strategies
Detailed Reviews
In-depth analysis of each supplement
Contour Next Test Strips
Best Accuracy at Affordable Price
Key Ingredients
Key Benefits
- Highest accuracy of any consumer strips (3.1-5.6% MARD)
- Second-chance sampling - can add more blood within 60 seconds
- Lowest total cost for premium accuracy
- Works with Contour Next, Next One, and Next Gen meters
- Small 0.6 μL blood sample required
- Underfill detection prevents inaccurate readings
- Consistent batch-to-batch quality
Considerations
- Not typically covered by insurance (cash purchase only)
- Fewer retail pharmacy locations carry them
Care Touch Diabetes Test Strips
Best Budget Option for Type 2
Key Ingredients
Key Benefits
- Lowest cost per strip at $0.26 (in 300-count boxes)
- ISO 15197:2013 certified accuracy
- Fast 5-second test time
- Small 0.5 μL blood sample
- Excellent customer service with free replacements
- 1-year satisfaction guarantee
- Annual cost just $379 at 4 tests/day
Considerations
- MARD data not publicly available (estimated 8-10%)
- Only available online (not in pharmacies)
- No insurance coverage
- Works only with Care Touch meters
OneTouch Ultra Test Strips
Best Insurance Coverage & Pharmacy Availability
Key Ingredients
Key Benefits
- Covered by most insurance plans with prescription
- Available at virtually all pharmacies nationwide
- Trusted OneTouch brand with 30+ year history
- FastDraw technology fills strip quickly
- Works with OneTouch Ultra, Ultra2, UltraMini meters
- ISO 15197:2013 certified
Considerations
- Expensive without insurance ($1.00-$1.50 per strip)
- Lower accuracy (9-10% MARD) than Contour Next
- Insurance copays often $30-$50 per 100 strips
- 5-year cost can exceed $7,500 at retail prices
Side-by-Side Comparison
Compare key features across all supplements
MARD Accuracy
Cost Per Strip (Cash)
Annual Cost (4 tests/day)
5-Year Total Cost
Insurance Coverage
Pharmacy Availability
Sample Size
Common Questions
Quick answers to help you decide
User Experiences
Hear from actual supplement users
“My insurance covers these with a $35 copay per 100 strips. Convenient to pick up at my local pharmacy. While expensive without insurance, the coverage makes them affordable for me. Reliable and consistent results.”
The Bottom Line
Test strip selection dramatically impacts both diabetes control and long-term costs. The $5,000-8,000 difference over 5 years between premium pharmacy strips and affordable online options can fund a CGM upgrade, gym membership, or improved diet.
For insulin users, accuracy is non-negotiable: Contour Next strips ($0.30) offer laboratory-grade precision (3.1-5.6% MARD) at remarkable value. For Type 2 on oral medications, Care Touch strips ($0.26) provide ISO-certified accuracy at the lowest cost.
If you have excellent insurance with low copays, brand-name strips from pharmacies may be cost-effective. However, always compare insurance copay × 14.6 boxes/year against online cash prices. The math often favors buying direct.