Murph vs Stelo
Stelo puts a glucose sensor on your arm without a prescription. Murph reads the pattern beside everything else.
Stelo syncs to Murph through Apple HealthReviewed · 5 official Stelo sources · No affiliate links · How we research
The short answer
Choose Murph
Choose Murph if you want the glucose picture read beside your meals, symptoms, sleep, labs, and records in one conversation, with reminders and errands handled along the way, whether or not you keep wearing a sensor.
Choose Stelo
Choose Stelo if you are an adult who does not use insulin and you want an over the counter glucose sensor with an app that shows how meals, activity, and sleep move your glucose.
Can Murph and Stelo work together?
Wear Stelo and keep its app for live glucose and the AI coach. Share glucose to Apple Health on iPhone and connect Apple Health to Murph. Then ask Murph to read a week of glucose next to your meals, sleep, symptoms, and labs, set a small experiment, and add the reminders to carry it out.
Murph vs Stelo at a glance
Ten decisions, each traced to the official sources listed below. Via connection means Murph uses it through a device or account you connect.
- Yes
- Via connection
- Limited
- No
| Capability |  Murph |  Stelo |
|---|---|---|
| Where Stelo goes further (3 rows) | ||
| Continuous glucose readings | Via connection | Yes |
| Glucose pattern insights | Via connection | Yes |
| Apple Watch glucose view | No | Yes |
| Where they overlap (2 rows) | ||
| Photo meal logging | Yes | Yes |
| Clinician data sharing | Yes | Yes |
| Where Murph goes further (5 rows) | ||
| Works without a sensor | Yes | No |
| Wearable and lab context | Yes | Limited |
| Works in iMessage or Telegram | Yes | No |
| Handles health errands | Yes | No |
| Free start without a card | Yes | No |
Read the full evidence9 dimensions, in each product's own words
| Dimension | Murph | Stelo |
|---|---|---|
| Primary job | MurphTurn scattered health context into an ongoing private relationship, clearer decisions, and practical follow-through.Source 1 | SteloGive adults who do not use insulin a prescription free way to see how food, activity, and sleep affect their glucose.Source 3Source 4 |
| Product format | MurphA private ongoing conversation in familiar messaging, with a web account for deeper review and control.Source 1 | SteloA small biosensor worn on the back of the upper arm for up to 15 days, read in the Stelo app on a phone. Glucose can also be viewed on Apple Watch.Source 3Source 7 |
| Data and inputs | MurphConversation, authorized wearable and lab connections, records, notes, meals, symptoms, workouts, and manual measurements.Source 1 | SteloGlucose from the biosensor, meals logged by barcode or photo, and activity and sleep pulled from Apple Health or Health Connect, which the app checks every five minutes while it is open.Source 5Source 7 |
| How it interprets | MurphConnects context across domains, explains relevant patterns, and helps test what works for one person over time.Source 1 | SteloGlucose trends and patterns over time, meal responses, and AI coach guidance. Dexcom says the system helps detect normal, low, and high glucose levels rather than diagnosing a condition.Source 7Source 4 |
| Follow-through | MurphPlans, reminders, check-ins, practical health errands, personal experiments, and optional group support.Source 1 | SteloThe Stelo app shows glucose trends, lets you log meals by barcode or photo, and includes an AI coach that gives guidance from your data. Dexcom ships a replacement if a biosensor fails before its 15 day wear ends. The pages reviewed do not describe human coaching or reminders.Source 7Source 3 |
| Required hardware | MurphNo proprietary device is required. Connected wearables can add useful signals.Source 1 | SteloEach supply contains two biosensors with applicators and overpatches. A biosensor lasts up to 15 days with a 12 hour grace period, needs a 30 minute warmup, and is waterproof to 8 feet for 24 hours. The app needs iOS 18.6 or Android 13 or later.Source 3Source 7 |
| Platforms | MurphHosted messaging and web experiences, plus an open-source option that can be inspected and run locally.Source 1 | SteloiPhone on iOS 18.6 or later, Android 13 or later, and Apple Watch on watchOS 11. Stelo sends glucose to Apple Health and Google Health Connect with a 3 hour delay, and Clarity Clinic lets you share data with a healthcare provider.Source 3Source 5Source 7 |
| Cost model | MurphFree starter usage is available without a card. Paid plans add more usage when needed.Source 1 | SteloWhen reviewed, a one time supply of two biosensors cost $99, a monthly subscription cost $89, and a three month subscription cost $252. Purchases are HSA and FSA eligible and the app is free.Source 3Source 7 |
| Clinical role | MurphEducational health support. Murph is not emergency care and does not diagnose or treat disease.Source 2 | SteloStelo is an over the counter integrated continuous glucose monitor for people 18 and older who do not use insulin. Dexcom says not to use it if you are on insulin or dialysis or have problematic hypoglycemia, and to consult a healthcare provider before making medication changes based on readings.Source 3Source 4 |
Material tradeoffs
- Stelo is for adults who do not use insulin. People who take insulin, are on dialysis, or have problematic hypoglycemia should not use it, and its readings are not a basis for medication changes without a healthcare provider.
- Apple Health receives Stelo glucose on a 3 hour delay, so anything downstream, including Murph, works from a delayed record rather than live values.
- Murph has no glucose sensor of its own and cannot show an Apple Watch glucose view. It reads the data Stelo shares and works with it in conversation.
Common questions about Murph and Stelo
Do I need a prescription for Stelo?
No. Stelo is sold over the counter for adults 18 and older who do not use insulin. Dexcom says not to use it if you take insulin, are on dialysis, or have problematic hypoglycemia, and to talk with a healthcare provider before changing any medication.
Can Murph read my Stelo glucose data?
Yes, on iPhone. Turn on Apple Health sharing in the Stelo app and connect Apple Health to Murph. Stelo sends glucose to Apple Health with a 3 hour delay, so Murph sees a delayed record that suits reviewing patterns rather than reacting in the moment.
What does Stelo cost compared with Murph?
Stelo cost $99 for a one time two sensor supply or $89 a month on subscription when reviewed, plus a free app. Murph is free to start with no card, and paid plans add usage. Murph has no sensor, so the two costs cover different things.
Official sources
Reviewed . This is official-source desk research, not hands-on product testing. Pricing and availability can change.
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