Accu-Chek Active vs Accu-Chek Instant Glucometer – Which one is Better?

You will live a healthy and fulfilling life, whether you have recently been diagnosed with prediabetes or have had diabetes for several years.

In addition to oral drugs, the secret to controlling blood sugar levels is weight control, exercise, and maintaining a balanced diet.

But another important thing about diabetes is that it should be kept on track continuously.

Accu-Chek Active vs Accu-Chek Instant Glucometer Comparison

And to do so, the only thing that needs to be near you in your house is a glucometer.

There are numerous brands in the industry that claim to be the finest glucometers.

So here’s the article comparing two products from one of the best and well-recommended brands Accu-Chek. We will be comparing Accu-Chek Active vs Accu-Chek Instant to narrow down the best one for you.

It will help you understand their characteristics and features.

I tested both Glucometers for 30 days and then created this review.

Accu-Chek Active vs Accu-Chek Instant: Difference and Similarities

Let’s now explore the similarities and differences between the two glucometers.

Product Accu-Chek Instant Glucometer
Accu-Chek Instant Glucometer
Accu-Chek Active Glucometer
Editor’s Rating 9.7 9.5
Accuracy 4.5/5 4.4/5
Memory 720 500
Strips Included 10 10
Warranty 10 Years 10 Years
Minimum Cost of Strips* ₹19 ₹15
Average 7, 14, 30, 90 Days 7, 14, 30, 90 Days
Bluetooth Connectivity Yes No
Made in Germany
Check Price Check Price

Accuracy

Both Glucometers are great in terms of accuracy, as both are ISO 15197:2013 certified.

However, in our test, we found Accu Chek Instant slightly more accurate than Accu-Chek Active.

Features

While both Accu-Chek Active and Accu-Chek Instant glucometer share almost the same form of features, they have a few distinct features. I will share the most important features.

Accu-Chek Active

  • Connectivity – USB Port
  • Memory – 500
  • Averaging – 7, 14, 30, and 90 Days
  • Other Unique Feature – Pre & Post-Meal Markers

You can use the USB cable to connect Accu-Chek Active to a computer and transfer your past test results.

Accu-Chek Instant

  • Connectivity – Connect to Smartphone via Bluetooth
  • Memory – 720
  • Averaging – 7, 14, 30, and 90 Days

Accu-Chek Instant is the clear winner because you can connect it smartphone and use the mySugr App to monitor your Blood Glucose Levels.

Affordability

Both Accu-Chek Active and Accu-Chek Instant come at almost the same price. But as I always tell, while buying a Glucomters, don’t compare the devices based on price. The price of strips matters most. Period.

In terms of Affordability, we found that Accu Chek Active to be more affordable as the Price of Accu Chek Active Strips is less than that of Accu Chek Instant.

Ease of Use

The process to check Glucose Levels is almost the same in both Glucometers; however, the biggest difference is in the results. Check out this video to understand better.

Accu-Chek Instant has a Visual Glucose Level Indicator, which Accu-chek calls “Visual Reassurance with Target Range Indicator.” It is a series of red, green, and black coloured dots on the device.

When the Blood Glucose Level is below recommended levels, it indicates it on red dots; if the Glucose Levels are on recommended levels, it indicates green dots. It is a very simple yet beneficial feature for someone who does not know the recommended Glucose Levels. It also comes in handy for our parents, who are not tech-savvy.

I think this single feature makes it better than Accu-Chek Instant.

Speed

Accu-Chek Active takes five seconds for the results to be out. Whereas in the case of Accu-Chek Instant, the work is done within four seconds or less than that.

So in terms of speed, Accu-Chek Instant is faster.

FAQs

Can I use Accu-Chek Active Test Strips on Accu-Chek Instant?

No, Accu-Chek Instant is not compatible with any other Accu-Chek test Strips. However, you can use Accu-Check Instant S Test Strips on Accu-Chek Instant.

Which Glucometer is recommended for Parents?

I recommend you to buy Accu-Check Instant Glucometer for your parents because it is easy to use and understand the results because of the Visual Indicator.

Which Glucometer has the better display?

Accu-Chek Instant comes with Backlit LED, which is better than LCD Display on Accu-Check Active.

Conclusion

Accu-Chek Instant is a feature-rich device, it has modern features such as syncing results with your Smartphone and the Visual Indicator makes it easier to read the results.

On the other hand, Accu-Chek Active’s is slightly less accurate, but the strips cost lesser than Accu-Chek Instant so that you will save money in the long run.

If you are want to buy a Glucometer for your parents or your grandparents, I would suggest you buy Accu-Chek Instant.

So, overall, Accu-Chek Instant is the best choice for most people. Buy Accu-Chek Active if you want to save money on Test Strips.

So now, if you buy one of these glucose meters, you know what you’ll get. I hope we have explained what you need to understand with our Accu-Chek Active and Accu-Chek Instant Comparison.

Let us know if this article is helpful, and if you want to ask any questions, then feel free to add it in the comments section. I will, undoubtedly, clear it out for you.

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11 thoughts on “Accu-Chek Active vs Accu-Chek Instant Glucometer – Which one is Better?”

  1. I have both accu-chek active and accu-chek instant. Unfortunately accu-chect instant often shows error or shows nothing when I insert the strip inside, and I have to open the back cover and release the 2 batteries and installed it again to make it able to to show “ready” sign. Accu-check active seldom shows errors. So I ‘ll be back to use only accu-chek active. It is true that Accu-chek instant is a little bit faster in showing result.

    Reply
  2. I am ready to buy blood glucometer , but until now I cannot choose which one better between accu check active OR accu check instant?.I have read all the article of that product ,that accu check instant better , but I have read too the accu check instant give more several time error result.Can you give some explanation ? Thank you and waiting for the answer

    Reply
  3. I have both. But reading of ACTIVE is generally higher than the INSTANT. I did blood tests two times by each machine on three different dates, and found the reading of ACTIVE to be much higher always than the reading of INSTANT.
    On average, difference in reading is 20.
    I don’t know why it is happening like that, which machine is ok and which is not ok ? So, now I am utterly confused and worried as to which reading is correct ????
    Can you please throw some light and guide me !!!

    Reply
    • According to my survey, investigation, analysis, Accu Check has a tolerance of ±10 points (which is comparatively low as compared to other similar type of devices). This difference i readings is because of various factors around us or according to the device make.

      For instance, say a
      Device-1 reading has 90 points (i.e 100±10=90, considering it as difference “-“)
      Device-2 reading has 110 points (i.e 100±10=110 considering it as sum “+”)
      In this scenario, 110-90=20 points.

      Reply
  4. To solve this problem, I think you should take your blood test in the pathological lab and simultaneously check on both the machines. Compare it with Lab test results. Good luck.

    Reply
  5. Why does the accu-chek instant readings give a different range and figures to that shown on your web site?
    The information and target range is noted as 3.9 – 8.9 mmol/L, with 5.8 shown as the optimum.
    The web figures are 106 mgl, is there a comparison chart?

    Reply
  6. Thanks a lot for this informative video !
    I have a small query. Do I need to test the meter for accuracy or correctness after buying it? Or, can I just start using it straight away?
    Regards
    Sharat

    Reply

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