The OneTouch Verio Flex is from a long line of blood tracking meters and, as such, has been refined over time to offer exactly what's needed. The new feature here is a color coded result meaning you can see how you're doing quickly and easily at a glance. Users of older Verio models will notice the lack of backlight, port light and instant averages, which could annoy some, but for those that value battery life over anything else these are good changes. In fact, its the battery life here that puts the Verio Flex among our picks of the best glucose meters. The unit remains slim with a large display and Bluetooth connectivity for easy data transfer.
The Verio Flex can store 500 results locally but also sends that data wireless to a connected smartphone with the OneTouch Reveal mobile app, for deeper analysis and sharing. Sampling sizing is low, results are fast and the meter couldn't be simpler with a three button design. While strips could be cheaper this meter is available on a lot of insurance plans.
OneTouch Verio Flex review: Design and portability
Memory: Up to 500 results
Results: Five seconds
Blood sample size: 0.4 microliters
Battery: CR2032
- Pocket friendly
- Color-coded results
The OneTouch Verio Flex is simply designed for a minimal look that's mainly screen, with a small three button control system. What's really appealing is the color coded results. This uses three colors below the display and an arrow on the screen to show which zone you're in. This means you can get an at-a-glance reading, even if you're not seeing clearly at the time. You still get your exact number but this is just a nice addition. If this isn't enough, you should consider the Prodigy Voice, which actually reads out your results to you via voice.
The slimness of the meter means it can easily slip into a pocket while the coin cell battery ensures you don't need to worry about recharging. Also it's super simple and cheap to replace but you won't need to worry about that for a good 1,000 uses. Of course this depends on how much you use the Bluetooth transfer feature too.
There is also a solid case which allows you to clip in your lance and strips storage all in one handful. It is a handful though and not something that'll just slip into a pocket easily - a bag will work fine though and keeping it all together is a really nice touch. Plus that all goes in the included zip up case so staying mobile is easy.
OneTouch Verio Flex review: Memory and connectivity
- Bluetooth sync
- 500 results stored locally
The usual 500 results are stored on the meter but, unlike most units, this one won't give you averages. Presumably the idea is to cut down on meter use to save battery. That way you can send results to the app and analyse them there instead. This seems like a really good idea as if you own this unit and have tried the excellent app, you'll probably be on that most of the time anyway.
The Bluetooth connection is fast and since it's wireless requires nothing extra. You can test then move on while still analysing your data on your phone as the meter sits tucked away without using battery. That's what gives it such great longevity.
OneTouch Verio Flex review: App and software
- iPhone and Android
- Reminders for insulin
The OneTouch Verio Flex works with the excellent OneTouch Reveal app for deeper data analysis. This app is available on both Android and iPhone for free. You can see new readings as well as historical readings all laid out clearly on the home screen. This is a nice way to see how your latest reading compared to previous ones.
Tap the patterns or averages icons to see high or low trends or to see the averages over three different time spans: 14, 30 or 90 days. You can also track events and activities meaning you can see trends and what caused them. The logbook is a nice section which shows data in quick, color-coded results so you can see trends on a calendar. With day and week view options this is a really clean and easy to use system.
The ability to share data is a top feature as it make its super simple to give last readings or reports to friends, family, or medical professionals. We also like the ability to set reminders so you take your insulin on time. It's a superb app, only bettered by the likes of the Contour Next One device and the Dario LC.
OneTouch Verio Flex review: Sampling and accuracy
- Five seconds results
- ISO accuracy standards met
Since the OneTouch Verio Flex meets the ISO standards, this means that over 99 percent of readings are within the accuracy boundaries. As such this is one of the most accurate meters out there, on a par with the Accu-Clik Guide. So what it's lacking in lights it makes up for in clarity of results, and with low blood requirements.
The test strips are not cheap but they do only require a 0.4 microlitre sample to work. Also, they are covered by most insurance plans to give you a saving if you have to pay at all - but that all depends on your insurance.
Should you choose the OneTouch Verio Flex?
The OneTouch Verio Flex is a very capable meter that's portable yet has a large clear display and that quick-view color coded result layout. The Bluetooth connectivity make syncing results to the OneTouch Reveal app easy and then it's super simple to analyse trends and results or share them with others.
The lack of backlight and onboard average may not be ideal for some and those higher strip prices could also be an issue. We recommend something like the Fora 6 Connect, if you want these features. But the strips are covered by most insurance companies. The superb accuracy, quick results and relatively low sample size all make this a very appealing meter.
