The 9 Best Pedometers to Help Reach Your Step Goals
By Danielle Page,
5 days ago
The best pedometers to help meet your step goals.
Shape / Jennifer Heimlich
Walking, as a form of exercise, is finally having the moment it deserves — and for good reason. Taking just a brisk walk each day has been linked to a ton of health benefits, like weight loss and increased muscle . Staying on top of your step count is the best way to ensure that once you start achieving these health goals, you don't stop. "Using a pedometer to reach a daily step goal may benefit your health by potentially decreasing the chance of developing heart disease by being more active, improving mental health, helping manage overall blood markers like glucose and cholesterol, among others, and helping support weight management," explains Chris Mohr, R.D., Ph.D., a fitness and nutrition adviser for Fortune Recommends Health .
Many of us have a pedometer built into our smartphones, but this comes with certain drawbacks. Having your phone with you at all times can be annoying. And while most research has found that iPhone pedometers are generally accurate, there's a certain margin of error when tracking distances in addition to steps.
If you're looking for the best pedometer for you, there's no shortage of options that track not only steps but miles, heart rate, sleep, and even stress levels. But how accurate are they? Which ones are most comfortable to wear? What pedometer has the best battery life? To answer these important questions, we tested top-rated pedometers IRL, ranking each model for comfort, ease of use, accuracy, features, and value. Our rigorous testing found that these 10 pedometers are true standouts. Read on to learn more about the best pedometers on the market.
Best Pedometer Overall: Garmin vívosmart 5 Fitness Tracker
Screen Display Size: 0.41" x 0.73" inches Battery Life: 7 days
The Garmin Vivosmart 5 wins big for comfort and ease of use. Testers found this model was easy to set up and were impressed by how accurately this pedometer tracked every step. "Of all the products I tested, I found this one to really sync with my rhythm and know what was a step and what was just a movement," said one of our testers.
Though it does require some time to set up (charging the pedometer plus downloading the app), being able to easily track steps, set goals and challenges, measure stress levels, and analyze sleep health make the set-up process worth it.
Best Budget Pedometer : KONTYNU USB Rechargeable 3D Pedometer
Screen Display Size: 2.95 inches Battery Life: Up to 3 months
Of all the pedometers I personally tested on this list, the KONTYNU won me over with its simplicity, accuracy, and price point. At just under $10, this pedometer tracks steps and absolutely nothing else. There's no app to download or strap to adjust — it clips easily onto whatever clothing you're wearing and gets counting. I found it to be supremely accurate and incredibly simple to use. Like I said, you clip it and go. It takes seconds.
You need to charge it before using it, but the power on this pedometer outshines the most rechargeable pedometers on this list (while being a fraction of the price, I might add). I can't think of another device out there that can last for a whopping three months on a singular charge.
Best Pedometer for Seniors: NESKLA 3D Pedometer with Large Digital Display
The NESKLA pedometer is another bare-bones option we love. It features a step counter on its extra-large display screen (one of the largest on our list) and is extremely user-friendly thanks to its easy set-up. This is why it earns the top spot for seniors who want to track their steps. Lightweight and thin, our testers barely noticed they were wearing it while walking. Plus, it received high marks for precision.
Best Pedometer for Tracking Miles: Fitbit Charge 6
Screen Display Size: 1.45" x .91" x .44" inches Battery Life: 7 days
If you're interested in tracking miles and steps, look no further than the Fitbit Charge 6. The soft wristband is comfortable enough to wear during exercises like push-ups or planks, and the corresponding app is easy to navigate. Unlike other options on the list, the screen doesn't automatically display your steps. You'll need to go into the Fitbit Charge 6 app to find that, along with metrics like heart rate, mileage, and sleep settings.
"I would absolutely recommend it to anyone who loves a little fitness data but gets overwhelmed by too much," says one tester.
Best Pedometer Watch: Fitbit Inspire 3 Health & Fitness Tracker
Screen Display Size: 1.55" x .73" x .46" inches Battery Life: 10 days
The Fitbit Inspire 3 is an accurate pedometer and a great first smartwatch for anyone who has yet to own one. Why? It's incredibly easy to set up, intuitive, and simple to use. "There's no learning curve with the Inspire 3," said one tester. "You turn it on and off, then swipe through the display to look at your notifications, start a workout, meditation, or timer." Data displays easily, with the home screen featuring your heart rate and number of steps per day. Use the app to access metrics like distance traveled, calories burned, sleep metrics, and more.
Best Pedometer for Kids: 3DActive 3DFitBud Simple Step Counter 3D Pedometer
Screen Display Size: 1.6" x 1.1" x 2.4" inches Battery Life: 1 year
Kids love to be included in what their parents are doing, and this pedometer from 3DFitBud makes it easy to get everyone involved in family step challenges. It's ready to use right out of the box and effortlessly clips onto clothes or can be worn as a necklace. The battery is long-lasting, and the tracker itself is durable enough to sustain any accidental drops or hits.
Best Pedometer for Long Distances: Beroziyesi 3D Pedometer
This ready-to-go pedometer tracks up to 99,999 steps per use.
Superb battery life
It's Worth Noting
Not as accurate as others on this list
Screen Display Size: 1.73 inches Battery Life: 1 year
If you're planning to go for a long, long walk and want a pedometer without all the bells and whistles, this Beroziyesi model will likely make you happy. "It wasn't fancy by any means, but it got the job done," said one Shape tester. "I liked that it was no fuss, and you could use it straight out of the box without charging or needing to keep track of a charging cord and then set it up in an app." Its affordable price tag and extremely long battery life scored points with reviewers, earning it a spot on this list.
This pedometer tallies daily "strain" activity rather than individual steps.
Requires monthly paid membership after a year
Screen Display Size: 4 inches Battery Life: 5 days
Data divas, rejoice — the smartest movement-tracking wearable app is here. WHOOP 4.0 offers users the bigger picture of their sleep, fitness, health habits, and overall wellness — but not without requiring ample set-up time. Whoop can take up to 30 days to fully calibrate to your body, which means there's a lengthy "getting to know you" period that happens so that the wearable can understand and measure the physical activities you put your body through each day.
Metrics like respiratory rate, blood oxygen rate, heart rate variability, skin temperature, and resting heart rate are easily trackable with WHOOP, allowing you to track your body's performance and recovery in real-time. This is a solid fitness and recovery essential for athletes who like to track and analyze pretty much every element of their lives. You get a free 12-month membership with your purchase, but just know you'll be paying a monthly subscription once a year passes. It's not a deal-breaker, but something worth mentioning.
Best Pedometer That Doesn't Look Like a Pedometer: Bellabeat Ivy + Wellness Tracker
If you want to track your steps but hate the look of clip-on pedometers and smartwatches, the sleek design of the Bellabeat Ivy+ might be just what you need. Available in seven color schemes, it looks more like a bracelet than a pedometer but still offers accurate step counts and health metrics like stress levels, mindfulness, and menstrual cycle mapping. "I loved how long it lasted on a single charge and how you could tailor your specific health goals in their app," says one tester. One drawback: to access data, you'll need to log into the app, as the Bellabeat Ivy+ doesn't have a screen. But if you'd rather choose fashion over function, there's no better-looking pedometer on the market.
What to Know About Pedometers
Types of Pedometers: Pedometers vary greatly, from simple models like the KONTYNU 3D Pedometer for Walking to more comprehensive models like the WHOOP 4.0 . "Basic pedometers which attach to your waistband and are only used to count your steps," says Stephanie Mansour , a fitness TV personality and trainer. "Fitness trackers like Fitbit and Garmin are the most advanced and provide even more information including steps, heart rate, sleep patterns, and more."
Metrics: Besides counting steps, pedometers can track everything from distance to burned calories, heart rate, sleep patterns, and even stress levels. "Higher-end models provide more data like pace, elevation changes, and workout recovery tips — though all the data can be overwhelming and more than necessary," says Mohr.
Features: The most basic pedometer typically has a long battery life of up to a year. More advanced models may include smartphone integration and goal-setting features, along with the ability to share your progress with others, which can be helpful when working with a nutritionist or fitness coach.
Display: Simple pedometers typically feature large display screens that show and track step counts. Fitness trackers usually feature touchscreen technology with more vivid display features.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most accurate pedometer?
Pedometers with advanced sensing technology tend to be the most accurate. "The Fitbit Charge and the Garmin Vivosmart are two of the favorites for their accuracy in tracking steps, distance, and other fitness metrics," says Mansour. These devices use sophisticated technology to ensure precise readings, making them reliable choices for monitoring your physical activity."
Which step tracker is the best?
The best step tracker is the one you'll actually use, which is why it's important to understand what features are important to you and which ones might deter you from using the gadget. Mansour recommends the Fitbit Charge 6 for a pedometer with smart features that are still relatively easy to use. For those who want a step counter and nothing else, a simpler model like the KONTYNU 3D Pedometer for Walking may be a better fit.
What is the best fitness tracker for seniors?
Similarly, the best fitness tracker for seniors is one that seniors can easily use. If seniors are looking for more data than just a step counter, the Fitbit Charge 6 is the most intuitive on the list. Any of the simple step trackers on this list, especially the NESKLA Pedometer for Walking , would also be good options.
Do doctors recommend pedometers?
More and more doctors have started recommending pedometers to patients struggling to get more activity into their day. "Many health professionals recommend pedometers because they can support people's initiatives to stay active by providing immediate feedback on activity levels and help set realistic fitness goals," says Mohr. Before starting any new exercise regimen, it's always a good idea to consult your doctor.
What is the best position for a pedometer?
When using a pedometer, it's important to read the instructions, including the recommendations for how to position it, as the best position can vary by model. As a general rule of thumb, Mohr says the best positions for pedometers are the waist, right above the knee or the wrist. "These positions help with accurate step counting by avoiding counting excess movement," he says.
How many steps a day should I take?
Tracking your steps with a pedometer helps you stay consistent each day and allows you to level up your workouts by shifting your goal to a higher step count when you're ready. "Starting with smaller goals and gradually increasing activity levels can make a big difference, keeping you motivated to maintain an active lifestyle," Mohr explains. Though reaching 10,000 daily steps has been a popular workout challenge, Mohr says starting even smaller than that can still make a difference. " Research suggests as little as 2,600 and 2,800 steps can yield significant benefits," he says.
Why Trust Shape
Danielle Page has spent the past 13 years writing about health, fitness, and products that fit readers' needs. She's an active participant in Shape's testing program and has tested everything from pedometers to hair growth serums to find the best product for the job. A remote worker notorious for not leaving her apartment for days, tracking steps with the KONTYNU 3D Pedometer for Walking has been a game changer for her health and well-being.
Stephanie Mansour is Today's fitness contributor and also hosts “Step It Up with Steph” on PBS. She reaches more than 52 million viewers per month. For over a decade, Steph has been helping millions of people “Step It Up,” every day in their lives with weight loss tips, lifestyle hacks, and fitness secrets to up their game.
Christopher Mohr, Ph.D, R.D., is a speaker and performance coach. Through his facilitation and online resources, he works closely with some of the largest corporations in the world including Deloitte, Delta Airlines, Johnson & Johnson, and more to help busy executives develop the energy to thrive personally and professionally. Chris was a member of the Men’s Health Magazine advisory board for 10 years, co-authored a NY Times Bestseller with LL Cool J, called LL Cool J’s Platinum Workout, and worked as the sports nutritionist for the Cincinnati Bengals and select WWE wrestlers.
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