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Best Pedometers

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Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Fitbit Charge 4 Fitness and Activity Tracker
Fitbit
Charge 4 Fitness and Activity Tracker
Trim Design

If you’re a fan of Fitbit and appreciate a sleek design, this feature-packed device is exactly what you’re after.

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Trim Design
Bottom Line

If you’re a fan of Fitbit and appreciate a sleek design, this feature-packed device is exactly what you’re after.

Pros

Tracks calories burned, heart rate, sleep, and exercise. Built-in GPS also tracks workout pace and distance. Comes with over 20 exercise modes. Water-resistant up to 50 meters. Battery life of up to 7 days.

Cons

May experience a bit of a learning curve with the setup process.

Best Bang for the Buck
Garmin vivofit 4 Activity and Fitness Tracker
Garmin
vivofit 4 Activity and Fitness Tracker
Trusted Brand

A popular pedometer and fitness tracker that you can wear on your wrist to help you stay focused on your activity goals.

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Trusted Brand
Bottom Line

A popular pedometer and fitness tracker that you can wear on your wrist to help you stay focused on your activity goals.

Pros

Comfortable wearable fitness tracker with a trim design that looks nice on the wrist. In addition to counting steps, it monitors various activities, heart rate, and more. Top brand.

Cons

Interface isn't very user-friendly. Occasionally inaccurate when tracking some metrics.

3DActive 3DFitBud Simple Step Counter
3DActive
3DFitBud Simple Step Counter
No Frills

This basic, inexpensive pedometer offers straightforward operation and useful features.

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No Frills
Bottom Line

This basic, inexpensive pedometer offers straightforward operation and useful features.

Pros

Simple clip-on design with a vivid, digital display. Can also be worn with the included lanyard. Simple to use. Includes a battery that lasts as long as 12 months.

Cons

Some inaccurate step counts and longevity concerns noted.

Track4Life Health Activity Fitness Pedometer
Track4Life
Health Activity Fitness Pedometer
Unique Choice

Despite a few quirks, this inexpensive, easy-to-wear pedometer offers nice features that make it a good deal.

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Unique Choice
Bottom Line

Despite a few quirks, this inexpensive, easy-to-wear pedometer offers nice features that make it a good deal.

Pros

Extremely easy to wear, thanks to the unique design that attaches to shoelaces. Counts distance and calories in addition to steps. Comes at a very low price point.

Cons

Small display. A bit confusing to set up, and the instructions lack details. Occasionally inaccurate.

Pedusa Tri-Axis Multi-Function Pocket Pedometer
Pedusa
Tri-Axis Multi-Function Pocket Pedometer
Easy to Use

An inexpensive pedometer that's perfect for beginners, occasional use, and budget-conscious fitness enthusiasts.

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Easy to Use
Bottom Line

An inexpensive pedometer that's perfect for beginners, occasional use, and budget-conscious fitness enthusiasts.

Pros

This pedometer works on a lanyard or when stashed in a bag or pocket. Easy to set up and use. Tracks goals, calories, distance, and time. Very affordable.

Cons

Not always accurate. Sensitive reset button results in unintended loss of data. Longevity is questionable.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

First Reviewed
August 23, 2021
35
Models
considered
8
Hours
researched
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Buying guide for best pedometers

Melissa Nott
Written by Melissa Nott

Updated September 2023

First-generation pedometers were mechanical devices that did one thing fairly well: they measured footsteps. Modern pedometers can do so much more, however. Today, pedometers are an integral part of many people’s exercise routines.

Data collected by digital pedometers can be used to calculate aerobic and walking distances, caloric intake and expenditure, and other advanced measurements.

With so many of these popular step-trackers on the market, how do you decide which pedometer is right for you? If you want to know more about finding the perfect pedometer, check out our expert’s tips and tricks.

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Did you know? The average North American adult walks about 5,000 steps a day.

Do you need a pedometer?

  • Many people have a false idea about how much they move during a typical day. A pedometer is a useful way to gauge whether you’re doing enough to live a healthy lifestyle. These handy devices will provide you with step-count data, can estimate your total distance travelled, and will give you an idea of your daily calorie expenditure.

  • A pedometer’s hard data can motivate you to set, meet, and surpass daily movement goals. Concrete numbers make it more likely you’ll take the stairs over the elevator or get up from your desk during the workday.

  • If you prefer simplicity, a pedometer is the way to go. Most pedometers are basic devices that provide simple data to the user.

  • Many smartphones include internal sensors that keep track of steps. However, they are often inaccurate because it's not always convenient or possible to keep your cell phone close to your body at all times. A pedometer is easy to wear all day, and you won’t have to worry about missed steps.

  • Inconspicuous pedometers can be tucked away in your waistband, so no one else has to know you’re busy tracking your movement.

  • Many pedometers have better battery lives than smartwatches or smartphones

Types of pedometers

Mechanical pedometers

Mechanical pedometers were the first step-tracking tools on the market.

These older pedometers use a pendulum function that moves each time you move, increasing the step count on the device.

Electronic pedometers

Electronic pedometers use a pendulum in addition to an electronic component. Each step is counted and displayed on an LCD screen.

These units also convert your step count into  distance, which is a more relatable measurement.

GPS pedometers

The newest pedometers use accelerometers to calculate the number of steps you take throughout the day.

GPS devices offer the most accurate step and movement data but are also the priciest pedometers.

What to look for

Size

For the most accurate step count, wear a pedometer close to your body. A slim, lightweight pedometer is the most comfortable to wear.

If you’re comfortable wearing a pedometer — or better yet, don’t even notice it on you — you’ll be more inclined to keep using it.

Ease of use

When deciding between pedometers, take into account how open you are to learning the ins and outs of your new device.

Those who prefer to keep things simple should stick with basic models without too many bells and whistles. If you’re tech-savvy, a pedometer with a more complicated interface might be best for you.

Extra features

Some advanced pedometers can detect false step readings and feature modern touchscreens.

Price

In general, pedometers are fairly inexpensive. The simplest models only provide step data. More expensive models are more durable and come with plenty of features, like automatic activity recognition and the ability to record steps for different stride lengths.

Tips

  • Finding it hard to get in the amount of steps you want? Choose walking as your mode of transport, or park farther from the store when running errands.

  • Check your pedometer’s accuracy by literally taking it for a test drive. Note the step count before your ride, and after the drive see if the number has changed significantly.

  • Read a pedometer’s instructions carefully for where to place it on your body for the best data collection.

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Already an avid runner or walker? Use a pedometer to kickstart a new challenge for yourself. Beat your step count each day, week, or month.

FAQ

Q. Are pedometers accurate?

A. While pedometers do provide the user with a good general idea of his or her daily steps, the data is not always completely accurate.

Q. Where should I wear a pedometer?

A. Most pedometers come with instructions to direct you on the best placement for the specific device. Generally, clip-on style pedometers should be clipped near or around the waist area. Some devices work when placed in your pocket. However, the bumping around could lead to false readings.

Q. How many steps should I aim for in a day?

A. Many doctors and nutritionists say 10,000 steps is the magic number. However, if you're starting to count your steps and find yourself peaking at 5,000 or so, don’t despair. Work in increments to increase your goal. There’s no reason to stop at 10,000 steps either!

Q. Does the way I walk matter?

A.  Yes. You’ll notice that you’ll get a different reading if you run rather than walk. Some pedometers will allow you to input your stride length and calibrate the device to your specific gait.

Q. How can I get in more steps in my day?

A. Choose the stairs when you’re heading up to your office. Take breaks in your workday to loosen up your legs. If you have a dog, take your pet for a brisk walk. A pedometer can provide you with the motivation you need to get up and get moving.

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